The Cheoy Lee Serenity 59 could be the perfect cruising motor yacht

In the 1960’s, the Cheoy Lee name was synonymous with comfortable and sturdy offshore cruising sailboats. The natural progression into the long range trawler market followed, and the trawlers’ popularity was soon recognized. Before long however, a multitude of Taiwanese yards were developing similar products. Keeping one step ahead, in the late 1970’s, Cheoy Lee introduced a new breed of motoryacht, a more technically advanced high-speed production vessel that was the genesis of the modern Cheoy Lee motoryacht.

Three years ago, discussions at Cheoy Lee centered on addressing modern day issues that the shipyard recognized were becoming more prevalent in yachting circles. Primarily, raising fuel prices, and the movement towards greener products. Cheoy Lee’s range of higher speed motoryachts (constructed using advanced composites, efficient hulls and a comprehensive weight reduction regime) resulted in market leading fuel economy. However, for optimum efficiency, there is no substitute for a true displacement hull form. Market research pointed towards changing trends in the way many owners were using their yachts. Owners of faster yachts were cruising slower, and even using their yachts less, due to the increasing burden of higher fuel prices. A series of yacht that addressed these changing trends was needed. In parallel, Cheoy Lee has also been investing significant resources into hybrid propulsion technology, with the ultimate aim of pairing this technology and the new designs together.

Over a year ago, Cheoy Lee launched the first yacht in the Serenity Series; a clean and modern 68 footer, based on the efficiencies of a true displacement hull. With emphasis on the term “true”, Cheoy Lee avoided the common temptation of dressing up a planning hull as a long range yacht. Granted, even a planing hull will run relatively efficiently at displacement speeds, although at the expense of comfort, seaworthiness and ultimate efficiency. Any cruiser or “trawler” boasting top speeds in excess of 20 knots will share the seakeeping characteristics of any other planing or semi-planing hull on which it must be based. Similarly, Cheoy Lee’s venture into hybrid propulsion technology runs far deeper than the early, and rather superficial, examples that have appeared so far in the market.

Cheoy Lee’s Serenity 59 is the latest model in the Serenity Series, following the Serenity 68, offering the ultimate in seaworthiness and hull efficiency. A quick Google of ‘Serenity 68’, and the flood of rave reviews that will follow alleviate the need for further superlatives here.

Tooling for a new Serenity 83 is now complete, and construction is soon to commence on hull number 1. The Serenity 59 is the third in the series, although being smaller, will shortly overtake the 83 at the yard. Two Serenity 59’s will be completed before the end of 2010, the first two units being destined for Australia and Florida.

The 59, designed by Mike Burvenich is a three stateroom yacht with a large walk-in lazarette aft of the engine room. The master stateroom is full beam, with an ensuite head and walk-in hanging locker. Numerous layout variations are available including ensuite heads for the two guest staterooms, a study area, pilothouse and galley options. Sylvia Bolton, the interior designer associated with all of Cheoy Lee’s new yacht models over recent years has developed yet another stunning interior, with a careful eye on practicality. The 59 is after all, first and foremost, a thoroughbred offshore cruiser, that happens to be an exceptionally comfortable day boat that will grace any marina.

Clever exterior styling by David Bentley Industrial Design in Sydney integrates additional flybridge beam to the flowing, now recognizable Serenity lines.

Beneath the surface, High Modulus in New Zealand designed the composite structure, subsequently granted Germanischer Lloyd class certification. A solid, hand laid, hull with double bottom tanks, resin infused decks, bulkheads and superstructure, provides the optimum configuration for toughness, combined with a low centre of gravity and hence stability.

Single and twin engine configurations are available, both with full propeller protection. Estimated range on the standard 2,000gallons of fuel is 2000nm at 9 knots, and over 4,000nm at 7knots with the single engine set-up. The standard single engine set up includes a John Deere 6081AFM developing 330hp at 2,100rpm. Twin John Deere 6068SFM50 (236hp at 2,400rpm) engines are the factory option, although other engine models and powers are available.

Cheoy Lee Shipyards, established in 1870, has built over 5,000 vessels and currently builds from 59’ to over 200’. The yard also specializes in the building of commercial vessels designed to the customer’s individual needs and requirements. Whether constructed from steel, fiberglass, aluminum, or a combination of these materials, each vessel is built on a proven hull to provide excellent seakeeping and durability.

For more information, please contact: CHEOY LEE YACHTS, Australia, Palazzo Versace Marina, 74 Seaworld Drive, GOLD COAST QLD. PO BOX 737, MAIN BEACH, QLD 4217, Australia phone:  Adrian on 07 556 11107  

Specifications

Length Overall    61’4”    18.70 m

Length Waterline  56’10”    17.32 m

Beam     17’2″     5.23 m

Draft      5’4″     1.63 m

Displacement⁽      85,000 lbs  36,288 kg

Fuel        2,000 USG    7,600 ltr

Water            500 USG    2,000 ltr

Black Water Tank        200 USG       760 ltr

Grey Water Tank        200 USG       760 ltr

Engine – Standard       Single John Deere 6081AFM, M3 rating 330hp

Engines – Optional      Twin John Deere 6068SFM50, M3 rating 236hp

Generator                             Kohler 20kW, 60Hz