Offshore 36 (Cheoy Lee) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Offshore 36 begins with Maury DeClercq's "Flying Buffalo," a successful racing design that caught the attention of Cheoy Lee. DeClercq subsequently sold the design to the renowned shipyard, which then launched it as the Offshore 36 in 1966. The production run extended for at least a decade, with some vessels also marketed under the "Flying Buffalo 36" name, indicating its direct lineage to the original racer.

During the 1960s, Cheoy Lee Shipyard, a family-owned enterprise with over a century of shipbuilding experience, was at the forefront of marine innovation. They were among the first builders to extensively develop and utilize fiberglass (GRP) as a primary boatbuilding material, including advanced foam sandwich technology. This pioneering ethos ensured that vessels like the Offshore 36 benefited from robust, finely crafted construction, a hallmark of Cheoy Lee's dependable products during an era when fiberglass was still relatively new to pleasure craft production. The Offshore 36's hull, for instance, was known for being solidly built, often noted by owners as being approximately one inch thick.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of nearly 36 feet and a waterline length of just over 25.5 feet, the Offshore 36 exhibits the characteristics of a heavy displacement cruiser. Its displacement of 15,950 pounds, relative to its waterline length, results in a high Displacement to Length ratio, suggesting a powerful, seakindly motion rather than nimble, light-air performance.

The vessel's sail area of 546 square feet, when combined with its significant displacement, yields a relatively conservative Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 13.8. This indicates that while the Offshore 36 is designed for stability and comfort in varying conditions, it is likely to perform best in moderate to strong breezes, potentially requiring more effort to achieve higher speeds in lighter winds. The ballast of 4,700 pounds contributes to a Ballast to Displacement ratio of nearly 29.4%, signifying moderate stability. This combination of a heavy hull and a fin keel allows the Offshore 36 to stand up to a good breeze and track steadily on a course, making it a reliable choice for extended cruising. Its calculated hull speed is 6.78 knots, reflecting its design as a capable cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layout details for the Cheoy Lee Offshore 36 are not extensively documented in broad public reviews, similar Cheoy Lee models of the era, such as the Clipper 36, featured conventional cruiser arrangements. Owners seeking a classic, sturdy, and durable sailboat often favored the Offshore 36, implying a focus on practicality and comfort for its size.

Typically, a vessel of this size and era would feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a galley, and a dedicated head compartment. While some contemporary accounts for related models suggest that certain areas like the navigation station or head might be considered somewhat compact by modern standards, the overall interior would have been finished with the classic woodworking often found in Cheoy Lee vessels. Known for their use of quality materials like teak, Cheoy Lee interiors typically offered a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by ample storage for extended voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Cheoy Lee sailboats, including the Offshore 36, frequently praise their robust construction and classic aesthetics. These vessels are often highlighted for their solid hulls and comfortable motion in a seaway, appealing to those who value durability and seaworthiness for long-term cruising.

However, the reputation of older Cheoy Lees often comes with a common caveat: a propensity for leaks, earning them the affectionate, if sometimes frustrating, nickname "Cheoy Leakys." This issue is frequently attributed to the original deck fittings and the construction of teak decks, which, over time, can require diligent re-bedding to maintain watertight integrity. Another point of concern occasionally noted by owners relates to the chainplates, which some suggest can be a failure point if not properly maintained. Despite these potential maintenance considerations, many owners find the enduring charm and solid build quality of the Offshore 36 to be well worth the investment, particularly for those seeking a classic, capable cruising sailboat.