Cheoy Lee Yachts Review

Cheoy Lee Yachts has been in the shipbuilding business since 1870. The yacht manufacturer has built over 5,000 vessels from 38’ to over 200’. In 1936, the Cheoy Lee family moved their business to the British territory of Hong Kong where they specialized in powered cargo vessels that were designed to outrun the Japanese blockade. Through the next few decades, Cheoy Lee diversified into the production of teak sailing and motoryachts that were often exported to the United States. Designer Arthur Robb, and other esteemed designers, were tapped by Cheoy Lee to provide teak sailboats and motoryachts that are still on the high seas today. During the 1960’s, Cheoy Lee phased out wood construction due to their development and use of fiberglass construction techniques. In the 1970’s, Cheoy Lee became the premiere yacht builder to use a new GRP/foam sandwich technology. By 1979, Cheoy Lee made the first all foam-cored production motoryacht: the Cheoy Lee 48’ Sport Yacht. Today, Cheoy Lee designs and produces several series of customized, personal motor yachts as well as commercial vessels including tugs, ferries, patrol, pilot, supply and standby vessels.

According to Cheoy Lee Yachts, they have a vast, loyal international customer base due mainly to the company’s solid construction standards. By using state-of-the-art laminating techniques and using only the best materials, Cheoy Lee yachts, like the 68’ Serenity, are quiet, stable, and elegant open-ocean cruisers that can pretty much go forever. In fact, the Serenity 68’ can go over 6,000 miles before re-fueling.

Pricing

New Cheoy Lee Yachts are priced on a per order basis and often the dollar amounts aren’t disclosed. However, many used Cheoy Lee yachts can be found due to the longevity of the boatbuilder. In terms of sailboats, a 1979 48’ ketch goes for about $122,000, but a 1969 39’ sloop is only $40,000. Cheoy Lee poweryachts are much more expensive. A 2005 88’ Cruiser is $3,000,000, but a 1991 58’ Sportfisher is only $300,000.

Pros

• Cheoy Lee Yachts are extremely well-built and are long-lasting.
• The company takes great pride in their heritage and history.
• There are many pre-owned boats available worldwide.
• The boatbuilder makes both sailboats and powerboats of superor quality.

Cons

• New and used Cheoy Lee poweryachts are expensive.
• The manufacterer is located in China, which is out of the way for many boaters.
• Cheoy Lee luxury poweryachts tend to be slow.
• Pre-owned Cheoy Lee yachts were custom-built for someone else.

Featured Models

Bravo 65' to 95', Global 100' to 128', Serenity 68' to 90', Marco Polo Series, Affinity 90'.

Conclusion

Cheoy Lee Yachts has been in existence for almost 150 years. In that time, the yachtmaker has pioneered the development of new boat building materials and techniques. Today, Cheoy Lee makes top-of-the-line poweryachts that can easily go around the world. Although pre-owned yachts and sailboats from Cheoy Lee are expensive, they are highly sought after due to their high quality construction. While their poweryachts are designed more for luxury than speed, Cheoy Lee yachts deliver reliable, quiet, and solid performance and comfort features no matter where in the world they are running.