Photography by Jim Raycroft
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
Over its more than 100 years, Cheoy Lee has produced an ocean-deep catalog of commercial and recreational vessels. Designed by Naval architect Howard Apollonio, the Bravo 72 raises the bar.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
The 72 showcases a traditional look that separates it from the swooping,
Euro-styled vessels that swim in a sea of familiarity.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
Stepping onto the teak-planked swim platform—which doubles as a hydraulic lift for a 1,000-pound tender—it provides access to the engine room and crew’s quarters.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
Powered by Volvo Penta IPS propulsion, the 72 is an owner-operator’s dream in terms of performance, engineering, and accommodations, such as the roomy engine room.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
Access to the saloon is through a polished stainless steel framed sliding glass door that’s easy and safe to operate with one hand.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
The interior by stylist Sylvia Bolton is inviting, and made more enticing by the large, tinted saloon windows, which bring in plenty of light so guests can appreciate her decorative touches.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
A relaxed and casual atmosphere is created with an L-shaped sofa, an occasional chair, and cocktail and end tables, and a 48-inch television that rises from walnut joinery with a high-gloss finish.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
An open galley can be used for both sit-down meals and snacks.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
The working galley and forward dining area are equally proportioned, providing an enormous amount of usable space with great flow when a crowd is aboard.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
Nearby, the day head is big, naturally lit with a tinted window and accented with a stone countertop, backsplash, and sink.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
An L-shaped dinette beside the helm provides the operator with some company.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
A smart-looking helm with superb visibility includes a fiberglass dash with all the accommodations: electronic engine controls, gauges and communication and navigation electronics.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
Editor-at-large Peter Frederiksen liked the sightlines from the lower helm, including the all-weather view forward, as well as the sightlines aft, and a clear shot to the starboard transom corner.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
Running the 72 through seas off Ft. Lauderdale, he was able to get a feel for the in-line-six D13 diesels cranking out 800 horsepower each with dual-stage turbochargers, delivering a top speed of just over 27 knots with a full load of fuel.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
While the test boat was an excellent example of performance and efficiency, Volvo Penta IPS1200 and IPS1350 packages are also offered, so if you want more speed it is available (at an estimated 29 knots and 32 knots respectfully).
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
The full-beam master is impressive with a king-size walkaround berth, a 40-inch flat-screen television, sofa, tinted hullside windows, and cedar-lined walk-in locker.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
The master head is noteworthy for its sliding doors that close off the area to the stateroom—a nice touch.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
The four-stateroom, three-head layout includes a queen berth forward in the VIP, side-by-side berths in the port stateroom, and upper-lower berths to starboard—meaning she can accommodate a whole family, and then some.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
Each stateroom is well-appointed, and guests will appreciate the privacy and amenities, including cedar-lined wardrobes, reading lights, and television.
Cheoy Lee Bravo 72
The Bravo 72 is built for fun on the water—and is sure to turn quite a few heads.
