CL Yachts’ New CLB65 Is Built for Boaters

One of two CL Yachts models that premiered at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last October, the CLB65 is an entirely different proposition to the flagship CLX96 that debuted concurrently. For starters, it’s for shoppers who’d rather island explore than travel 1,000 miles non-stop.

I would consider these motor boat owners to be sailors rather than cruisers, for one big reason: The CLB65 can be handled by any couple with many nautical miles under their belt, even though CL Yachts has included a captain’s cabin at the rear of the boat.

Despite being the baby of the CL Yachts portfolio, the size of the interior is impressive as it is built on the sistership’s CLB72 hull. Along with an overall length of 65ft 9in is a 19ft 10in beam, which is 2-3ft wider than many European made models of the same length. That adds a lot of extra living space.

The exterior area offers ample space with a clever layout that will please any cruising couple. The aft cockpit has tables and lounges, while two side walkways lead to the forward lounges and sun loungers. This bow area is important because it is divided between socializing and working ends for anchoring. High stainless rails are designed to move safely in choppy seas.

The Flybridge also has plenty of room to explore, with a hardtop, overhead wheel station, two separate chill-out zones, an outdoor grill and an open area out back. The deck can easily accommodate 10 to 15 guests.

There is also a very large swim platform aft for either carrying tenders, or simply providing easy access to the water. It’s about 4 feet deep and stretches for most of the length of the hull, so three or four guests in swimwear can use it as another hangout, at least in calm seas.

The number one hull in Fort Lauderdale is powered by twin Volvo Penta 1050s engines with IPS drives. This standard engine option will produce a top end of around 27 knots, which considering the maneuverability of the IPS, is very respectable. If you want a little more oomph up top, the upgraded Volvo IPS 1350 is also available.

Boats for Seafarers

My first impressions of the interior, with the galley stern, side aft cabinets and front sedan, were mixed. The white finish and other materials, mixed with walnut wood, are nice, bright and functional, but basic compared to some of the brand’s Italian and British competitors.

But then it hit me: this ship doesn’t have to be flashy or ultra-modern. It should be practical for a boating couple looking to use it as a second home on the water. It doesn’t take Italian marble, leather-covered walls, or mirror insets to pull off that true sailor couple, who would probably be embarrassed by the excess.

There is a nice sense of simplicity about the main deck, especially in the open fore-head saloon and dining area to starboard galley aft. Due to the rear opening windows and the cockpit door, both interior and exterior can be combined for dining, so two groups can dine simultaneously if there are large numbers of guests.

The kitchen has a convection hob, large fridge, freezer and sink, with windows giving chefs sea views. In front, on the left, there is a large lounge with C-shaped sofas and tables next to the power up/down windows.

To the right, the two-seat raised steering platform allows a measure of privacy for steering the yacht, which offers excellent navigation, due to the large windows and easy-to-read console on the dashboard.

Behind the wheel is a storage cabinet with a white top that matches the rest of the interior. You could spend hours in this salon, whether you’re walking or docking. Design firm Interiors by Carmen created two interiors for the ship, the walnut version we saw and one with hickory.

Light & Bright

On the lower deck, the three staterooms are divided into a VIP vestibule, midships main room and twin staterooms, all with en-suite bathrooms.

The master is a handsome combination of walnut dresser, drawers and trim, with a queen bed placed in the center. The en-suite has two stylish round sinks, a large toilet and a large glass shower with ample space for a wooden stool for seating. Details like these emphasize the survivability of the 65.

Given its location in the bow, the VIP is also large, with a bed in the middle and cupboards around it. The head, while not as large as in the master, also has a glazed shower area (again with a wooden bench seat) that gives a sense of space. To the harbour, twin guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms complete the accommodation.

From the crew cabin accessed from the swim platform, I got a peek into the engine room, and while it’s clean and tidy, headroom is tight, which is a bit of a problem if you’re a cruiser who likes to do preventive maintenance. Still, all things considered, that’s a minor issue given the clever layout of the rest of the cruise.

With its conventional profile and sober interior, the CLB65 isn’t the flashiest new boat on the water, but then again, who would? Those who want this ship will appreciate the wide range on both the outside and inside, plus a down-to-earth layout that will make it easy for cruise mates to navigate.

This article first appeared on Yacht Style.

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