Empire 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Empire 40 is defined by its heavy displacement and high comfort ratio, making it a "momentum sailor" rather than a light-air performer. The hull features a long keel with a cutaway forefoot and a protected skeg-hung rudder, a configuration designed for exceptional directional stability. According to technical archives preserved by the Cheoy Lee Association, the Empire 40 was typically rigged as a ketch, though sloop and cutter configurations were produced. The ketch rig allows for a versatile sail plan, enabling the crew to "reef by the numbers" and maintain balance by flying a jib and mizzen alone in heavy conditions.

In terms of handling, the vessel tracks exceptionally well, requiring minimal input from an autopilot or windvane once trimmed. However, the trade-off for this stability is a large turning radius and a lack of agility in tight marinas. Under sail, the Empire 40 requires a stiff breeze (12–15 knots) to truly wake up; in light air, the substantial wetted surface area of the full keel creates significant drag. Owners frequently report that while the boat is not a "greyhound," its ability to maintain a steady 6 to 7 knots in a blow while the crew remains dry in a protected cockpit is its primary selling point.

Interior Comfort & Variations

True to the Cheoy Lee heritage, the interior of the Empire 40 is a masterclass in traditional Asian teak craftsmanship. The layout generally follows a standard offshore arrangement: a spacious V-berth forward, followed by a head with a shower to port. The main salon features a U-shaped dinette that can be converted into a double berth, with a straight settee opposite. The galley is typically positioned aft to starboard, providing proximity to the companionway for ventilation and communication with the helm.

The use of Burmese teak is exhaustive, extending from the bulkheads and cabinetry to the thick solid teak cabin sole. This creates a warm, library-like atmosphere below deck, though it can feel dark compared to modern yachts with larger ports. Ventilation is usually provided by overhead butterfly hatches and bronze opening portholes. While most Empire 40s were built as aft-cockpit cruisers, the shipyard’s willingness to customize meant that small variations in locker placement and navigation station size exist across the production run.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Empire 40 must approach the vessel with an understanding of the specific metallurgical and construction challenges associated with 1970s-era Cheoy Lee yachts.

1. Teak Deck Integration: Most Empire 40s were delivered with teak decks fastened over a fiberglass sub-deck. Over decades, the thousands of screw holes can allow water to penetrate the plywood or balsa core. Any prospective buyer should use a moisture meter and a sounding hammer to check for delamination or soft spots on the side decks.
2. Stainless Steel Quality: During this production era, Cheoy Lee utilized stainless steel fittings that were sometimes prone to "bleeding" or crevice corrosion due to impurities in the alloy. High-load components like chainplates and stem fittings should be pulled and inspected for "pitting" or hairline fractures.
3. The "Cheoy Lee Rot": This colloquial term refers to the degradation of the wooden cores in the cabin house or decks. If the window seals or hardware bedding have failed, the internal wood framing can rot, necessitating expensive structural repairs.
4. Engine Access and Age: Many Empire 40s were originally fitted with Perkins 4-108 or Westerbeke diesel engines. While these are reliable "workhorses," their age often means they are approaching the end of their service life or require a total rebuild. Buyers should also evaluate the fuel tanks, which were often made of black iron and are prone to internal corrosion.

Community & Resources

Owners and restorers of this model are served by a dedicated and highly technical community. The Cheoy Lee Association is the definitive resource for this model, maintaining a vast repository of original brochures, blueprints, and owner-contributed maintenance logs. This association is particularly valuable for sourcing replacement hardware or identifying the specific hull numbering used during the Zhuhai and Hong Kong production years.

The Verdict

The Empire 40 is a "purist’s" cruiser, offering a level of aesthetic charm and structural heft that is rarely found in modern production yachts. It is an ideal platform for a couple planning long-term coastal cruising or blue-water voyaging, provided they are prepared for the maintenance requirements of a classic vessel.

Pros:

• Exceptional Seakeeping: The heavy displacement and full keel provide a safe, stable platform in offshore conditions.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The combination of traditional lines and exquisite teak joinery makes it a standout in any harbor.
• Robust Hull: The solid fiberglass hull laminates are significantly thicker than those of contemporary lightweight cruisers.

Cons:

• High Maintenance: The extensive use of exterior teak and aging systems requires a dedicated owner and a significant annual budget.
• Light Air Performance: The boat is sluggish in light winds and requires a motor or a large reaching sail to make progress.
• Potential Structural Issues: Sub-deck core rot and aging metalwork are common "gotchas" that can lead to expensive refits.