Cheoy Lee Clipper 48 Schooner Information, Review, Specs

While many production yachts of this era utilized fiberglass for its utilitarian benefits, Cheoy Lee utilized the material to mimic traditional timber construction. The hull is a heavy, solid laminate, but the aesthetic remains dominated by the shipyard’s signature teak joinery. The Clipper 48 was offered in both ketch and schooner configurations; however, the schooner rig remains the more rare and visually striking choice, evoking a classic era of maritime history. According to the Cheoy Lee Association, the model served as a larger, more capable evolution of the Luders-designed Offshore 47 hull, optimized for those who desired the traditional split-rig experience on a grander scale.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Clipper 48 Schooner are defined by its heavy displacement and long-keel configuration. Weighing in at approximately 30,000 pounds with roughly 10,000 pounds of ballast, the vessel is a "momentum sailor." It requires a steady breeze to overcome its initial inertia, but once moving, its high displacement-to-length ratio ensures a motion that is remarkably sea-kindly and predictable in a seaway. Unlike modern fin-keel yachts that can feel "twitchy" in a blow, the Clipper 48 tracks with exceptional stability, allowing the helmsman to relax during long offshore passages.

The schooner rig offers a unique set of gears for the cruising sailor. While it lacks the close-hauled efficiency of a modern sloop, the rig excels on a reach. The ability to fly a "fisherman" staysail between the masts allows the 48 to capitalize on light-to-moderate beam winds that would leave a ketch underpowered. Handling the multiple sails of a schooner requires more active line management, but for many owners, this complexity is part of the vessel's charm. In heavy weather, the sail plan is easily subdivided, allowing the yacht to remain balanced under just the foresail and a reefed main, keeping the center of effort low and centered.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Clipper 48 Schooner is a testament to the woodworking heritage of the Lo family and the Cheoy Lee Shipyard. Unlike the smaller models in the series, the 48-foot hull provides enough volume for a true "tri-cabin" layout, featuring a spacious aft cabin that is often accessible via a dedicated companionway or a walkthrough from the main salon. The use of Burmese teak is exhaustive, from the heavy-duty bulkheads to the intricate louvers on the locker doors, creating a warm, ship-like atmosphere that is difficult to replicate in modern production boats.

The salon typically features a large U-shaped settee and a proper offshore galley equipped with deep sinks and ample storage for long-range provisioning. Because these boats were often semi-customized, variations exist in the layout; some models feature a dedicated navigation station that would rival many professional ships, while others emphasize additional berthing. Headroom is generous throughout, usually exceeding 6'4" in the main cabin, a benefit of the 48’s increased freeboard compared to the smaller Clipper 33 and 36 models. The sibling ketch version shares an identical interior, though the schooner's mast placement may slightly alter the bulkhead positions in the forward cabins.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Cheoy Lee Clipper 48 must approach the vessel with an understanding of its vintage construction methods. While the hulls are robust, several high-signal areas require professional inspection:

• Teak Deck Integrity: The most significant "gotcha" on any classic Cheoy Lee is the teak-over-fiberglass deck. The teak planks were historically fastened with thousands of screws into a balsa or plywood core. Over decades, these screw holes can allow water to migrate into the core, leading to widespread delamination and rot. A thorough percussion test (hammer sounding) or moisture meter reading of the decks is mandatory.
• "Cheoy Lee Disease" (Stainless Bleeding): The shipyard often used an alloy of stainless steel for deck hardware and chainplates that is prone to "crevice corrosion." This can manifest as rust staining or, more dangerously, internal structural failure of the chainplates where they pass through the deck.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: The original black iron fuel tanks and stainless water tanks were often glassed into the structure. After 50 years, these are frequently at the end of their lifespan. Replacing them often requires significant surgery to the interior cabinetry.
• Spreader Patches and Spars: If the vessel still carries its original wooden masts, they must be inspected for "checked" grain or internal rot, particularly at the spreaders and mast base. Many owners have since retrofitted aluminum spars to reduce maintenance and weight aloft.

Community & Resources

Owners of these vessels are supported by the Cheoy Lee Association, one of the most comprehensive owner-run technical databases in the maritime world. This organization maintains archives of original blueprints, brochures, and a "Maintenance and Restoration" section that specifically addresses the unique challenges of maintaining the Clipper series.

The Verdict

The Cheoy Lee Clipper 48 Schooner is a vessel for the traditionalist who prioritizes "soul" and seaworthiness over modern racing speeds or dockside minimalism. It is a formidable blue-water cruiser that, when properly maintained, offers a level of craftsmanship and aesthetic gravity that few modern builders can match.

Pros:

• Timeless Aesthetic: One of the most beautiful "classic" profiles ever produced in fiberglass.
• Blue Water Capability: Heavy displacement and long keel provide a safe, comfortable motion in heavy seas.
• Exquisite Joinery: Interior woodwork that represents a vanished era of shipyard craftsmanship.
• Rig Versatility: The schooner rig provides numerous sail combinations for varying wind conditions.

Cons:

• High Maintenance: Extensive exterior teak and vintage systems require constant attention and deep pockets.
• Upwind Performance: The schooner rig and long keel are not optimized for "pointing" close to the wind.
• Restoration Costs: Remedying deck core issues or tank failures can often exceed the market value of the vessel.