1980 Cheoy Lee 52 Motorsailer Boat in Annapolis, MD 21401 US
Built in 1980
52 Motorsailer
2 Engines (2x John Deere)
52.8 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
There is a very high probability that the next owners of this yacht already know a lot about her. She certainly won't be your first boat. Everyone who dreams of long voyages over the horizon knows the Cheoy Lee 53 Motorsailer. This is very simply the best offering of a very rare breed. Yachts capable of taking you anywhere on the planet in comfort and saftey. They don't build a lot of them because very few people actually go cruising. This is a true trawler and a true bluewater sail yacht combined to create a class of vessel that hasn't been repeated. The upgrades and continuous care that this particular girl has received make her a rare value in a rarer class. As you read this listing you will understand the thought, care and frankly the investment these owners have made.
To begin with she has been re-powered with John Deere commercial grade engines. A new set of rigging, furling and sails along with all of the paint, varnish, new stainless ports, new electrical wiring and panels..... everything that most boats of this vintage have been putting off has been done, recently and professionally.
There is no deferred maintenance or "next project" here. This is the definition of Turn-Key.
She was designed by Seaton and Neville and every design decision of this yacht was made towards the core goal of a yacht that could take a couple and guests across any ocean, to any destination in safety and comfort and be supplied to stay as long as you like. Priorities include a deep, heavy, double-ender hull form, a heavy and easily managed sailing set up, almost endless storage, heavy construction and an emphasis on liveability and large common spaces. These owners have enhanced these features with the addition of a custom hard-top to enclose the giant aft deck area creating a covered patio that becomes the heart of the vessel. In addition to the full beam saloon and galley area and the aft master with private laundry and bath, she lives like a much larger yacht.
One of the most striking differences is that upon boarding you step into the covered aft deck area. The owners commissioned this custom cover to be an additional upper deck, with Kevlar overhead beams. The result is a shaded aft deck lounge that can be fully enclosed against foul weather or bugs, and also an upper deck for handling sail and equipment.
From the aft deck you move forward finding no teak decks, and all sails and rigging recently replaced. The new sails are easily handled with the new Pro-Furl rigs and the sheer size of the boat lend themselves to great outside deck space to hang out and enjoy the sun and breeze.
Take a swim in the tropic water from the expanded, custom swim platform and explore with the new tender.
Stepping inside, the boat transforms into a classic passagemaker pilothouse trawler. A full beam pilothouse, surrounded by windows and seating and a helm and dash with a much wider array of instrumentation than most sailboat helms have room for. If you are headed south to the artic, you will do so in your fuzzy slippers, running your diesel furnace, with your hot coffee! If the heat of Bora Bora is a little strong, step in and run in the AC for a while!
A few steps down and you are back in a large, luxurious sailing yacht. The galley makes up the aft section of a large saloon with the circular/preferred layout. Two things that don't stand out until you look is the abundance of refrigeration and storage. Accessible but not obtrusive is enough storage to plan for a years long voyage and still have all your favorite treats along the way. In addition to the galley fridge/freezer is a very large holding plate system in the starboard/fwd of the saloon.
Move forward and you will find a desk/nav station and two generous staterooms with head, stowage lockers and filled with light from the new ports and prisim lights. In addition to generous space for your guests and their gear, the foward areas offer additional storage for all the supplies you need.
Aft of the saloon galley is a full beam master with laundry, lounge and large head and shower. The hanging lockers are designed to be large enough to allow for the clothing needed for a world adventure that includes sarongs for the south pacific and parkas for the artic!
There is a long list of replacements, updates and upgrades that can be provided to serious inquiries.
This is a niche yacht for the serious cruiser. She reflects the time, knowledge and attention of her owners and shows like the investment she represents.
Painted by Morris Yachts in Maine.
Any blemishes are touched up during her annual haul out.
Yearly sanding and repainting of the bottom. All zincs are replaced
Running gear is treated with Propspeed.
The bottom was stripped and epoxy coated when we purchased her.
All through hull fittings are checked, and serviced if necessary.
The rudder bearings and packing where replaced in 2023
A “fish tail” was added to improve slow speed handling.
The props have been repitched.
The bow thruster, tank, pump and controls have been replaced.
Stainless shielding was added to the bow and anchor hawse pipe.
All portlights have been replaced with New Found Metal stainless units.
A custom swim platform with removable panels and a stainless ladder system was installed.
Added a towing eye and cleat.
Decks, cabin trunk, and pilot house have been repainted.
Pilothouse and salon windows removed and rebedded.
A large aft hard top with sliding hatches, Kevlar beams, teak eyebrow and trim, 110 and 12 volt lighting, 2 large solar panels, rainwater collection system, and a canvas/ isinglass enclosure.
All bright work has been professionally maintained to the highest standard. Stripped to bare wood with 12 coats of varnish applied in 2022.
Toe rails have been removed and rebedded, including all hardware, bow rail, and stanchions.
The Anchor winch has been rebuilt and rewired to the main electrical panel.
Replaced Anchor chain and fittings.
New Anchor chain and 8 plait line and fittings.
Replaced deck shower units (2).
All deck prisms rebedded.
Running, steaming, masthead, and deck lights.
8 man Viking life raft.
New dingy/ with 25 hp motor.
Replaced all cockpit and deck cushions.
Replaced all standing and running rigging.
New heavy duty cruising sails
New sail furlers. (3)
New winches.
Replaced all chain plates.
Replaced mizzen boom
Heavy duty spinnaker pole.
New masthead fittings.
Engines (2) replaced with John Deere 135 hp Turbo Diesels.
Replaced exhausts, including generator, to hull exit.
Replaced shafts ( Monel)
Replaced Generator with a 15 KW Westerbeake.
Replaced 3 A/C units.
Steering hydraulic pump, cylinders, and hoses.
Batteries house and starting.
Bilge pumps (3)
Freshwater pump
New Black Water Holding(2)
New Fuel tank
New Hot water unit
Main panel
Subpanel (engine room)
Inverter
Most of the wiring.
New Equipment
EPIRB
Radar/ with weather.
GPS
Auto Pilot
VHF and masthead antenna.
Navigation system with extra-large monitor.
Depth gauge.
Wind instruments with masthead fittings.
Stereo system.
TV’s (3)
New equipment and work
Refrigerator.
Microwave/ convection oven
All countertops.
Floors refinished.
Most walls refinished
Replacement teak where necessary.
Heads repainted in Herreshoff style.
Aft head replaced.
Forward head rebuilt.
All built in seating upholstered.
Wooden window blinds.
High quality oriental rugs (6).
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8/18/26 | Initial price | $395,500 |
Overview from around the web 1980 Cheoy Lee 52 Motorsailer
The 1980 Cheoy Lee 52 Motorsailer has garnered positive feedback from boat enthusiasts and owners alike, highlighting its blend of classic design, robust construction, and seaworthy performance
Customers appreciate the following features: 1. Sturdy Build: Many owners praise the heavy-duty fiberglass hull and quality craftsmanship typical of Cheoy Lee boats, emphasizing their capability to withstand challenging sea conditions. 2. Spacious Interior: The roomy layout with multiple cabins and ample headroom is often noted. Reviewers enjoy the comfortable living space, making it ideal for long voyages or family trips. 3. Sailing Performance: The blend of motor and sail power allows for versatility on the water. Sailors mention the boat’s ease of handling and responsive sailing characteristics, making it suitable for both leisurely outings and more adventurous journeys. 4. Classic Aesthetic: The timeless design and elegant lines of the Cheoy Lee 52 are frequently admired. Owners appreciate the traditional nautical feel that the interior decor and exterior styling provide. 5. Well-Equipped: Many customers commend the well-thought-out galley and storage spaces, equipped with modern amenities that ensure comfort while onboard. 6. Community and Support: Several boat owners express satisfaction with the community around Cheoy Lee boats, noting that there are dedicated groups and resources available for maintenance advice and sailing tips. Overall, the Cheoy Lee 52 Motorsailer stands out as a beloved choice among sailing enthusiasts seeking a reliable and aesthetically pleasing vessel for exploring the waters.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
Pros
Spacious Interior: The Cheoy Lee 52 Motorsailer boasts a roomy and well-appointed interior, making it ideal for extended cruising or living aboard. The layout typically features multiple cabins and ample storage space.
Strong Build Quality: Known for its durable construction, the Cheoy Lee 52 is built with a solid fiberglass hull and quality materials. This contributes to its longevity and resilience against harsh marine conditions.
Versatility: As a motorsailer, this vessel combines the benefits of both sail and power, enabling you to navigate under sail when conditions permit and switch to motor power for ease during calms or tight maneuvering.
Performance Under Sail: With a well-designed rigging system, the Cheoy Lee 52 can perform admirably under sail, providing a satisfying sailing experience with speed and stability.
Classic Design: The timeless lines of the Cheoy Lee 52 give it an attractive aesthetic that appeals to traditional boating enthusiasts and adds to its charm.
Good Fuel Efficiency: When utilizing the motor, the design offers a balance of power and fuel efficiency, making it economical for long-distance cruising.
Cons
Maintenance Requirements: Like any aging vessel, older boats, including the Cheoy Lee 52, may require more maintenance and upkeep, which can become time-consuming and costly.
Outdated Systems: Some models may come equipped with older navigation and electrical systems, necessitating upgrades for modern conveniences and safety.
Weight: The solid construction, while offering durability, can make the vessel heavier than more modern designs, potentially affecting speed under sail and maneuverability.
Availability of Parts: Being an older model, sourcing specific parts for repairs or replacements may prove challenging, especially if original equipment manufacturers no longer produce them.
Limited Speed Under Power: While it provides decent speed under motor, it may not match the performance of contemporary motorboats designed for faster cruising.
Aging Aesthetics: Depending on the specific boat's history and previous maintenance, some models may show signs of age, which could require cosmetic upgrades to meet personal preferences.
Made For
The 1980 Cheoy Lee 52 Motorsailer is an exceptional vessel tailored for a diverse range of sailing enthusiasts. This boat is perfect for those who seek the ideal balance between performance and comfort while cruising or living aboard. 1. Cruisers and Long-Distance Sailors: Designed for extended voyages, the Cheoy Lee 52 offers ample space and robust construction, making it an excellent choice for sailors looking to explore distant shores or live aboard for prolonged periods. 2. Family Adventures: With a spacious layout and comfortable living quarters, this motorsailer accommodates families well, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for creating lasting memories on the water. 3. Retirees and Liveaboards: For those looking to downsize and embrace a nautical lifestyle, the Cheoy Lee 52 serves as a cozy yet functional home with all the amenities needed for comfortable living. 4. Experienced Sailors: With its combination of sailing capabilities and engine power, this vessel appeals to seasoned sailors who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and seek a strong, reliable boat for both leisurely sailing and powerful motor cruising. 5. Adventurous Couples: Ideal for couples ready to embark on weekend getaways or longer excursions, the Cheoy Lee 52 provides the perfect escape, combining performance with elegance. Overall, the 1980 Cheoy Lee 52 Motorsailer is designed for those who value quality, tradition, and the joy of sailing, ensuring memorable experiences on the water.
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 1980 Cheoy Lee 52 Motorsailer | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $395,500 | $319,000 | $229,000 | $180,000 | $119,000 | $84,900 |
| Location | Annapolis | Crownsville | Middle River | Annapolis | Deale | Annapolis |
| Nominal Length | 53' | 70' | 44' | 58' | 58' | 44' |
| Beam | 16' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Draft | 6' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | John Deere | Detroit | Yanmar | Detroit Diesel | Detroit | Yanmar |
| Total Engine Power | 135 hp | 675 hp | 80 hp | 735 hp | 450 hp | - |
| Days on Market | 23 | 10 | 124 | 559 | 756 | 181 |
| Get in touch |
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Contact Worth Avenue Yachts - Chesapeake about 1980 Cheoy Lee 52 Motorsailer
2615 Basin Road, Chesapeake, VA, 23322
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