Pedrick 53 (Cheoy Lee) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Cheoy Lee Pedrick 53 began production in 1980, though information regarding its production end year or total number built is not widely available. The design emerged from the drawing board of David Pedrick, a distinguished naval architect and marine engineer recognized for his contributions to Grand Prix handicapping and design rules, and for crafting yachts with exceptional sailing qualities and exacting detail. Pedrick's design philosophy typically focused on creating vessels that perform well under sail.

During this era, Cheoy Lee Shipyard had firmly established itself as a pioneer in fiberglass boatbuilding, being among the first to extensively develop and utilize fiberglass and GRP foam sandwich technology for marine construction. This commitment to robust and innovative building materials ensured that the Pedrick 53 benefited from Cheoy Lee's reputation for dependable and finely crafted vessels, particularly their seaworthy sailing yacht series. The Pedrick 53 is notably distinct from the Cheoy Lee Offshore 53 MS, which featured a long keel hull type, whereas the Pedrick 53 was designed with a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, indicative of a more performance-oriented profile.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cheoy Lee Pedrick 53, with its substantial dimensions, was engineered for stability and comfortable motion offshore. With a length overall of 53.5 feet and a waterline length of 45.5 feet, she possesses a displacement of 42,000 pounds and a ballast of 19,550 pounds. This results in a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 46.5%, a notably high figure that contributes significantly to the yacht's stiffness and ability to stand up to a strong breeze, providing a stable platform even in challenging conditions.

The yacht's displacement-to-length ratio, calculated at around 198.6 (and reported as 199.05 by SailboatData.com), places it in the category of moderate displacement cruisers. This suggests a boat designed for a comfortable ride and good momentum through the water, rather than being an ultralight racer. While specific sail area data for the Pedrick 53 is not readily available in public specifications, Pedrick's general reputation for designing well-performing sailboats suggests that the ketch rig would provide a versatile sail plan for varied wind conditions. Anecdotal evidence concerning a similar 53-foot Cheoy Lee motor sailor highlights good handling and speed, suggesting a capable vessel under sail. The fin keel and skeg-hung rudder configuration also points to a design intended for better hydrodynamic efficiency and responsiveness compared to full-keel designs, while still offering protection for the rudder.

Accommodations and Layout

Detailed interior layouts and specific headroom measurements for the Cheoy Lee Pedrick 53 are not extensively documented in readily available public resources. However, given its generous beam of 16.87 feet and overall length, it is designed to offer substantial living spaces below deck, suitable for long-term cruising and liveaboard comfort.

Based on Cheoy Lee's reputation for well-appointed interiors and the expectations for a yacht of this size and vintage, the Pedrick 53 would typically feature multiple cabins, a spacious main salon, a dedicated galley area, and at least one head with shower facilities. Construction materials would likely include traditional wood joinery, reflecting the quality craftsmanship for which Cheoy Lee was known during its sailing yacht production era. Ample storage, good ventilation, and comfortable berths would have been key considerations in its design for extended voyages. While precise details are scarce, the overall impression for large Cheoy Lee vessels of this era is generally one of solid construction and functional, comfortable living spaces, with a 53-foot Cheoy Lee motor sailor being described as "incredible" in one review, hinting at well-regarded accommodations.