Cheoy Lee Alpha 87 Yacht Review
Posted 2015/07/07 at 19:45 in Yacht Reviews
Since 1870 the Cheoy Lee Shipyard had been in business, creating ferries, patrol boats, tug boats, pilot boats, and yachts. This Chinese shipyard draws in all different types of customers because of it’s experience and character, not to mention its affordability. The 87 is a prime example of their capabilities, making it a full-blooded performer.
LOA: 87’1″
BEAM: 21’7″
DRAFT: 5’5″
DISPL.: 153,200 lb.
FUEL: 1,800 gal.
WATER: 330 gal.
STANDARD POWER: 2/1,925-hp Caterpillar C32 ACERT diesel inboards
OPTIONAL POWER: 2/2,600-hp MTU 16V 2000 diesel inboards
TRANSMISSIONS: ZF 3050V w/2.20:1 gear ratio
PROPELLERS: 39 x 43 6-blade Platzer Nibral
BASE PRICE: $5,580,000
BASE PRICE: $5,953,180
| RPM | KNOTS | GPH | RANGE* (NM) | dB(A) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 650 | 7.5 | 6.0 | 2,025 | 60 |
| 1000 | 11.0 | 24 | 743 | 62 |
| 1250 | 13.3 | 40 | 539 | 63 |
| 1500 | 17.5 | 64 | 443 | 64 |
| 1750 | 22.0 | 100 | 356 | 65 |
| 2000 | 26.0 | 150 | 281 | 67 |
| 2250 | 30.2 | 180 | 272 | 69 |
| 2350 | 30.9 | 196 | 255 | 71 |
Performance
The 87 is power-driven by two Caterpillar C32 ACERTs with 1925 horsepower. The top speed is something you would expect from more powerful engines. The hull was designed by Michael Peters, who is an expert at boat design for maximum performance. Even with all of its engines in the back, this vessel cruises along with no hesitation.
Accommodations
For a planing hull, the rear engine layout is most favorable because there is more running surface. But with yachts such as the 87, there is another benefit. In designs with engines in the front, there is the need for sound mitigating materials or the occupant will just have to get used to the noise since the head of the bed in the master stateroom rests up against the engine room. This isn’t an issue with the 87 with its rear engine layout, which allows for a more quiet voyage. The crews residences have full beams, which create an acoustical sound cushion. In the master stateroom there is a large bathroom and closet which also helps to create a sound buffer while the vessel is moving.
This yacht also has a lot of customizable options. Most features of the interior and exterior are built as stand-alone components, like seating and the bar.
Construction
The 87 is constructed with all of the newest weight-saving technologies; the goal being to decrease the mass of the vessel and to lower the center of gravity. A cored hull bottom with high density foam, a cored super structure, deck, soles, and bulkheads, and a resin mix that uses E-glass and carbon fiber are some of the provisions.
Looking around the yacht, you will see marble, expensive looking hardwood, and granite. The only difference between the use of it on this vessel and on other vessels is that on the 87, the materials are actually veneers. The marble is only four millimeters thick. Laminate is sided with aluminum honey comb material or composite. The vacuum bag method is also used, and the cabinets are even veneers.
The Cheoy Lee Shipyard proves to be a jack of all trades when it comes to boat construction. They build strong, efficient, and comfortable ships that create a positive atmosphere for those aboard.
