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Review: Cheoy Lee 78' Bravo

Discussion in 'Cheoy Lee Yacht' started by YachtForums, Oct 20, 2009.

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  1. Cheoy Lee Yachts 78’ Bravo
    Emerging Stronger In The Economic Storm

    by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

    She registers like a one-design, hand-built, presentation model. Yet she is a production yacht
    from one of the world’s foremost ship-builders of yachts and commercial vessels; backed by
    140 years of ship building by the same family. Enter the 78’ Bravo Series by Cheoy Lee. ​

    Cheoy Lee’s 78’ motoryacht brings an impressive list of amenities for yachting pleasures, sporting attractive options and excellent workmanship. Even though she is the smallest edition of its Bravo Series; she’s a very attractive beginning; not to be outclassed by her big-sister ships - the 84’, 88’, and 95’. Available with open or closed bridge; she is designed by Naval Architect Mike Burvenich with engineering by High Mudulus. Making her grand entrance on YachtForums, this 78’ pleasure yacht flaunts three well-designed, equally proportioned staterooms. Three masters, if you will. A first for a yacht this size.

    U.S. Marketing Director Marty Isenberg maintains unabashedly that Cheoy Lee is the best built boat on the market, as well as the best value. Her hull is supported by a foam-cored, fiberglass longitudinal stringer system; plus foam-cored, fiberglass structural bulkheads and web-frames. He explains, “Our 140-year legacy did not arrive overnight. This yacht is underscored by decades of commercial vessels which operate 24/7 in every sea condition.” He cites the builder’s near-legendary credentials, certifying a history that reads like an adventure novel. Check this out:
  2. Cheoy Lee is “Old School” wise and canny. Founded on mainland China in the 1870s by the Lo family, building teak sailboats and trawlers; they moved the yards to Hong Kong in the early 1930s. By the 1940s, with Japan’s WW-II juggernaught looming on the horizon, they picked up and relocated entire shipyards from Hong Kong and Shanghai. Becoming one of the most venerable names in boat construction; with a building record of more than 5,000 vessels of all types, Cheoy Lee marked nearly a century of wood yachts, steam boats, fishing and shipping boats, merchantmen. Then by the early 1950s, they were pioneering fiberglass yacht construction; before many builders had even heard of the process.
  3. Today, Cheoy Lee Shipyards continues to launch steel and aluminum tugs and transports to 197’ as well as mega-yachts to 172’. Yet, some of its teak sailboats, pre-1950, are still sailing. No question, this “Old Master” has been around; its legacy is well earned. Cheoy Lee’s initial fiberglass boats were a series of Tom Fexas-designed sportfishers and motoryachts. Then in 2000, on the Pearl River at Doumen, China, they created a state-of-the-art yacht building facility. The leadership embraced new technologies to increase performance, much lauded by customers; being among the first production builders utilizing foam-core below the waterline to save weight and gain speed. Many others followed. With integral tanks creating a double-bottomed hull for added safety, Cheoy Lee is so confident in their foundation, a five-year structural and anti-osmosis warranty is standard.
  4. A view from the top shows Bravo’s Flybridge instrument layout, with Mathers MC2000-2 electronic engine controls and Teleflex hydraulic power steering, plus Stidd twin helm seats. Cheoy Lee often uses 'mock-ups' to determine placement and ergonomic fit, such as the fly helm and the positioning of instruments. In another example (on a much larger scale), Cheoy Lee built a full size wood mock-up of the superyacht "Marco Polo" for MCC so workers could measure precisely and convert figures to digital format for CNC multi-axis routers. Using resin infusion, their 1,400 technicians build to class specifications around the world. Even so, a mere 30% of their output is for yachts; vs 70% ISO commercial usage, including ocean going tugs for the Panama Canal. Cheoy Lee has never had a failure in structure, even though the hull is not solid glass; but resin-infused, cored, with an outside skin so thick, pockets or voids are eliminated. Throughout the vessel there is no structural wood.
  5. Starting the YF virtual walk-thru; the refreshment bar on Bravo’s Flybridge emphasizes the excellent design sense specified by Award-Winning, Seattle-based Sylvia Bolton. Pedestal bar stools outline a multi-level granite countertop bar with a built-in fridge, sink and storage lockers. To port, a foam-filled cushions on the L-shaped lounge surround a dining table that converts to a coffee table. All first rate. Note the 316 stainless steel grab rail lining the acrylic windscreen. After you've built this many yachts, you come to learn where guests will place their hands. Astern, an open-air Jennaire, placed where a grille should be located, away from guests and fabrics that could absorb stains and smoke. Just behind, a Nautical Structures 1,700 lb. capacity hydraulic davit to launch her 15’ RIB tender.
  6. Forward of her massive, full-beam flybridge hardtop – a full 21’ – up in the fresh air, and just ahead of her lower steering station, two adjustable, deeply padded couches invite dedicated sun worshippers. Your pilot is sure to be distracted, while running; depending on how far offshore you’ve ventured! Need to wipe the windows for a better of view - of the water, that is - triple heavy duty, pantograph windshield wipers with washers swipe the salt away.
  7. Outside, fully bulwarked side decks with complete roof overhangs are wide enough for fast passage fore and aft, each leading to the Bravo’s splendid aft deck. With her 20’ 2” beam, she continues the party atmosphere with cushioned seating plus a unique split-top table underbraced by polished stainless steel supports. All are flanked by molded fiberglass euro-style stairs that lead to the Bravo's swim platform.
  8. Bravo’s elegant layout and color toning arrangement delivers a Salon appearing even more spacious than it measures. Wide expanses of light grey carpet, outlined by richly varnished light mahogany and teak; visually embellished by the ovoid/circular surroundings. Noticeable are inlaid sumptuous suede, marble, artistic woods. A clever touch; the clear glass coffee table echoes the pattern; while her sumptuously padded couches promise unending comfort.
  9. Her creativity of style is quite noticeable in choices for the Dining area, adjacent to the salon. Seating for six, around the satin-finished round table with a charming leather inlay; highlighted by rich, high-backed leather chairs in matching deep blue-black. The dining nook, set on a winsome black-white patterned carpet, is lighted overhead by an inset matching-round-soffit floodlight arrangement.
  10. At starboard, a matching bar awaits with pedestal-mounted stainless steel stools. The bar boasts an Indel Marine refrigerator unit, plus adequate wine and liquor storage for several parties. Close by is a convenient electric Head-Hunter day head with wall-mounted faucet and sink; polished chrome accessories.
  11. Centered on the yacht, Bravo’s carpeted circular staircase leads up to the flybridge, down to staterooms. The glossy wood structure is well situated with handy bannisters and flush mounted, non-glare LED lights for day and night-time safety.
  12. Bravo 78’s galley is roomy and sure to become the gathering place of the party. It's conveniently laid out for meal or snack prep, with a centered, stainless steel double sink – featuring Grohe faucet/sprayer – and Corian prep counter. The port-side counter highlights a stainless steel range/oven with ventilated hood. She boasts a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer, with ice dispenser, plus a garbage disposal. Fine woods are also quite well placed here as throughout the vessel.
  13. Tired of hunting for jars, cans and cereal boxes deeply embedded in galley drawers? The Bravo 78 maximizes storage and access to everyday items with this hidden pantry that slides out as needed. Excellent use of space! At port-forward, a cashew-shaped table with a centered, bleached sunflower design and leather upholstered, comfy seating begs the respite; “What’s on for today?”.
  14. Her Main Deck adds another dimension as well to the forward area; with a full, auxiliary Pilot House stationed across from the breakfast nook. Handy for the morning/afternoon rundown with the crew. This station, too, offers complete instrumentation with large nav screens plus total controls, stainless steel wheel and throttles – Teleflex/Hynautic power steering and Mathers MC2000 controls; so the yacht can be operated equally well from either station, while the Captain joins the group.
  15. On her lower deck, Bravo lays on the luxury, providing three full-size, beam-to-beam staterooms. Even then there may be a spot of favoritism, however; the Owner’s stateroom sports a king-size berth, with upholstered headboard and wall. Plus, there is an upholstered settee, his/hers baths, and multiple walk-in, cedar-lined closets – (no cramped “hanging lockers” on this luxury liner). Also, a pair of glossy wood night tables and a fabric-upholstered TV wall; vanity mirror, halogen lights, full length door mirror. If we could only register one complaint, the mattress supplied is where the word "firm" was derived from.
  16. Separated by the shower, a His/Hers Master head with twin wall-mounted faucets and sinks augment storage drawers; a make-up vanity w/stool. There is a novel emergency escape through a watertight hatch, from the head to the engine room.
  17. The Master glass-enclosed shower sports infinity drains, with a frameless, hinged door, easily large enough for two.
  18. Also on a par, the VIP stateroom offers comparable comfort with beautifully finished woods, sculpted to fit the soft-cornered arrangement. There’s a vanity unit, as well as a fabric settee and a cedar-lined wardrobe. Reading lights enhance the natural light from large, double oval ports.
  19. Following her decorative pattern, the VIP head flaunts highly finished woods and decorative patterns, rife with mirrors and creative design. The spacious stall shower has a marble center panel, holding faucets and bath accessories.
  20. Just slightly less ostentatious than the Master, Bravo’s Bow stateroom sports a queen island berth with storage under, plus a fabric headboard, and a wall-size TV. High-finish, lacquered wood adds to a very comforting atmosphere. Opening ports enliven each side wall, abetted by twin night tables.
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