Cheoy Lee Shipyard mixes up 144 years of heritage with an updated, sexy silhouette, in its two new models: motor yacht One Eleven (111) and Explorer 150 superyacht. Both of these were created in partnership with Jon Overing Yacht Design. They have been added to the company’s line-up in time for the upcoming Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, running in the glamorous Florida yacht charter destination – Fort Lauderdale from October 30 to November 3.
Cheoy Lee added an Express Yacht to its line in 2012 and has since introduced its 76 Express yacht, 76 Express Flybridge yacht and 87 express Sportbridge Alpha yacht models, all sleek, nimble and fast. Those qualities, thanks to performance-inspired design, resin-infused composite construction and technologically advanced modular CNC construction, are literally expanded with the new 111 superyacht.
With more interior and exterior volume, the 111’ yacht has crossover appeal for both the Express and traditional motoryacht customer. Increased fuel capacity, length and luxurious amenities will lend a motoryacht feel, complemented by a modern, ‘racy’ look, enhanced by Caterpillar C32, 1900 hp engines. While the Cheoy Lee Bravo and Global models still serve the traditional motoryacht customer on which Cheoy Lee has built its reputation over five generations of shipbuilding, the 111 yacht adds a new dimension.
“We will now literally have a yacht design for ever ocean-going style and taste,” says Gene Weeks, Express Project Manager, “We can customize many aspects of the interior and exterior layouts and create a different look because of our modular construction. Like building blocks, Cheoy Lee can assemble the desired configuration combining precisely fitted pieces, offering flexibility with structural integrity.”
Explorer 150
Following the popularity of the Cheoy Lee long-range Explorer yachts, the company recognized that a new generation redesign could further enhance the noteworthy efficiency of the fast displacement steel hull. The powerful single engine Caterpillar 3512B, with a diesel propulsion engine forward as backup, combined with the large rudder and hydrodynamic bulbous hull, deliver 35% lower fuel consumption. This efficiency is strategic, given fuel prices and Cheoy Lee’s intent to add a ‘green’ factor to its Explorer series.
While the Explorer yacht’s heritage lies in Cheoy Lee’s tradition of building durable, long-range commercial ships, the luxury consumer amenities of the model are unsurpassed by other such vessels in its class. The Explorer can travel self-sustained for long distances without sacrificing a single creature comfort. The increased fuel capacity now enables travel from 7-9,000 nautical miles, enabling yachters to explore multiple destinations in one cruise – a true advantage for families who desire a long vacation or expedition style travelers who want to stay in motion.
The new 150 Explorer yacht also has increased living space, in keeping with the design philosophies of both Cheoy Lee and Jon Overing. Utilizing the full capacity of the vessel’s depth, piping and wiring are all conveniently located beneath the sole, easily accessible for maintenance, leaving more efficient use of space above for spacious cabins, salon and galley areas.
Jon Overing’s design expertise in larger yachts is ideally suited to Cheoy lee’s newest projects. His early training with Dutch naval architect Fran van Benken and Ingalls Shipbuilding provided a broad-based knowledge of commercial vessels and warships, complemented by his own design work that favors deducting the most usable space for a yacht’s hull.
“To keep the high level of efficiency plus a roomy hull is a challenge, but we have achieved that with these boats, “ says Overing. “B.Y. (of Cheoy Lee) and I have known each other for many years and the time was right for us to collaborate – the 150 Explorer and 111 are very exciting projects.”
The Cheoy Lee 150 Explorer yacht’s three and a half deck layout provides for great interior volume and versatility. “It is the ideal platform for a global explorer with our fast displacement hull,” Overing states. “It is a traditional, conservative boat with great interior space for amenities.”
Likewise, the increased volume of the Alpha 111 gave Overing the opportunity to provide even more comfort and luxury. One of the elements was the ‘Beach Club’ feature – a full sized garage compartment at the same level as the swim platform. “The space is versatile, providing room for shaded lounge chairs with water access, a 12-13’ tender or a jet ski and a couple of scooters,” says Overing. “I don’t know of another production boat of this size that has these elements.”
He calls the 111 superyacht ‘a little more race’ looking and is pleased with the elongated entry and forefront design, making the planning hull efficient and fast. “Cheoy Lee’s construction is very high-teach and advanced and they have been successful in taking weight out of the boat with infusion, composites and honeycomb interiors – that is very important to performance,” Overing adds. There are two designs planned – one for the American market with an extended hard top and one for the European market with a more open flybridge. There are also four and five stateroom configurations, the former with the master amidships and a country kitchen on the main deck forward and the latter with the master on the main deck forward and room for a Captain’s cabin with an en suite head.
“These boats are designed based on requested features,” Overing explains. “So Cheoy Lee answers its customer needs by providing options – these are the flagships of the model lines.”
Technical Specifications of Cheoy Lee 111 superyacht
LOA: 34m (111’5’’)
Beam: 24’4’’
Draft: 6’33’’
Engines: Caterpillar C32 Acert 1,900 hp
Gensets: 2x Kohler
Fuel: 5,300 USG
Water: 900 USG
Holding: 500 USG
Displacement: 220,000 lbs.
Range: 2,000 NM (est) at 10 knots
Cruise: 20-21 knots; Max 23-24 knots (est)
150 Explorer Yacht – Specifications
LOA: 151’8’’
Beam: 30’8’’
Draft: 10’6’’
Engines: Caterpillar 35128B – 1911 hp
Gensets: 3x Northern Light 99 KW
Fuel: 25,000 USG
Water: 3,100 USG
Displacement: 1,299,000 lbs.
Below is a gallery for the lovely charter yachts built by Cheoy Lee.
Cheoy Lee Charter Yacht Images
More: Cheoy Lee Image Gallery