Offshore 40 (Cheoy Lee) Information, Review, Specs

Production of the Cheoy Lee Offshore 40 spanned from 1964 to 1976. The design stemmed from the successful Philip L. Rhodes Reliant 41, with Cheoy Lee developing the Offshore 40 to reduce construction costs and design royalties associated with the original Rhodes design. While sharing the same fundamental hull lines, key differences distinguish the Offshore 40, most notably its use of iron ballast instead of lead, alongside other construction variations.

During this era, Cheoy Lee Shipyard was at the forefront of marine construction, pioneering the extensive use of fiberglass and Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) foam sandwich technology. This commitment to robust, innovative construction methods defined their manufacturing ethos, ensuring the Offshore 40 was built to a high standard of durability. The Offshore 40 was offered with either a sloop or a yawl rig, providing options for different sailing preferences. It is important to note that a distinctly different "Offshore 40 MkII," later designated as the "Offshore 41" and designed by Raymond Richards, emerged from the same builder in the mid-1970s.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cheoy Lee Offshore 40 is characterized by its heavy displacement and full-bodied hull form, indicative of a vessel designed for comfort and stability rather than outright speed. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.65, she is not optimized for light-air performance and may require more wind to get moving effectively. However, her Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 38.1% signifies a good degree of stability, allowing her to stand up well to a breeze.

Her Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) of approximately 421.37 confirms her status as a very heavy displacement cruiser, which translates into a comfortable motion in a seaway and exceptional offshore capabilities. Owners and enthusiasts often describe the Offshore 40 as a "beautiful old boat to sail," emphasizing her traditional aesthetic and solid, reassuring feel underfoot. While not a speed demon, she is well-regarded for her seaworthiness, balance, and predictable behavior in varied sea states, particularly in predominantly strong winds. It is worth noting that the boat has a substantial draft, around 6 feet, which can limit access to some shallower marinas.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom data is not consistently available, the Cheoy Lee Offshore 40 is generally praised for its "beautiful" interior, blending classic nautical charm with practical design. The interior typically features a classic layout, often described with a V-berth forward in the bow, a central saloon area, and an adjacent galley. Many models also include an aft cabin, sometimes accessible via a second companionway, offering additional berthing, often with two berths.

The finish quality is often highlighted, with finely crafted wood trim, frequently Burma Teak, contributing to a warm and traditional ambiance. Owners often appreciate the solid feel and the overall aesthetic appeal of the living spaces, which are considered well-suited for extended cruising. Storage is generally ample, reflecting the design's focus on liveaboard capability.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cheoy Lee Offshore 40 consistently praise its robust construction and inherent seaworthiness, often describing the boat as "solid" and capable of providing a comfortable motion even in challenging conditions. Many appreciate the classic aesthetics, both above and below decks, finding them more appealing than modern designs. The Offshore 40 is frequently considered a dependable vessel for serious cruising, with some owners referring to it as a "PNW machine" (referring to the Pacific Northwest, known for its challenging sailing conditions).

However, common recurring themes among owners include the boat's less-than-stellar performance in light air, necessitating stronger winds for optimal sailing. Given the age of these vessels, owners also frequently mention addressing common maintenance issues, such as the re-bedding of original deck fittings due to leaks. Some original Cheoy Lee-made hardware might also present issues over time. Despite these potential challenges typical of older boats, the Offshore 40's popularity means that many of these issues are well-known, and information on remedies is often shared within owner communities.