Cheoy Lee 38 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Cheoy Lee 38 exhibits the predictable, "train-on-tracks" motion typical of a heavy-displacement cruiser. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the heavier side of the spectrum, the hull is designed to carry its momentum through a chop, making it an exceptionally comfortable platform for offshore passages. The design features a long fin keel and a substantial skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that offers significantly better tracking and maneuverability than the full-keeled vessels of the previous decade.

According to technical archives maintained by the Cheoy Lee Association, the boat was engineered to handle heavy weather with grace, though it requires a stiff breeze to truly wake up. In light air, the 38 can feel sluggish due to its high wetted surface area, but once the wind exceeds 12–15 knots, the hull finds its groove. The ketch rig, while adding complexity, is frequently praised by single-handed sailors for its versatility; it allows for a "jib and jigger" sail plan that keeps the boat balanced in heavy gusts without the need for immediate reefing of the mainsail.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Cheoy Lee 38 is often described by marine surveyors as a "teak forest." Reflecting the shipyard’s access to high-grade Burmese teak during the 1970s, nearly every vertical and horizontal surface is finished in rich, solid wood or thick veneers. The layout is a classic offshore arrangement: a forward V-berth followed by a head and hanging lockers, a main salon with a U-shaped settee and a straight settee opposite, and a sea-worthy galley located near the companionway.

Sibling models built on the same design philosophy included the smaller Ray Richards 32 and 35, as well as the larger 41 and 48-foot variants. While the 38 remained the "Goldilocks" size for many couples, some rare "A" layout versions featured a dedicated navigation station that sacrificed a portion of the port-side settee for better offshore chart work. Headroom is generous throughout the cabin, usually exceeding 6'3", which was a notable selling point for the model during its production run. The use of heavy bronze portlights rather than aluminum adds to the sense of "old world" security when below deck.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Cheoy Lee 38 must navigate specific "legacy" issues common to boats of this era and origin.

• Teak Decks: Most 38s were delivered with teak decks fastened through the fiberglass over a balsa or plywood core. Over decades, the "bungs" or caulking can fail, leading to water intrusion into the core. A thorough percussion test or moisture meter reading of the decks is mandatory.
• Black Iron Fuel Tanks: Cheoy Lee frequently used black iron for fuel tanks. These are prone to "bottom-up" corrosion if water sits in the bilge or if condensation settles inside the tank. Replacement often requires significant engine-room disassembly.
• Stainless Steel Bleed: The shipyard was known for using "mystery metal" stainless steel in some years, which can exhibit crevice corrosion or "bleeding" (rust streaks). Chainplates and rigging terminals should be inspected with high scrutiny.
• The "Cheoy Lee Smile": This refers to a vertical crack that can appear at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often cosmetic, it can indicate the need for re-torquing or replacing keel bolts.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Cheoy Lee Association, which hosts an extensive library of original brochures, Ray Richards' design notes, and a registry of hull numbers. This community is vital for owners looking to source replacement parts or seeking advice on restoring the vessel’s complex plumbing and electrical systems, which often varied significantly from hull to hull based on the original owner's specifications.

The Verdict

The Cheoy Lee 38 is a quintessential "proper yacht" for the sailor who prioritizes aesthetic beauty and heavy-weather capability over modern surfing performance. While it requires a high level of maintenance to keep its wood and hardware in top condition, it offers a level of craftsmanship rarely found in contemporary production boats.

Pros:

• Exceptional heavy-weather stability and sea-kindliness.
• World-class interior joinery and aesthetic appeal.
• Robust construction capable of long-range blue-water cruising.
• Active owner community and historical documentation.

Cons:

• High maintenance requirements for teak decks and exterior brightwork.
• Sub-par light-air performance compared to modern fin-keelers.
• Potential for costly repairs involving original iron fuel tanks and deck cores.