Feature: CL Yachts CLB88 Motor Yacht

CLB88 Motor Yacht From CL Yachts
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If you follow YF, you are likely becoming familiar with the name CL Yachts. It may be a new name to some readers, but its one of the oldest names in yachting. CL Yachts is the same company that previously branded their yachts as Cheoy Lee. Cheoy Lee Shipyards is actually the commercial side of the business which manufactures a myriad of vessels like tugs, pilot launches, ferries, crew boats etc. Cheoy Lee Yachts recently began branding themselves as CL Yachts to differentiate their yacht division business away from their commercial exploits. In keeping with this new freshening, the Bravo line has been updated with the introduction of the CLB88 (CL Yachts Bravo 88) and earned itself a few accolades along the way. The CLB88 copped the 2019 GOOD DESIGN Award in the transportation category, presented by the prestigious Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design.

On the pleasure craft side of the business, Cheoy Lee has two brands. CL Yachts is set up for vessels up to 100 feet while Cheoy Lee Yachts concentrates on larger vessels. The first model in the Cheoy Lee yacht division is a 107 Quad-deck Explorer, with a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure. It utilizes the 7/24, constant duty philosophy of their commercial vessels. Workmanship, reliability and dependability are the cornerstone of Cheoy Lee's illustrious history. The second model is the Cheoy Lee 118 Tradition, a composite yacht. The third model is a 126 Quad-deck Explorer, steel and aluminum. The common designer is Jon Overing (Overing Yacht Designs). All models are built to Class, whether ABS or Lloyds.

The CLB88 has a design by Jozeph Forakis who placed the same spirit found in all CL Yachts in this model with timeless yet modern lines from stem to stern. Exterior spaces were also penned with foresight into how guests and crew will traverse this vessel. The flybridge is a proper space with the secondary helm area and the rest of the deck is dedicated to guests and tender storage. The forward half of the sun deck is fully shaded by a large hardtop while the aft half is in the open with space for the main tender and toys. Once the davit removes any watercraft from the deck, the guests have even more space for sun lounging. Under the shade of the hardtop guests will find a bar to starboard with seating for up to five. On the port side there is al-fresco seating for informal eats.

Moving inside we continue the tour at the forward end of the main deck where we find a combination of areas. The primary helm station is to starboard while an informal settee nook for breakfast is nestled to port and the galley occupies the rest of the space. Further aft is where the main salon is located but the galley is in its own corner with everything needed to prepare a great meal including microwave and oven built-ins, refrigerator and freezer storage, sinks, electric cooktops, plenty of drawer storage and a convenient serving window.

Further aft is the main salon of the CLB88, a spacious and open plan that is actually separated from the forward command area to prevent lighting from the salon reflecting on the wheelhouse glass. One thing that strikes you is the décor and choice of materials. It is light and airy with the vast amounts of natural light pouring in from the side windows. The wood finishing on the floors as well as that echoed in the ceiling brings a warmth to the area and creates subtle equilibrium. Check out those stylish linear led lighting solutions in the ceiling!

Heading down to the lower deck you will find guest accommodations and a master suite that spans the full-beam of this vessel which is accentuated by large picture windows. The décor is kept in theme with the wood finishes but there are slight individualistic changes where shades of grey enter the fold to create a more subdued and relaxing atmosphere. Four cabins are available onboard for the owner and guests. Along with the master there is a VIP that forms to the contours of the bow as well as two other guest cabins -a double and a twin- to allow for eight guests overnight lodging.

The most practical social and entertainment spaces usually include the aft deck areas and the sundeck. On the CLB88, these areas have been given a strong emphasis with space that rivals much larger offerings. Alternatively though, the aft section is mainly for storing the tender and toys but once deployed, the area is home to sun seekers. To starboard there is a stairway giving access to the aft main deck. There is also a hatch that can quickly seal the area when needed.

CL Yacht's CLB88 strikes a balance between modern and traditional lines that is easy-on-the-eyes. Construction is to RINA- for the certified carbon fiber and resin performance hull. With an LOA of around 27-meters the first hull has an internal volume just under 100 GT (95GT). Her twin CAT-power diesel engines push her to 25-knots with the semi-displacement hull. Hopefully the CLB88 will be on display at this year's Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) which has been green-lighted despite Covid-19.

Specifications:

LOA: 88.11-feet
BOA: 22.6-feet
Draft: 5.5-feet
Displacement: 175,000 lbs
Gross Tonnage: 95GT
Engines: 2 x CAT C32 1,600HP each
Speed: Max: 25-knots
Design: Jozeph Forakis
Builder: CL Yachts
Year: 2020

For more information:

CL Yachts
2019 SW 20th Street,
Suite 208, Fort Lauderdale
www.clyachts.com

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