Offshore 38 (Cheoy Lee) Information, Review, Specs

Crafted by a shipyard with over a century of boatbuilding expertise, the Offshore 38 embodies Cheoy Lee's commitment to quality and innovation that defined its sailing yacht era. The builder, known for pioneering fiberglass construction in the mid-20th century, applied its robust manufacturing ethos to this model, aiming for durability and oceanic capability.

History and Design

The Cheoy Lee Offshore 38 began production in 1975, emerging from the Hong Kong-based Cheoy Lee Shipyard, which had by then become a global leader in pleasure craft manufacturing, particularly excelling in fiberglass construction. The design, penned by Ray Richards, aimed to create a strong, true offshore cruiser with elegant lines and a safe, seaworthy design. Richards was a prolific designer for Cheoy Lee, responsible for numerous successful models in the Offshore series.

During this period, Cheoy Lee was at the forefront of marine construction, extensively utilizing fiberglass and even pioneering GRP and foam sandwich technology. This commitment to robust construction is evident in the Offshore 38's solid fiberglass hull and deck. While specific design philosophies for the Offshore 38 emphasize its blue-water cruising capabilities, no significant variations like MkI or MkII models are widely documented, though production continued for several years after its 1975 introduction, with examples noted as late as 1982.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cheoy Lee Offshore 38 features a long keel hull type, a design choice synonymous with excellent tracking, stability in a seaway, and a comfortable motion. With a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 291, the Offshore 38 falls into the moderate-to-heavy displacement category, suggesting a solid, sea-kindly vessel rather than a light, nimble racer. This heavier displacement contributes to its renowned stability and ability to handle challenging conditions.

The sail area to displacement ratio, calculated at around 15.5, indicates that the Offshore 38 is generally considered a moderate-to-slightly underpowered boat, particularly in lighter air. However, with a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 37.2% (based on a 7,000 lb ballast for its 18,800 lb displacement), the vessel is reasonably stiff and stable, capable of standing up to a good breeze. Owners often praise the Cheoy Lee Offshore series for their solid construction and comfortable motion, reinforcing its reputation as a capable cruiser. Anecdotal evidence suggests the boat offers a balanced helm and predictable handling, making it a reliable choice for long passages where comfort and safety are prioritized over blistering speed.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom information is not consistently available, the Cheoy Lee Offshore 38 is known to offer a spacious and often praised "great liveaboard layout with plenty of ventilation". Interiors typically feature a traditional cruising yacht arrangement, maximizing living space for extended periods aboard. Owners frequently highlight the quality of the teak joinery, which was a hallmark of Cheoy Lee's craftsmanship during this era.

Common interior configurations for boats of this type include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert into berths, a galley, and a head, often with a quarter berth aft. Storage is generally ample, a crucial feature for any vessel designed for cruising. The use of natural wood throughout, combined with good ventilation, creates a classic and comfortable ambiance below decks, well-suited for a traditional cruising lifestyle.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cheoy Lee Offshore 38 consistently laud its robust construction and seaworthiness, often referring to them as "very well built boats" that have successfully undertaken numerous ocean crossings. The solid fiberglass hull and heavy displacement contribute to a comfortable motion in a seaway, a significant advantage for those spending extended time offshore. The elegant lines and classic design are also frequently appreciated.

However, like many vessels of its vintage, the Offshore 38 is associated with certain common maintenance considerations. A recurring theme in owner discussions is the potential for leaks, particularly around the original teak decks and cabin-top fittings, leading to the affectionate yet telling nickname "Cheoy Leakys". Many owners have addressed this by removing and re-bedding deck hardware or, in some cases, completely replacing the teak decks. Underlying wood issues, potentially indicated by problems like cracked galley tiles, also point to the importance of thorough inspections for any boat of this age. Despite these common issues, the underlying strength and cruising capabilities of the Cheoy Lee Offshore 38 continue to make it a respected choice among those seeking a classic, capable cruiser.