Sailing Performance & Handling
The Clipper 42 is a heavy-displacement cruiser designed for stability and momentum rather than agility. With a displacement hovering around 28,000 pounds, the hull requires a stiff breeze to truly wake up, but once moving, its long keel and significant mass provide a sea-kindly motion that minimizes pitching in a head sea. The ketch rig, the most common configuration for the 42, allows for a versatile sail plan; "mizzen and jib" sailing is a preferred tactic among owners when the wind picks up, allowing the boat to remain balanced and easy to steer even without an autopilot.
The boat’s Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio is relatively low, reflecting its design as a sturdy passage-maker rather than a light-air performer. Tracking is exceptional thanks to the full-length keel, which makes the Clipper 42 a joy to steer on long offshore reaches. However, this same keel configuration presents challenges in tight marinas, where the vessel’s large turning radius and significant prop walk in reverse require a practiced hand. Owners often note that the boat feels "indestructible" in heavy weather, a sentiment echoed in various historical accounts of the model's performance during offshore passages.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Stepping below deck on a Clipper 42 reveals a classic maritime atmosphere dominated by warm Burmese teak. The layout was typically offered in two primary configurations: the "Standard" layout and a "Great Cabin" variant, though the latter is more common in the larger 48-foot sibling. Most 42s feature a traditional forward V-berth, followed by a head and shower to port and hanging lockers to starboard. The main salon utilizes a U-shaped dinette or opposing settees, providing ample seating for a full crew.
The galley is usually positioned at the base of the companionway for optimal ventilation and proximity to the cockpit. Because Cheoy Lee often allowed for customization during the build process, wood species and minor cabinetry details can vary between hulls. Some units were finished with "Cheoy Lee Teak" throughout, while others incorporated lighter formica panels to brighten the cabin. A significant sibling to consider is the Offshore 41, which utilized a similar hull form but offered a more modern deck layout, illustrating the shipyard's ability to market the same basic naval architecture to different stylistic tastes.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Cheoy Lee Clipper 42 must approach the survey with a focus on the materials used during the 1970s construction.
- Teak Deck Condition: The most notorious issue involves the teak decks. These were typically screwed into a fiberglass-and-plywood sub-deck. Over decades, the bungs wear down and the sealant fails, allowing water to migrate into the core. Replacing or re-coring a Clipper 42 deck is a massive undertaking.
- Chainplates and Hardware: Cheoy Lee was known to use "stainless" alloys that were sometimes prone to crevice corrosion. Inspecting the chainplates where they pass through the deck is critical, as is checking the stemhead fitting for hairline fractures.
- Black Iron Tanks: The original fuel and water tanks were often made of black iron or coated steel, which are prone to internal rusting after 40+ years. Replacing these often requires significant dismantling of the interior cabinetry.
- Spars: While some 42s were delivered with aluminum masts, many came with sitka spruce spars. These require meticulous maintenance; any signs of "checking" or soft spots in the wood, particularly near the spreaders or mast base, indicate potential structural rot.
- Engine Access: While the engine room is generally central, the deep bilge and heavy interior joinery can make accessing certain components (like the shaft seal or fuel filters) a challenge on specific hull variants.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for owners is the Cheoy Lee Association, which serves as a technical archive and community forum. This resource is invaluable for sourcing original blueprints, identifying specific hull numbers, and connecting with other owners who have navigated the complexities of restoring these classic yachts.
The Verdict
The Cheoy Lee Clipper 42 is a "soulful" yacht that appeals to those who prioritize traditional aesthetics and heavy-weather capability over modern speed and dockside maneuverability. It is a vessel built for the long haul, provided its owner is willing to commit to the maintenance of its extensive wood and aging systems.
Pros:
- Timeless, iconic "clipper" styling that draws attention in any port.
- Exceptional tracking and a comfortable, stable motion in heavy seas.
- High-quality teak joinery that provides a warm, classic living space.
- Strong global community and historical documentation.
Cons:
- High maintenance requirements for teak decks and (if equipped) wooden spars.
- Sluggish performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
- Difficult to maneuver in reverse due to the long keel and prop walk.
- Potential for significant "hidden" costs related to original iron tanks and stainless hardware.
