1970 Cheoy Lee 40
$55,000
Boat in Newburyport, MA 01950 US
40
1 Engine (Perkins)
39.6 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
MIST - The Cheoy Lee Offshore 40's were promoted as a cruising yacht of high quality and construction, combining the best features of the beefy fiberglass hull with the craftsmanship evident in the exquisite teak trim, decks, and joinery work. They were also known as the Empire 40 and a variant of the Rhodes Reliant 41, all built by the same builder. Although crafted from the same basic design, the Offshores have an iron vs. a lead ballast and other differences in construction details. MIST is powered by a 40 hp Perkins 4-107 (overhauled in 2018) with an est. 1500 hours, a battened Mainsail w/cover, Furling Genoa, Spinnaker w/pole, and a Storm Jib. She is equipped with a VHS, GPS, compass, autopilot, radar, radar detector, plotter, depthsounder, and wind meter. On deck, she has a fully enclosed teak cockpit with bimini and table/cushions, aft deck, and swimming ladder. Below decks, she comfortably sleeps 5, with a V-berth forward, aft cabin, convertible settee, a nav station, and marine head. The Galley features a propane stove & oven, microwave, a new refrigerator with ice box, H/C water, and ample storage throughout. Several upgrades include new teak decks, new stanchions, lifelines, and chainplates.
MIST is an example of a well-loved classic, built for easy handling and comfort. Survey available upon request. Call NOW to schedule a showing.
A little bit about the Cheoy Lee Shipyard:
Cheoy Lee Shipyard has been owned and operated by the same family for more than a century. They started out producing steam-powered vessels in Shanghai, China, expanded, and moved to just outside of Hong Kong in 1936. By the mid-1950's the shipyard diversified into the production of teak sailing and motor yachts, with a focus on pleasure craft. By mid-1960's a they were known as pioneers in the development, testing and use of fiberglass construction techniques and a forerunner in the use of GRP/Foam technology. Cheoy Lee stopped building sailing yachts in 1990 to concentrate on large Motor Yachts and moved to a new purpose-built, state-of-the-art shipyard facility in mainland China.
Accommodations
Single Berths: 4
Cabins: 3
Heads: 1
Covers
- Bimini Top
- Mainsail Cover
- Lazyjacks
Electrical Equipment
- Shore Power Inlet
- Inverter
Electronics
- Depthsounder
- Radar
- Radar Detector
- Wind Speed and Direction
- Plotter
- Autopilot
- Compass
- GPS
- VHF
Inside Equipment
- Electric Bilge Pump
- Oven
- Microwave Oven
- Marine Head
- Hot Water
- Refrigerator
Outside Equipment/Extras
- Teak Cockpit
- Teak Sidedecks
- Radar Reflector
- Tender
- Cockpit Cushions
- Cockpit Table
- Swimming Ladder
Rigging
- Steering Wheel
- Spinnaker Pole
Sails
- Storm Jib
- Battened Mainsail
- Spinnaker
- Genoa
Sails & Rigging
- Main Sail
- Spinnaker
- Furling Genoa
- Aluminum Mast
- New Chain plates, Stanchions and Lifelines
Deck
- New Teak Decks
- New Stanchions, Lifelines and Chainplates
- Cabin Top original plywood panels replaced with new
- New Awl Grip on Hull
- Full Bimini enclosure in Cockpit and aft deck
- Deck stepped Mast
Electrical
- New Electrical Panel
- New Electric Windless
- New LED Lighting throughout
- 2 Bilge Pumps
- 30 Amp Shore Power Cord
- Inverter
Galley
- Propane Stove & Oven
- H/C Water
- New Refrigeration with Ice Box - Keel Cold Plate
- Ample Storage throughout
Accommodations
- Companionway to port entering down into the main salon with the Nav station on center. Foward V-berth sleeps 2
- Aft Cabin pilot berth sleeps 2
- Main cabin sleep 1 along with a U-shapped seats & Dinette table.
Upgrades & Improvements
- 1998 - Full Engine Overhaul
- Teak Decks redone
- New Fridge
- New Electrical Panel
- Rebuilt salon seating area
- LED lighting replaced with NEW
- Propane Tank box on bow
- Added a bladder for fresh water
- Enclosure and boom crutch system
- New stanchions and life lines
- New Chain plates
- Electric Windlass
- Original plywood panels on cabin top replaced
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 11/15/25 | Price decreased | $55,000(-11.3%) |
| 2/7/24 | Initial price | $62,000 |
1970 Cheoy Lee 40 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1970 Cheoy Lee 40
Customers appreciate the 1970 Cheoy Lee 40 for its classic design and sturdy construction, highlighting its timeless appeal and solid craftsmanship
Many note the spacious interior layout, which offers comfortable accommodations for extended cruising. Owners often praise the boat's reliable sailing performance and seaworthiness, making it suitable for both coastal and offshore adventures. Some mention that with proper maintenance, the vessel remains a dependable and charming choice for traditional sailing enthusiasts. Overall, the 1970 Cheoy Lee 40 is regarded as a well-built classic that combines elegance with practicality on the water.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1970 Cheoy Lee 40 is a classic cruiser known for its timeless design and solid construction. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Sturdy Build Quality: Crafted with robust materials typical of Cheoy Lee yachts from this era, offering durability and longevity.
Classic Aesthetic: Features elegant lines and a traditional profile that appeals to enthusiasts of vintage sailboats.
Spacious Interior: Offers ample living space below deck for comfortable cruising and extended stays.
Good Seaworthiness: Designed to handle a variety of sea conditions, making it suitable for coastal and offshore sailing.
Timeless Appeal: Holds strong resale value among collectors and sailors who appreciate classic vessels.
Cons
Older Systems: Being a boat from 1970, many mechanical and electrical systems may require updating or replacement.
Maintenance Intensive: Wooden or older fiberglass components may need regular upkeep to preserve condition.
Limited Modern Amenities: Lacks some of the conveniences and technologies found on newer yachts.
Potential for Wear: Depending on past care, issues like deck soft spots, rigging fatigue, or outdated plumbing could be present.
Performance: While seaworthy, it may not match the speed or handling characteristics of more contemporary designs.
Made For
The 1970 Cheoy Lee 40 is ideal for sailing enthusiasts who appreciate classic yacht design combined with sturdy craftsmanship. Perfect for those seeking a reliable and spacious vessel for coastal cruising or extended offshore adventures, this boat appeals to sailors who value timeless style, solid construction, and comfortable accommodations. Whether you're an experienced sailor or someone looking to explore the open waters with confidence, the Cheoy Lee 40 offers a balanced blend of performance and traditional charm.
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Other Information about Merri-Mar Yacht Basin
Family-owned and operated for 68 years, Merri-Mar Yacht Basin is a full-service, year-round marina, located on the Merrimack River in historic Newburyport MA. We offer seasonal and transient moorings & dockage, free WIFI & parking, storage, a Service Department, a Parts Department, a Ship's Store, and a Yacht Brokerage for pre-owned power & sail vessels.
Contact Merri-Mar Yacht Basin about 1970 Cheoy Lee 40
364 Merrimac Street, Newburyport, MA, 01950
Contact Merri-Mar Yacht Basin
364 Merrimac Street, Newburyport, MA, 01950

















