CL Yachts CLB88 (2021-)

Brief Summary

CL Yachts is the luxury-performance division of noted yacht builder Cheoy Lee. At 88'11" (27 m), the CLB88 can bring owners and guests to far-reaching destinations while her 5'5" (1.65 m) draft still allows her entry to remote shallow anchorages and bays such as the Bahamas.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	88’11” 27.1 m
Beam	22’6” 6.86 m
Dry Weight	152,732 lbs. 69,278 kg
Tested Weight	167,483 lbs. 75,969 kg
Draft	5’5” 1.65 m
Bridge Clearance	35' 10.66 m
Fuel Capacity	3,000 gallons 11,356 L
Water Capacity	460 gallons 1,741 L
Total Weight	167,483 lbs. 75,969 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Props	Zhen Mao CU3 1020mm 5-blade
Load	5 persons; 2,100 gal. fuel; 147 gal. water; 50 lbs. gear
Climate	65 deg.; 23 humid.; winds: 10-15; seas: 1

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 1600-hp CAT C32 Acert

CLB88: Exceeding Expectations of What a Yacht Should Be

By Capt. Steve

Construction

One of the most noteworthy aspects of this yacht has to be that she was constructed with a floating framework.  This isolates the hull with the support members to significantly reduce onboard vibration and its associated noise while still maintaining RINA certified performance.  It also provides an added measure of safety by creating a de-facto double bottom.  Designed by Milan-based Jozeph Forakis, she features open-plan social zones and was designed for “a yachting family with a heart for adventure.” 

The CLB88 has a fully resin-infused hull and a superstructure that saves weight while maintaining strength.  Her displacement is in the neighborhood of 175,000 lbs. (79,379 kg) and her strength is supplanted by a 3,000-gallon (11,356 L) integral fuel tank. 

Major Features 

• Gyro stabilizers combined with Vector Fin stabilizers provide comfort at anchor and underway at any speed.
• CZone monitoring system.
• Resin-infused composites integrated with carbon fiber and fiberglass structures.
• Floating framework reduces noise and vibration throughout. 
• Four cabins, three of which are full beam, all with ensuite bathrooms, plus two crew cabins.
• Nearly 360-degrees of glass on the main deck.
• Formal dining area plus raised dinette as a country kitchen.
• Galley is located on the main deck.
• Beach platform that can handle additional toys such as jets ski plus davit on the flybridge for tender storage – allowing multiple toy options in two separate locations.  

Performance

The CLB88 is powered with twin 1,600-hp CAT C32 Acerts, providing a reported top speed of 24.4 knots. 

Features Inspection

The aft deck is a stunning example of the CLB88’s sophisticated design style.  An aft lounge is forward-facing with a solid wood pedestal just ahead.  All decking is teak and large polished stainless-steel stanchions support the extended overhead bridge deck.  Forward and to port is a wet-bar.  A large stainless-steel framed tinted glass sliding door leads to the interior.  To starboard are exterior stairs to the flying bridge. There is also a floating staircase in the salon that leads to the flying bridge. 

The flying bridge was designed to be the most popular gathering area onboard, and it’s stunning in its sheer volume.  Large L-shaped seating is to port and wraps around a solid wood pedestal table.  Across is a dual-level full bar with five stools that are in fixed positions.  These stools include teak seats and footrests with metal framework.  All decking is teak and overhead is a massive, carbon-fiber hardtop. Forward, and on the centerline, is the helm station with companion seating for guests.  Fully aft is an open boat deck with a crane for launching a tender.  Left open, it invites deck chairs for relaxation in a more open environment as it is aft of the protection of the hardtop. 

Moving to the interior, there’s a definite connection with the outside as there are large windows all around providing astounding views and huge amounts of natural light.  The salon includes opposing seating with an L-shaped settee across from movable chairs.  Ahead is the formal dining area for eight. 

A half bulkhead allows for sightlines forward while creating a separation from the galley and raised dinette.  This allows for keeping the galley separated from the formal main deck while keeping close proximity to the two gathering areas.  A full set of appliances accommodates full-on dining experiences.  An island adds to the functionality with an additional serving area, a large double-basin stainless-steel sink and storage underneath. 

Lower Decks

The CLB88 is a four-stateroom/five head yacht that includes a midship, full beam, master stateroom, with a second full-beam master just ahead.  This makes for an ideal scenario when there’s shared ownership.  All staterooms are furnished to an equal level of luxury. 

Observations

CL Yachts is a newly launched luxury yacht brand by yacht builder Cheoy Lee.  The CLB88 made its North American debut at FLIBS 2020 and the design of hull #1 has already earned it the Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design for cutting-edge industrial, product, and graphic designs from around the world.