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Oyster 46
Designer: Holman & Pye  ·  Builder: Oyster Marine Ltd. (Uk)  ·  First built: 1982
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About the Oyster 46

Built from 1982 to 1990 by the renowned British yard Oyster Marine, this 46-footer represents the craftsmanship and seaworthiness that established Oyster's legendary reputation among serious cruising sailors. Designed by the prestigious naval architecture firm Holman & Pye, only 25 hulls were produced, making this model relatively rare in today's market. The Oyster 46's staysail ketch rig configuration offers exceptional versatility for long-distance cruising, providing multiple sail plan options and excellent balance in varying conditions. With a comfort ratio of 35.44 and substantial displacement of 31,980 pounds, this yacht delivers the stable, sea-kindly motion that blue water cruisers demand. The generous ballast-to-displacement ratio ensures impressive stability offshore. Her fin keel with rudder on skeg provides responsive handling while maintaining the directional stability crucial for extended passages. The fiberglass construction meets Oyster's exacting standards for durability and longevity. With a theoretical hull speed of 8.43 knots and moderate sail area to displacement ratio of 15.63, she strikes an ideal balance between performance and comfort. This design epitomizes the classic British approach to serious cruising yachts—prioritizing seaworthiness, comfort, and reliability over pure speed.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 46.00 ft / 14.02 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 39.58 ft / 12.06 m
Beam 14.00 ft / 4.27 m
Max Draft 6.50 ft / 1.98 m
Displacement 31,980.00 lb / 14,506 kg
Ballast 12,897.00 lb / 5,850 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 980.00 ft² / 91.04 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Staysail Ketch
Construction FG
Designer Holman & Pye
Builder Oyster Marine Ltd. (UK)
First Built 1982
Last Built 1990
Number Built 25
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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
 135
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 15.63
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 40.33
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
 230.25
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 35.44
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.77
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 8.43 kn
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. 1,979.93 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkins
Engine Model M90
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 81
Fuel Capacity 120 gals / 454 L
Water Capacity 144 gals / 545 L
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