Announcing the CL Yachts CLB65 SUV
The recently debuted CLB65 SUV is the newest of CL Yachts B-Series which range from 65’ to 88’. The company CL Yachts, which started in 2018, may be a relatively new luxury boat brand, but they are an offshoot of the world-renowned Hong Kong builder Cheoy Lee Shipyards. The CL Yachts brand builds off the parent company’s multigenerational commercial and recreational roots and focuses on developing and delivering high quality recreational motoryachts. The new CLB65 SUV launched and sea trialed this spring is an excellent example as it combines robust construction with fine finishes and comfortable accommodations.
The CLB65 SUV is a large sedan-style cruiser with an open-deck plan that has an emphasis on blending indoor and outdoor spaces. The builder notes the SUV is a sportier and versatile evolution of the CLB65 platform. The bridge driven version, the CLB65 Flybridge that utilizes the same hull, has been a popular model for several years.
“Launching the first CLB65 SUV is an important milestone for our team,” said Martin Lo, Director of CL Yachts. “This model expands our B-Series with a flexible layout well suited for owner operation, while retaining the build quality and performance standards our clients expect.”
Overall, the yacht incorporates many elements popular in this market including a large open foredeck with padded sunlounge and seating. Ample side decks lead aft to a large covered cockpit in the stern and there is a watertight door starboard adjacent to the helm that leads into the salon. The cockpit is ideally suited for entertaining with a large table and lounge aft along with a two-stool bar forward that connects to the galley inside through a large opening window. Although this version doesn’t have a flybridge, there is still an integrated ladder and hatch that provides access to the coach roof for servicing the radar arch and where water toys could be stored.
A large retractable swim platform can launch and retrieve a tender or simply lower down slightly into the water for wading. There is a fixed swim step with a transom door that leads into a compact crew cabin with a single berth and ensuite head. There is also direct engine room access from this cabin. This is a nice set up even though most owners will run the boat themselves. The crew cabin provides an additional berth when needed but more importantly, access to a head without having to go through the entire boat, which is nice when swimming or returning from the beach. The transom access also allows mechanics to enter and work in the engine room without entering the vessel.
The interior designed by Supertomato Studio utilizes walnut or white oak and natural materials to deliver contemporary finishes with understated detailing. The main salon has a modern open layout with comfortable cushioned lounges and tables. The fully equipped galley features plenty of counter prepping and serving space along with access aft into the cockpit, across to the dining table and forward to the lounge and helm area. The raised forward lounge is conveniently located within conversation distance of the helm station which features twin helm seats and a compact pod with MFDs, the wheel throttle and controls. Two large windshield panels provide visibility forward. Wrap around windows and an overhead moonroof let in a lot of light and open up the view of the water all around.
On the cabin deck below, there are three staterooms and three heads. The full beam owner’s stateroom features a king-sized island bed, hullside windows, a lounge, and vanity. The spacious head has double sinks and a sizeable shower compartment. A large hanging locker has a soundproof door behind it which allows engine room access from the stateroom. The VIP forward hosts a queen island bed, twin hanging lockers, and in-cabin head access. The midships cabin has twin side by side beds that can be combined to form an additional double and a private ensuite head. A compartment in the foyer conceals full sized laundry machines.
The CLB65 SUV was designed by well-known naval architect Howard Apollonio along with structural engineering experts at Gurit and is constructed to meet RINA (Registro Italiano Navale) classification or CE Category B (Offshore). The CLB65 SUV can be powered by either twin Volvo D13 diesel engines rated at 1,000 horsepower each or twin Caterpillar C18 1,136s both driving shafts (The previous flybridge version was IPS powered and that is available on the SUV for those that prefer pods). CL Yachts expects a top speed for this vessel of 29 knots at half load. ZF JMS joystick controls which can be operated from the helm or the wing station should make for easy dockside maneuvering.
It is interesting to see this new sedan addition to the CL Yachts family making an appearance. We hope to see this model in the US sometime soon so we can hop aboard for a more through look and a proper test. For now, it’s exciting to see this new boat splash.
Learn more about the CLB65 SUV online at: https://clyachts.com/yachts/clb65/?suv
Price Available upon request
Specifications
Length Overall 64′ 6″ / 19.70 m
Beam 19′ 10″ / 6.05 m
Draft (full load) 4′ 9″ / 1.5 m
Fuel 1,050 UG gallons / 4,000 liters
Fresh water 251 US gallons / 950 liters
Holding tank 130 US gallons / 500 liters
Displacement (full load) 88,000 lbs / 39,916 kg
Generator KOHLER 32kW (50Hz) or ONAN 29kW (60Hz)
Standard Power 2X Volvo D13 diesel engines (1,000 horsepower each) or Caterpillar C18 diesel engines (1,136 horsepower each)
