Offshore 39 (Cheoy Lee) Information, Review, Specs

Crafted by the renowned Cheoy Lee Shipyard, a company with over a century of shipbuilding heritage, the Offshore 39 embodies the builder's reputation for dependable products and innovative use of fiberglass. During the era of its production, Cheoy Lee was a pioneer in developing and utilizing fiberglass and foam sandwich technology, ensuring strong and long-lasting hulls.

History and Design

The Cheoy Lee Offshore 39 emerged during a period when the Hong Kong-based Cheoy Lee Shipyard was increasingly focused on pleasure craft production, with a significant number of vessels being exported to the United States., 10] Designed by Seattle-based naval architect Ray Richards, the Offshore 39 shared the builder's philosophy of creating solid, globally capable yachts.

Production for this model spanned from 1976 to 1980, resulting in a limited run of approximately seven or eight vessels. While specific variations like a MkI or MkII version were not widely documented for the Offshore 39, the design did incorporate features such as two separate cockpits and a flush deck, optimizing both on-deck movement and practical functionality for cruising.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cheoy Lee Offshore 39 exhibits characteristics of a well-behaved and capable offshore cruiser, derived from its balanced design ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.56, she is a moderate performer, suggesting a reasonable ability to move in lighter air without being overtly sensitive or underpowered.

Her high Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 44.3% indicates significant stiffness and stability, enabling the Offshore 39 to stand up to a strong breeze and provide a comfortable, controlled motion even in challenging sea states. This robust stability contributes to her reputation as a "very stable / stiff" vessel with good righting capability. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 285.88 places her in the category of a moderately heavy cruiser. This suggests a solid, robust vessel that prioritizes comfort and seaworthiness over light-displacement speed, making her a "robust no-nonsense cruising yacht capable of go-anywhere world cruising."

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures for the Cheoy Lee Offshore 39 are not consistently documented, the design is known for offering a "spacious interior layout" that can accommodate up to eight berths. Descriptions of the interior suggest an arrangement that is "unconventional" but well-suited for diverse uses such as charter, sail training, expedition-type sailing, or adventurous cruising.

Typical of Cheoy Lee vessels of its era, the interior likely featured substantial wood trim and joinery, providing a warm and traditional aesthetic. The Offshore 39 is also noted for its flush deck, which facilitates ease of movement on deck and likely contributes to a more open feel below.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cheoy Lee Offshore 39 often praise its robust construction and its capacity for long-distance cruising. The vessel is frequently described as a "very robust no-nonsense cruising yacht capable of go-anywhere world cruising," highlighting its seaworthiness and solid build quality. Owners have particularly appreciated its stability and stiff behavior in varying conditions, noting its "good righting capability." Many examples of the Offshore 39 have been in the hands of experienced, long-term owners, some for two decades or more, which speaks to the enduring appeal and reliability of the design.

However, like many older vessels from the builder, some Cheoy Lee boats earned a reputation for potential deck leaks, often humorously referred to as "Cheoy Leakys." While this issue is not specific to the Offshore 39, it is a common concern noted by owners of similar Cheoy Lee models from that period, often requiring re-bedding of original deck fittings as part of routine maintenance.