CLB72 Boat Review

An invitation to review the CLB72 could not be refused. This modern departure was waiting for us on the jetty of renowned Hong Kong builder, Cheoy Lee, straining at its mooring lines, ready to burst into open waters.

So it proved. At 75 feet overall with a 72-foot hull length, the boat is a work of art, in and out, and, with its upgraded Volvo Penta diesels of 1,000hp each, reaches an impressive 31 knots. Believe us, we tested it, pushing the throttles forward around Tsing Yi and under the Tsing Ma Bridge.

A Seakeeper stabilizer kept us level and the Onan 35kW generator powering the 106,000BTU air-conditioning system kept us cool. Then it was a transfer to a photo boat for some authentic Hong Kong backgrounds – what could be better than the stays of the Ting Kau Bridge?

Back on board the big 72, we made a tour of the accommodations below. There’s a master stateroom with an ensuite washroom, the VIP cabin also has an ensuite and the two guest cabins share.

By the way, tucked in between the master and the engine room is a crew cabin for two – it also has its own washroom. The lower deck is carpeted throughout and the master stateroom has huge glass windows, port and starboard, which let in plenty of light.

On the main deck to port is a dinette with a galley positioned just aft. To starboard, is the lower helm with all the toys for navigation, a comfortable chair and a joystick for driving and maneuvering. The saloon has comfortable seating and two sliding doors open on to the aft deck. Behind this is an articulating swim platform also used for launching a Novurania tender.

Up to there is acres of space and drive station with wheel and joystick. A hard top along with a radar arch, covers pretty much the seating area of the flybridge.

The CLB72 has a resin-infused, foam-core hull, deck and superstructure and carries a RINA Hull Construction Certificate. The standard propulsion package is twin Volvo IPS1050 Pod drives, 800hp D13 freshwater-cooled diesels but, as mentioned, the owner of review model opted for higher power, higher speed.

A CLB88 is now under construction but with the berthing shortage the 72-footer may just be your better option. Give Jon Cannon a call to find out more 27462140.