Offshore 41 (Cheoy Lee) Information, Review, Specs

The Cheoy Lee Offshore 41 began its production in 1972. Designed by Ray Richards, the vessel was initially envisioned as a 40-footer but ultimately stretched to 40 feet, 11 inches overall. During this era, Cheoy Lee Shipyard, a family-owned enterprise with roots tracing back to 1870, was a pioneer in the use of fiberglass (GRP) as a boatbuilding material, extensively utilizing and developing foam sandwich technology for its advantages in strength, weight savings, and longevity. This innovative approach ensured the Offshore 41 benefited from the builder's commitment to robust and reliable construction.

Throughout its production, the naming convention for this model was not entirely consistent, sometimes being referred to as the "Offshore 40 MKII" or even simply the "Cheoy Lee 41," with variations also existing in the exact design and stern configurations across individual hulls. While primarily offered as a masthead sloop, the Offshore 41 was also available with ketch and yawl rig options, providing versatility for different sailing preferences. notes, 3]

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cheoy Lee Offshore 41 exhibits sailing characteristics indicative of a stable and capable cruiser. With a reported sail area of 833 square feet and a displacement of 21,130 pounds, it has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.4, suggesting moderate performance that is capable in varied conditions, rather than being a light-air flyer. The boat's Ballast to Displacement ratio is a healthy 0.42, indicating a stiff and stable platform that can stand up to a significant amount of wind and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. Its Displacement to Length ratio of around 275 places it firmly in the moderate to heavy displacement category, underscoring its design as a traditional, robust cruiser.

Owners frequently praise the Offshore 41 for its solid and predictable handling. It is noted for sailing very well, with many finding its stiffness to be a particularly strong characteristic. While some owners suggest its cruising speed might be around 7-8 knots, it is generally regarded as a "rock solid cruiser" capable of extended offshore voyages, with reports of no issues with hull flexing or oilcanning even from veteran bluewater sailors.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Cheoy Lee Offshore 41 is designed for comfort and practicality during both coastal cruising and longer passages. Unlike many contemporary boats that feature compartmentalized interiors, the Offshore 41 often boasts a more open and inviting layout, characterized by a warm and inviting teak finish throughout.

While specific details can vary between individual vessels due to age and owner modifications, the typical arrangement includes a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a dining table, a galley, and a head compartment. Headroom is generally generous, with some owners reporting comfortable standing room of 6 feet, 4 inches. The emphasis is on functional living spaces, ample storage for extended trips, and good ventilation, making it well-suited for liveaboard or extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cheoy Lee Offshore 41 consistently highlight several strengths of the vessel. The most frequently praised aspects include its exceptionally solid construction and its inherent seaworthiness, making it a trusted platform for challenging conditions. The boat's robust build quality is a testament to Cheoy Lee's reputation for dependable products and craftsmanship during that era.

However, owning an Offshore 41 also comes with considerations, primarily concerning the maintenance of its extensive exterior teak. Many owners note that managing the amount of teak can be a significant undertaking, leading some to strip the decks as a common modification. While the overall hull integrity is consistently lauded, like many older vessels, individual boats may present typical age-related issues with original systems, such as engine or rig components, which are common considerations for any vintage yacht.