Cheoy Lee-Wittholz Midshipman 52 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

With a displacement of approximately 44,450 pounds and a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio of roughly 350, the Midshipman 52 is firmly categorized as a heavy cruiser. This mass, combined with a generous 14-foot 5-inch beam and a Motion Comfort Ratio near 40, ensures a remarkably stable and sea-kindly platform. The ketch rig is central to its handling philosophy; it allows for a highly versatile sail plan, enabling the crew to drop the mainsail and sail under "jib and jigger" (headsail and mizzen) during heavy weather, which keeps the center of effort low and the boat balanced.

Under sail, the Midshipman 52 is not a light-air performer. Its Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/D) ratio of roughly 17 suggests it requires a healthy breeze to overcome its inertia. However, once moving, the boat tracks exceptionally well, thanks to its long keel configuration. While it will not point as high as modern fin-keel racers, it excels on a reach or a run, where its momentum and hull length provide a theoretical hull speed of approximately 8.6 knots. Owners often describe the handling as deliberate and predictable, making it an ideal choice for short-handed couples who value safety over sprinting speeds.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Midshipman 52 is a showcase of the era’s craftsmanship, dominated by the rich Burmese teak that made Cheoy Lee famous. The center-cockpit layout is utilized to its full potential, creating a distinct "Great Cabin" aft with a queen-sized berth, extensive hanging lockers, and a private head often featuring a walk-in shower. This aft master suite is separated from the forward living areas by a walk-through galley or a dedicated navigation station, depending on the specific hull’s custom configuration.

The main salon typically features a U-shaped settee and a large dining table, with headroom that often exceeds 6' 4". Forward, a second guest head and a V-berth provide privacy for guests. Many versions of the 52 were fitted with large pilothouse-style windows that flood the main cabin with natural light, a departure from the smaller, more cave-like ports found on earlier Cheoy Lee models. The use of high-gloss varnished teak and granite or high-pressure laminate countertops in later refits has kept many of these vessels competitive with modern luxury cruisers in terms of aesthetic appeal.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must navigate the "Leaky Teaky" reputation that follows many vessels from this era. The primary concern is the teak deck system; Cheoy Lee typically fastened teak planks over a fiberglass-and-wood core using thousands of screws. Over decades, these screw holes can allow water to migrate into the deck core, leading to soft spots and delamination.

• Deck Core Integrity: A thorough percussion test (hammer sounding) or moisture meter reading is essential across all horizontal surfaces. Many owners have successfully remediated this by removing the teak and glassing over the decks.
• Chainplates: In many Wittholz designs, the chainplates are partially encapsulated or hidden behind cabinetry. Given the potential for crevice corrosion in the tropics, these should be inspected for rust streaks or signs of movement.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: The Midshipman 52 carries significant fuel (often over 500 gallons), frequently stored in black iron or stainless steel tanks that may be original. These tanks are often located deep in the bilges under the engine or salon floor, making replacement a major structural undertaking.
• Stainless Steel Quality: Cheoy Lee used "yard-cast" stainless steel during this period. While robust, it can be prone to "bleeding" or pitting more quickly than modern 316-grade stainless.

Community & Resources

The most vital resource for owners and researchers is the Cheoy Lee Association, a comprehensive archive that hosts original brochures, technical drawings, and a dedicated registry for Wittholz-designed models. This community provides invaluable support for sourcing replacement parts that were originally custom-made in the Hong Kong shipyard.

The Verdict

The Cheoy Lee-Wittholz Midshipman 52 is a stout, traditional cruiser that prioritizes living volume and heavy-weather safety over speed. It remains a compelling option for liveaboards who appreciate the warmth of wood and the security of a heavy hull.

Pros:

• Immense interior volume with a true "Great Cabin" aft.
• Exceptional motion comfort and stability in offshore conditions.
• High-quality teak joinery that is rarely replicated in modern production boats.

Cons:

• High maintenance requirements for exterior teak and aging systems.
• Sluggish performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
• Complexity of replacing original integrated metal tanks.