''Cheap'' Cheoy Lee''s?

[mmccoy]

I''m researching used boats and I notice some respectable looking 70''s vintage 32-36'' Cheoy Lees being offered for 30K''ish.

If I remember correctly these were pretty expensive boats when new. Assuming they were maintained is this level of ''depreciation'' normal for quality boats this age?

Or is it particular to Cheoy Lees and if so why? Do they not hold up over time?

[Jeff_H]

Most of the Choey Lees in that size range were Offshores, Clippers and Midshipman. These were very mediocre sailing boats with a fair to poor build quality. These boats are 25-30 years old and are at an age where a lot of long term maintenance would be due. By now the teak decks are shot and the substrates are in need of replacement as well. The wooden spars would be in need of regluing or replacement. Engines are in need of rebuild, and so on. These were not very expensive boats when new and they could easily have problems that are far in excess of the value of one of these boats in perfect condition. Between the mediocre design, teak decks and the no-name hardware these boats do have a tendancy towards higher than usual depreciation.

Respectfully,
Jeff

[mmccoy]

Thanks for the reply Jeff. Since I posted my question I did some further digging and found pretty much exactly what you noted.

I guess it''s just another example of ''there is no free lunch''

[mgiguere]

For a high quality S&S design sail boat in your price range, I recommend the Chris Craft Apache 37. I have had one for 20 years and there''s another for sail in Cape Cod (Buzzard''s Bay) for the mid 30''s.

send me a request if you want more info,.

[mmccoy]

Thanks for the offer but I''m thinking a 37'' boat would be too much for me to keep up and/or handle (since I''ll likely be singlehanded most of the time).

I''m thining more of a 31 (min) to 34 (max) size boat.