Cheoy Lee is a notable player in the boat manufacturing industry with a rich history dating back to its inception in 1870. Founded by the Lo family as a building and repair yard for steam-powered crafts in Shanghai, China, Cheoy Lee saw significant growth and transformation over the decades. Initially, the company made teak ships for the local market, but with the advent of modern materials and technologies, it expanded its production line to include steel and then, aluminium and fibreglass boats. In 1936, the industrial turmoil brought about by the Sino-Japanese war compelled the Lo family to move their shipyard to British occupied Hong Kong where they continued to produce commercial, residential, and later, luxury and pleasure boats.
In 1960s, Cheoy Lee shifted its focus to building high-end, luxury yachts, a move that played a pivotal role in establishing the brand in the global yacht market. The company embraced the use of fibreglass, which was a novel material in boat building during that era, and started producing sailboats and motoryachts aimed at the western market. To streamline the design and manufacturing process, Cheoy Lee collaborated with reputable naval architects such as Davis, Norlin and Robb, and established itself as a trendsetter in the boat manufacturing industry.
Currently, Cheoy Lee is headquartered in Doumen, China, maintaining a 65-acre site which houses state-of-the-art production facilities. The company markets a diverse range of boats — from sports motor yachts to exploration yachts to commercial tugs and ferries. Boasting over 150 years in the ship-building business, Cheoy Lee continues to thrive, pushing the boundaries of innovation and quality while keeping the tradition and heritage that the company is built upon.