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Oyster 406
Designer: Hollman & Pyle  ·  Builder: Oyster Marine  ·  First built: 1986
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About the Oyster 406

Built by the renowned British yard Oyster Marine, the 406 is part of a lineage that has earned a formidable reputation among serious bluewater cruisers. Oyster yachts are synonymous with quality construction, thoughtful offshore capability, and the kind of fit-and-finish that appeals to discerning sailors planning extended passages rather than weekend hops along the coast. As a mid-range offering within the Oyster fleet, the 406 carries the hallmarks that define the brand: a sturdy, seaworthy hull designed to inspire confidence in open-ocean conditions, well-considered deck layouts that balance safety with ease of handling, and interiors crafted to a high standard for life aboard over the long term. The boat suits couples or small crews seeking a capable bluewater cruiser that can be handled shorthanded without sacrificing comfort or security. For anyone researching a passage-making yacht with a strong pedigree behind it, the 406 benefits from Oyster's decades of refinement and an active owner community. Pre-owned examples tend to hold their value well, reflecting the enduring regard sailors have for the brand's commitment to quality.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 40.49 ft / 12.34 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 34.79 ft / 10.60 m
Beam 12.76 ft / 3.89 m
Max Draft 5.75 ft / 1.75 m
Displacement 20,500.00 lb / 9,299 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Hollman & Pyle
Builder Oyster Marine
First Built 1986
Last Built 1990
Number Built 35
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
117
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
217.34
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 9.51 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 14.99
J (Foretriangle Base) 15.50 ft / 4.72 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 699.00 ft² / 64.94 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Perkins
Engine & Accommodations
Fuel Capacity 100 gals / 379 L
Water Capacity 60 gals / 227 L
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