CL Yachts strips the flybridge from the CLB65

CL Yachts has just taken the flybridge off its CLB65. Not scrapped it, the original CLB65 Flybridge still sits in the range, but built a sibling without one and called it the SUV. For a size and class of motor yacht that's spent decades selling height along with luxury, that's a bigger design call than a routine sea trial headline suggests.

The Hong Kong-based builder has completed sea trials on the first CLB65 SUV, and the 19.7 metre yacht has now landed in Hong Kong ahead of a run of private previews before her official Asian debut in December.

The SUV sits alongside the existing CLB65 Flybridge as a second read of the same platform rather than a replacement for it. Where the Flybridge carries the raised helm deck that's long defined this size of boat, the SUV drops it entirely for a lower, single-level profile. CL Yachts has pitched the boat squarely at owner-operators, people who want to drive her themselves rather than hand the wheel to a captain perched up top, and the missing flybridge is the clearest expression of that brief: less to climb, less to maintain, less separating the person driving from everyone else on board.

During the trial programme, the yacht was tested for performance, handling and onboard systems, and returned a top speed of 28 knots at half load on twin Caterpillar C18 or Volvo Penta D13 diesels. An optional ZF JMS system, operable from the wing stations, is built for the same owner-operator brief, taking the stress out of tight-marina docking without needing a second pair of hands. According to YachtBuyer, the exterior styling comes from Howard Apollonio, and the SUV runs a 17.1 metre waterline within her 19.7 metre overall length.

Below deck, three cabins do the work of a much bigger boat. A full-beam master takes the widest part of the midships hull, a full-beam VIP suite sits forward and follows the curve of the bow, and a twin cabin aft converts to a double for family groups. Supertomato Studio has handled the interior in a choice of walnut or white oak, built around natural materials rather than heavy detailing. On the main deck, the aft cockpit, galley and saloon run into one continuous space, with YachtBuyer reporting an integrated electric grill and a flip-up serving window linking the galley straight to the cockpit for entertaining.

CL Yachts director Martin Lo called it a milestone moment for the brand. "With its dynamic exterior, owner-oriented interiors, and robust performance, CLB65 SUV embodies our commitment to innovation, functionality, and contemporary yacht design, making it perfect for year-round exploration." It's the kind of line that could sit on the back of any brochure, but the boat underneath backs it up.

Private viewings for brokers and selected clients run from August to November, before the CLB65 SUV takes her place at the Hong Kong Boat Show in December, officially joining the rest of CL Yachts' B-Series lineup alongside the CLB72, CLB80 and CLB88.

Find out more about the CLB65 SUV's on-water test from CL Yachts and more details of the CLB65 SUV.