Made an offer on a Cheoy Lee Offshore 41 Ketch

[Phisher]

I have made an offer on an Cheoy Lee Offshore 41 ketch. Can anyone share any knowledge or experience with this model.

Thanks,
Brian

[btrayfors]

Lots. What do you want to know?

I assume you made the offer "subject to survey", or that a survey has already been done?

Lots of info on Cheoy Lee Offshore 41's on the Cheoy Lee Owners Association and in various posts on this and other Boards.

In quick summary:

Designed by Ray Richards
Build by Cheoy Lee, Hong Kong
Solid hull
Very strong boat overall
Lots of them have done long ocean passages
Pretty fast for it's time
Suffers from same Cheoy Lee problems as many others: some substandard s/s fittings, leaks in the teak deck and cabin trunk, etc., etc.

If it's been well taken care of and upgraded continuously, could be a very good boat. If not, well....you better get a really good surveyor and heed his/her words carefully.

Bill

[Phisher]

Thanks Bill, Yes subject to survey. I know that it is a general question. the teak decks have been remove and replaced with fiberglass. She seems to be very solid. The masts are Sitka Spruce and in need of varnish among a few other cosmetic things.

I feel like I am getting a great deal and I am planning on moving her to my house to get her ready to sail.

I was wondering if there are any specific issues I should look for.

Thanks,
Brian

[btrayfors]

Brian,

I'd consider the removal of the teak decks a real plus! I removed mine about 10 years ago (Cheoy Lee built Bob Perry designed Golden Wave 42), and have been happy with the result.

Look especially at standing rigging and chainplates. Even if some cabinetry needs to be removed, you really need to get to those chainplates.

A friend of mine bought a CL O/S 41 in Tortola some years ago, and beefed up the knees. He was planning and, indeed, completed a successful voyage to the South Pacific, Alaska, and back to California with his young family.

I chartered a CL O/S 41 for three weeks in the Caribbean some years ago. Sails very well. Not as fast as a Valiant 40 or my boat, but very close. The kids loved the "playpen" when you drop the table.

Check all s/s fittings and the quadrant. CL used to put IRON quadrants on their boats. May need to replace with an Edson bronze quadrant.

Good luck to you, and be sure you get three good surveys of:

1. the boat, overall;
2. the rigging; and
3. the engine.

Few surveyors are capable of handling all three. It's worth it to engage those who can.

Good luck,

Bill