The Oyster 406 is and respectable in club racing.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
7.9 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 34.8′, the Oyster 406 tops out around 7.9 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √34.8′ LWL = 7.9 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
PHRF Rating
117s/nm
Cruiser/racer — competitive in club racing, comfortable cruising.
Displacement / Length
217
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Hull Speed
7.9kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
10lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Oyster 406 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Oyster 406
Cruiser/racer — competitive in club racing, comfortable cruising.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Oyster 406.
| Oyster 406 | First 405 Beneteau | Malo 40 2 | Sigma 400 | Swan 40 Frers | Tartan 412 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 40.5 | 40.7 | 40.5 | 40.3 | 40.3 | 40.6 |
| LWL | 34.8 | 35.5 | 34.5 | 33.3 | 32.4 | 31.4 |
| Beam | 12.8 | 12.8 | 12.6 | 12.8 | 12.9 | 12.7 |
| Displacement | 20 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 18 |
| Ballast | — | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 |
| Sail Area | — | 681 | 936 | — | — | 756 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | 117 | — | — | — | — | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 15.6 | 19.8 | — | — | 17.4 |
| Bal/Disp | — | 41.6 | — | 37.1 | 36.0 | — |
| Comfort | — | 26.0 | 30.6 | — | — | 28.4 |
| Capsize | — | 1.93 | 1.83 | — | — | 1.92 |
| Hull Speed | — | 8.0 | 7.9 | — | — | 7.5 |