Sea Trial: CL Yachts CLB88
Yachting’s first impressions from a day aboard the CL Yachts CLB88 motoryacht.
The CL Yachts CLB88 is the first from-scratch motoryacht in a new series for the builder.
Boarding the CLB88 is made safe and easy via the hydraulically operated, 1,500-pound capacity swim platform—entry to the crew and captain’s quarters and engine room is also found here. Stairs flanking the transom provide access to the teak cockpit. The yacht’s flybridge overhang provides protection from the sun and elements for alfresco dining at a teak table with a benchseat along the transom. There’s room for additional loose chairs too.
Entering the salon through the double-glass door, guests are greeted by teak overhead, a teak- and-holly sole and plentiful seating. There is a day head to port. A dining table is forward and to port with a designer-inspired table, which expands to seat up to 10 guests for form dinners. A key interior design feature is an unobstructed floor plan from the cockpit door to the country kitchen. There is also nearly 360 degrees of glass providing ocean views in all directions.
The CLB88′s interior is floated and interior elements are not directly tied into the yacht’s support structure, resulting in reduced vibration and a relatively quiet ride, a feature that is really appreciated during longer passages.
An automatic, electrically-operated sensor door forward provides access to the galley to port with a twin-sink island and a dinette with seating for five guests. To starboard, is the lower helm that is outfitted with a pair of Garmin touchscreens, cameras, autopilot, Sirius XM weather system and VHF radio. Cabinets, drawers and other stowage spaces are plentiful. In addition, there is access to the two forward staterooms via a wide staircase.
Offering room for the growing cruising family, the CLB88 has a four-stateroom, four-head layout with an amidships master stateroom and VIP stateroom taking full advantage of the yacht’s 26-foot-6-inch beam. Spacious accommodations are also found in the forepeak stateroom with a queen berth and the double-berth stateroom to starboard. All staterooms have en suite heads and showers. For extended cruises, the yacht has numerous stowage areas in both closets and built-ins.
The wide-open spaces on the bridge deck-accessed from the aft deck or a ‘floating stairway” in the salon-has a centerline helm, abundant seating, full bar and grill, and it begs for outdoor adventures while underway or at an anchorage.
Built to exacting specifications, CL Yachts uses only the latest advances in boat construction, such as resin-infused fiberglass and carbon fiber, to help reduce weight and maintain strength. In addition, all fuel and water tanks are fiberglass and integral to the hull. In total, the CLB88 has a 175,000-pound displacement.
The motoryacht is powered with a pair of 1,600 hp Caterpillar C18 Acert diesel engines, providing for an easy 20-knot cruise and up to 25-plus knots at wide-open-throttle in proper sea conditions. Two 53 kW Kohler gensets are housed in a wide open, well lit, engine room, providing more than enough power onboard to run all systems while cruising.
The CLB88 is also nimble around the dock and in close-quarters thaWhether combining private ownership with the possibility of charter opportunities or using the CL Yachts CLB88 for your own at-sea adventure, this motoryacht offers a safe, comfortable and luxurious cruising experience.
(Look for a full feature on the CLB88 in a future issue of Yachting.)
