The Cheoy Lee 43 Ms is modestly canvassed and unhurried, with a gentle bluewater motion.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 36.9′, the Cheoy Lee 43 Ms tops out around 8.1 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √36.9′ LWL = 8.1 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
SA / Displacement
12.2
Modestly canvassed — a comfortable, unhurried cruiser.
Ballast / Displacement
33.3%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
321
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Comfort Ratio
45.8
Very comfortable in a seaway — a genuine bluewater motion.
Capsize Screening
1.61
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Motion & Offshore Suitability
Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.
Comfort Ratio
45.8
Very comfortable in a seaway — a genuine bluewater motion.
Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion
20–30 — Acceptable coastal
30–40 — Good offshore comfort
Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore
Capsize Screening Formula
1.61
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Cheoy Lee 43 Ms sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Racer 0–90
Cruiser/Racer 90–150
Cruiser 150–210
Cheoy Lee 44
135s/nm
Cheoy Lee 48
174s/nm
Estimated Speed by Wind
Rough boat speed estimates at different true wind speeds and points of sail — derived from hull speed, SA/D, and displacement, not measured polars.
| Point of Sail |
6 kts TWS |
10 kts TWS |
15 kts TWS |
20 kts TWS |
| Close-hauled40–50° |
2.8 |
3.5 |
4.0 |
4.1 |
| Close Reach60° |
3.4 |
4.3 |
4.8 |
5.0 |
| Beam Reach90° |
4.2 |
5.2 |
5.9 |
6.1 |
| Broad Reach120–135° |
3.8 |
4.8 |
5.4 |
5.6 |
| Run150–180° |
3.1 |
3.9 |
4.3 |
4.5 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (8.1 kts),
SA/D (12.2), and empirical efficiency curves — not instrument-measured
polars. Real-world speed varies with sea state, bottom condition, sail trim, and current.
Speeds in gold approach hull speed;
bold gold means near or at hull speed.
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Cheoy Lee 43 Ms — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghost
Sweet Spot
Reef
Heavy
0–8 kts
8–22 kts
22–30 kts
30+ kts
Ghosting
0–8 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
8–22 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
22–30 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
30+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Cheoy Lee 43 Ms.
|
Cheoy Lee 43 Ms |
Cheoy Lee 44 |
Cheoy Lee 48 |
Offshore 50 Cheoy Lee |
Pedrick 40 |
| Dimensions |
| LOA |
42.8 |
43.8 |
47.8 |
50.3 |
40.0 |
| LWL |
36.9 |
37.7 |
39.0 |
34.7 |
31.2 |
| Beam |
13.3 |
13.3 |
13.8 |
13.2 |
12.3 |
| Displacement |
36 |
27 |
32 |
34 |
18 |
| Ballast |
12 |
11 |
13 |
14 |
7 |
| Sail Area |
832 |
880 |
984 |
1 |
843 |
| Performance |
| PHRF |
— |
135 |
174 |
— |
— |
| SA/Disp |
12.2 |
15.6 |
15.6 |
17.7 |
19.7 |
| Bal/Disp |
33.3 |
41.9 |
40.3 |
— |
43.9 |
| Comfort |
45.8 |
34.1 |
36.6 |
43.1 |
29.2 |
| Capsize |
1.61 |
1.77 |
1.73 |
1.63 |
1.88 |
| Hull Speed |
8.1 |
8.2 |
8.4 |
7.9 |
7.5 |