Cheoy Lee 43 MS Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

While the "Motorsailer" designation often implies a compromise, the Cheoy Lee 43 MS was designed with a more sophisticated hull form than its contemporaries. Robert Perry utilized a long fin keel and a substantial skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that offers a balance between directional stability and maneuverability. With a displacement often exceeding 30,000 pounds, the boat possesses immense momentum; it is not a "light air" performer, but once the wind reaches 12–15 knots, the hull settles into a steady, powerful groove.

The sail-area-to-displacement (SA/Disp) ratio is conservative, reflecting its role as a vessel intended to keep moving when the wind fails. However, owner anecdotes and design reviews by Robert Perry suggest that the 43 MS tracks exceptionally well in a seaway, with a motion that is predictable and "kind" to the crew. The ability to steer from the protected interior helm station during inclement weather is a defining handling characteristic, allowing the navigator to maintain high average speeds under power and sail (the "60/40" rule) without the fatigue associated with an exposed cockpit.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the 43 MS is a testament to the "Golden Age" of Cheoy Lee’s teak craftsmanship. The layout is typically centered around a voluminous deckhouse that serves as the primary social hub, offering panoramic views that are rare in traditional monohulls. This elevated salon usually houses the internal steering station, a large settee, and immediate access to the engine compartment below the sole.

Below decks, the 43 MS typically features a split-level arrangement. The master stateroom is located aft, often referred to as a "Great Cabin," providing a level of privacy and floor space usually reserved for much larger yachts. Forward of the salon, a lower galley and dining area lead to a guest V-berth. High-quality Burmese teak is used extensively for bulkheads and joinery, though this creates a darker aesthetic that many modern owners brighten with lighter upholstery.

Sibling models built on similar design philosophies include the smaller Cheoy Lee 35 MS and the slightly larger Cheoy Lee 44 MS. The 44-foot variant is often confused with the 43, but the 44 features subtle refinements in the transom and deck mold. There were also variations in rig, with the ketch configuration being the most popular for its ability to balance the boat in heavy air by sailing under "jib and jigger."

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Cheoy Lee of this vintage requires a discerning eye for specific regional building practices of the era. Prospective buyers should prioritize the following areas during a survey:

• Teak Deck Integrity: Like many vessels of its generation, the 43 MS often came with 1/2-inch teak decks fastened with thousands of screws into a fiberglass-and-balsa (or plywood) sandwich. Over decades, these fasteners can leak, leading to core saturation and delamination. Replacing or removing these decks is a major capital project.
• "Black Iron" Fuel Tanks: Cheoy Lee frequently used mild steel (black iron) for fuel tanks. If these tanks were not perfectly coated or if they sat in bilge water, they are prone to localized pitting and eventual failure. Given the 43 MS’s interior joinery, replacing these tanks often requires significant deconstruction.
• Stainless Steel Bleeding: The shipyard used a variety of stainless steel grades, and some older models exhibit "bleeding" or crevice corrosion at the chainplates and stanchion bases. These should be pulled and inspected for structural integrity.
• Spaulding/Osmotic Blistering: While Cheoy Lee was a pioneer in GRP, early resin batches can be susceptible to osmotic blistering. A moisture meter test and a haul-out inspection are essential to check for "Cheoy Lee pimples."

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and historical documentation is the Cheoy Lee Association, a robust community of owners that maintains an archive of original brochures, line drawings, and maintenance wikis. Because many of these boats have circumnavigated, the association is an invaluable resource for "refit" knowledge, specifically regarding the Robert Perry-designed motorsailer series.

The Verdict

The Cheoy Lee 43 MS is an "honest" yacht that delivers exactly what it promises: a rugged, comfortable, and seaworthy home for the long-range cruiser. It sacrifices the agility of a racing yacht for the safety of a heavy-displacement hull and the luxury of an enclosed helm.

Pros:

• Exceptional Livability: The pilothouse design and aft "Great Cabin" offer comfort levels superior to most 43-foot sailboats.
• Perry Design Pedigree: Better sailing performance and aesthetics than the "boxy" motorsailers from other builders.
• Redundancy: Dual helm stations and a powerful engine provide peace of mind in heavy weather or narrow channels.

Cons:

• High Maintenance: Extensive exterior teak and aging systems require constant attention or a significant initial refit.
• Weight: The heavy displacement makes it sluggish in light winds without the aid of the "iron breeze" (the engine).
• Structural Risks: Potential for deck core issues and tank corrosion due to original build materials.