Offshore 50 (Cheoy Lee) Information, Review, Specs

The narrative of the Cheoy Lee Offshore 50 began in 1966, stemming from the drawing board of John G. Alden, a designer celebrated for creating a wide range of exceptional and seaworthy offshore yachts that have achieved classic status. Cheoy Lee, a shipyard with a rich history extending back to 1870, began venturing into pleasure craft production in the mid-1950s, swiftly achieving success with exports, particularly to the United States. During the 1960s, the builder was a pioneer in fiberglass boat construction, extensively developing and utilizing GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) and foam sandwich technology, recognizing its benefits in terms of strength, longevity, and weight savings. The Offshore 50 reflects this innovative period, being constructed with a solid fiberglass hull and deck. While variations on the primary design theme, which featured a full keel and aft cockpit, existed, some models were offered with deckhouse or midship cockpit aft cabin layouts. Standard spars were Sitka spruce, with aluminum available as an option. It's important to note that this Cheoy Lee-built "Alden 50" is an earlier design, distinct from a later Alden 50 built by Alden Yachts in the USA.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cheoy Lee Offshore 50's design ratios paint a clear picture of its intended performance and handling characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.6, the vessel possesses a generous sail plan for its displacement, suggesting a respectable performance in lighter air conditions. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio, at around 0.41, is indicative of a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to more wind and offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. This substantial ballast, combined with its long keel, contributes significantly to its stability. The Displacement to Length ratio, calculated at roughly 364, firmly places the Offshore 50 in the heavy-displacement category, aligning with its reputation as a traditional, robust offshore cruiser. Owners have consistently praised the Offshore 50 for its comfort and speed under sail, with one noting its ability to perform well in various conditions. While its heavy displacement ensures exceptional stability and seaworthiness, particularly in challenging offshore environments, it may require more careful maneuvering in confined harbor spaces.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Cheoy Lee Offshore 50 was designed for comfortable cruising, though layouts could vary based on the specific version and customization chosen by the original owner. One notable configuration, sometimes referred to as the "John Alden layout," features a spacious deckhouse with the galley positioned aft, accessible directly from the cockpit. Other configurations included options for deckhouse or midship cockpit designs with aft cabin arrangements. Generally, Cheoy Lee was renowned for incorporating elegant teak finishes in their sailing yachts, suggesting a traditional and finely crafted interior aesthetic for the Offshore 50. While specific details like maximum headroom are not universally documented, the overall design was geared towards providing ample living space for extended voyages. Owners undertaking refits often focus on updating interior trim and ensuring proper sealing of deck fittings, indicative of the general maintenance needs of vessels of this vintage.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cheoy Lee Offshore 50 frequently highlight its fundamental strengths: robust construction and excellent seaworthiness, traits synonymous with the Cheoy Lee brand. Many praise the boat's comfortable motion and speed under sail, making it a highly capable vessel for offshore passages and extended cruising. The longevity of these vessels, with some having only a few owners over many decades, speaks to their enduring quality. As with many classic yachts, common areas for maintenance or improvement cited by owners often involve updating original systems and components. This can include refits of engines, spars, galleys, and decks, as well as addressing potential issues like leaks in original deck fittings, which may require re-bedding over time. Despite these potential maintenance items, the collective viewpoint underscores the Offshore 50 as a solid, dependable, and enjoyable cruising platform that performs well and stands the test of time.