Cheoy Lee announces the new Bravo 88 Motor Yacht

Cheoy Lee Yachts Australia are proud to introduce our new Bravo 88 motoryacht. The latest in the Bravo series line, following on from the successful Bravo 95 and its little sisters at 68 and 78 feet.

From conception, Cheoy Lee places particular emphasis to ensure that the design and construction techniques adopted are the best suited to the specific project. Cheoy Lee has always been at the forefront of fiberglass construction. Like other Bravo models, in order to fulfill her performance objectives, Cheoy Lee opted for the strongest and lightest construction technology currently available for fiberglass motoryachts.

The Bravo 88’s structure features 100% foam cored resin infused construction. Cheoy Lee has been using cored composites since the 1960s, culminating in 1979 with an all ‘Airex’ cored, vacuum bagged, 48’ production Sportfisherman. Vacuum bagging techniques have now evolved into resin infusion, a process Cheoy Lee has been involved with for over a decade. Optimizing the structural arrangement, as usual, was tasked to leading composite engineering firm, High Modulus in New Zealand. All tanks are integral with the hull which saves weight, increases capacity, contributes strength to the hull structure, and also effectively acts as a double bottom in case the outer hull shell is damaged. If holed, which is extremely difficult with a cored bottom, while the fluid in the respective tank would be lost or contaminated, the hull integrity is maintained and the yacht can proceed back to port.

Good performance is a factor of efficient hull design and weight control. The Bravo 88 hull has been tank tested and refined to optimize efficiency. Depending on the engine choice the yacht will reach speeds up to 30 knots, however considerable emphasis was placed on how the 88 would run at speeds between 10 to 20 knots where our research indicates the boat would be operated most of the time. At these speeds tests have confirmed the effectiveness of the deep and fine forefoot, and relatively flat lifting surfaces at the stern at reducing drag in this critical speed range.

Operating at these speeds, the Bravo 88 will use considerably less power than comparable yachts in this class. As both fuel costs and environmental awareness increase, so do Cheoy Lee’s efforts to reduce our yachts impact on not only an owner’s running costs, but also our environment. Weight control is not a concern that can be assigned solely to the structural engineers. An effective structure is certainly an essential starting point, although the weight control regime must be closely adhered to throughout all aspects of the yacht. Interior fit-out, equipment selection, system configurations and a host of other factors need to be addressed to make sure the yacht is as light as possible. Builders are however faced with a dilemma, as the perception of quality and luxury often requires the use of materials that look, and often are, heavy.

Sound proofing is heavy, as are the granite floors, teak decks and all the other components, toys, systems and luxuries demanded on the modern motoryacht. Cheoy Lee invests heavily in both research and equipment to shed pounds, in fact tons from our yachts. From the resin infused structure, to hot presses that produce honeycomb furniture panels, to marble cutters that reduce heavy stone slabs to composite backed “lightweight” stone sheets, to wood veneered “GRP joinery” components, the approach to weight control and quality is meticulous. If the Bravo 95, with its efficient hull design and weight control measures, is any guide, the Bravo 88 too will exhibit higher cruising speeds and operating efficiency characteristics, appreciably higher than comparable boats fitted with comparable engines.

The 88 is a four stateroom flush deck motoryacht with two separate crew staterooms aft of the engine room. Master and VIP staterooms are full beam, each with their own ensuite head, with the option of ‘his and hers’ heads in the master. Both these staterooms have the signature oval portlights of the Bravo which let in a tremendous amount of natural light. The VIP and master staterooms are accessed by their own stairwell, as are the guest staterooms forward. One guest stateroom is fitted with oversized twin berths while the other has an inviting island queen. Guest staterooms too each have ensuite heads. The crew area accommodates up to four crew members, in two staterooms and a private lounge.

The main deck is a development of the very popular arrangement on our Bravo 78. Forward and to port is a ‘country kitchen’ galley with a central island, high capacity pantry and an informal eating area with panoramic views from the pilothouse windows. To starboard the lower helm is fully equipped to operate the yacht when weather precludes the use of the flybridge station. The day head is conveniently located aft of the helm. A formal dining area and wet bar make up the forward part of the saloon, ahead of the attractively arranged lounge seating. The polished stainless steel and glass sliding door at the aft end of the saloon opens up to the generous aft deck seating area featuring a table that can be raised to form a dining table, or lowered, creating a pass-through in the middle, and two cocktail tables.

A port side bar serves the area while on starboard; a neatly concealed locker stores the Sea Stairs when not in use. Dual stairs provide safe and convenient access to the integral swim platform, sized to serve as a launch pad for a range of water sports. The 88’s side decks facilitate easy to access the entire boat, not only for crew but also guests. A custom pantograph door allows access from the pilothouse to the side deck walkway, leading to a sun lounge area forward of the pilothouse. In addition to the sturdy rails that surround the foredeck, a partial bulwark greatly enhances safety by ensuring a positive foothold, particularly when underway.

The flybridge offers exceptional space and comfort. Protected by the hard top, guests and crew are sheltered from the sun and weather. The flybridge is accessed via internal or external stairs, and features a large settee and table to port facing a full sized serving bar with stools. The davit, located at the aft end of the flybridge, enables items to be lifted onto the swim platform, and also has the potential to launch the tender over the stern.