Cheoy Lee Lion Class Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Lion Class is defined by its deep-V sections and a traditional full keel with a gracefully raked transom. With a displacement-to-length ratio that firmly categorizes it as a heavy-displacement cruiser, the Lion is a "momentum sailor." It does not accelerate quickly in light puffs, but once it finds its stride in 15 knots of breeze, it displays a steady, unstoppable motion that modern light-displacement boats cannot replicate.

Handling is characterized by exceptional tracking; once the sails are balanced, the Lion is often reported to hold a course for long periods with minimal helm correction. This sea-kindliness is a result of Arthur Robb’s focus on balanced waterlines when heeled. However, the deep-keel and heavy mass make it less responsive in tight quarters under power. Owners typically describe the boat as having a "salty" feel, favoring heavy weather where its weight provides a stable, predictable motion that reduces crew fatigue during long offshore legs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Lion Class is a masterclass in classic joinery, traditionally finished in solid teak and mahogany. The layout is a standard of the era: a forward V-berth followed by a head and hanging locker, a main salon with settee berths, and a compact galley near the companionway. Because these boats were built during a period of high customization at the Cheoy Lee Shipyard, interior configurations can vary significantly between hulls.

Headroom is surprisingly generous for a 35-foot boat of this vintage, often exceeding 6' 1" in the main cabin. While later fiberglass versions (often labeled the Robb 35) offered slightly more internal volume by eliminating the thick wood frames, the original wood Lion Class provides a warmth and aesthetic appeal that remains highly sought after by traditionalists. The use of teak for the hull, deck, and cabin trunk results in a remarkably quiet interior when underway, as wood naturally dampens the sound of the sea.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must approach the Lion Class with a focus on its timber construction, as these vessels require specialized maintenance compared to fiberglass hulls.

• Fastener Fatigue: Early Lion Class hulls were often fastened with Monel or bronze, but some iterations used copper rivets or galvanized bolts in critical areas like the floors. A thorough inspection for "weeping" fasteners or "black spots" in the teak is essential.
• Deck-to-Hull Joinery: The teak decks were traditionally laid over a sub-deck. Over decades, if the caulking has failed, fresh water can migrate into the frames. Checking the integrity of the shelf and the deck beams is the highest priority during a survey.
• Spars and Rigging: Many Lions originally came with wooden masts and booms. If still present, these must be checked for internal rot, particularly at the spreaders and mast base.
• Chainplates: Because the chainplates are often bolted through the thick teak hull or bulwarks, crevice corrosion can occur unseen where the metal passes through the wood.

Community & Resources

The Lion Class benefits from one of the most dedicated owner communities in the world. The Cheoy Lee Association serves as an exhaustive technical archive, providing historical brochures, original blueprints by Arthur Robb, and a registry of surviving hulls. This group is an essential resource for owners seeking advice on specific timber restoration techniques or sourcing replacement hardware that matches the original Hong Kong-poured bronze fittings.

The Verdict

The Cheoy Lee Lion Class is a connoisseur’s yacht, offering a level of aesthetic beauty and sea-kindly performance that modern production boats rarely achieve. It is best suited for the sailor who views maintenance as a labor of love rather than a chore.

Pros

• Exceptional heavy-weather stability and tracking.
• Timeless aesthetic with world-class teak craftsmanship.
• Generous interior headroom for a classic 35-footer.
• Strong, active owner association for technical support.

Cons

• High maintenance requirements inherent to wooden hull ownership.
• Slow performance in light air (under 8 knots).
• Difficult to maneuver in reverse due to the full-keel and small rudder.