Cheoy Lee Clipper Ketch 33

Ishmael · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2007

Anyone have any experience with the 1980 vintage Cheoy Lee Ketch. A broker just sent me some info on one and I would like opinions on their handling and construction. Particularly any known issues.

Thanks

Jeff_H · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-2007

You have a unique ability to find poorly built, poor sailing, swashbuckling looking vessels; long on notalgia, short on being a good boat. You need a broker who will aim you at decent boats.

Ishmael · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-2007

Thanks Jeff,

I do love the looks, admitted. Same with vintage cheys. If I were entirely sane I probably wouldn't be looking for a boat at all, eh? Case closed.

Sailormann · #4 (**permalink**) 10-09-2007

This boat deserves a good home ...

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...ck&searchtype=

Valiente · #5 (**permalink**) 10-09-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff_H

You have a unique ability to find poorly built, poor sailing, swashbuckling looking vessels; long on notalgia, short on being a good boat. You need a broker who will aim you at decent boats.

This may seem harsh words today, but you'll buy this man a virtual beer one day for his wise words. While not uniformly bad (the Tayana 37 was OK if lumpy), a lot of the 1970s-80s Asian-built boats would have been better used as teak lawn furniture.

If you really like old school "character" boats, go for a Camper-Nicholson or a Morgan Out Island 41. They aren't terrible. If you want something woody, probably beat-up, sluggish but near indestructible, may I recommend the Westsail 32 or the Contessa 26.

Strangely, I was talking to a surveyour today, and we both agreed that Westsail 42s and Contessa 32s are better boats with worse reputations. Boating is a fickle pursuit.

TrueBlue · #6 (**permalink**) 10-09-2007

They're well-deserving as well, of their Cheoy Leaky moniker.

Ishmael · #7 (**permalink**) 10-09-2007

Thanks all, this is why I ask the questions. I see no Cheoy Lee defenders out there.

To date my largest boat has been a San Juan 21. Not classic I know, but a lovely boat and served us well. So, I'm a novice at keel boats. Also appreciate the lead but Mystic Ct is a bit off my geography. Try not to have to transport too farandI'm in Florida. She is truely lovely though.

Valiente · #8 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007

Nothing wrong with a SJ 21, and nothing wrong with smaller boats. But I would suggest crewing on boats you like (if they race or if an older couple needs a hand on a weekend cruise). Make it clear that while you don't want their boat necessarily, you are learning about boats of certain types because otherwise you'll get swayed by a salty looking teak deck on some floating money pit. Tell 'em Sailnet sent ya.

TSteele65 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailormann

This boat deserves a good home ...

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...ck&searchtype=

Beautiful boat, but the formica bulkheads really take it down a peg.

Bardo · #10 (**permalink**) 10-10-2007

That cockpit does not look like a '58 design.