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Oyster 53 Holman Pye
Designer: Holman & Pye  ·  Builder: Oyster Marine Ltd. (Uk)  ·  First built: 1985
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About the Oyster 53 Holman Pye

Designed by the renowned British firm Holman & Pye and built by Oyster Marine starting in 1985, this 53-footer represents classic British offshore cruising excellence. With her substantial 40,800-pound displacement and generous 16,500 pounds of ballast, she embodies the traditional heavy-displacement philosophy that made Oyster's reputation for seaworthiness and comfort in challenging conditions. The masthead sloop rig and fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration delivers reliable handling characteristics, while the comfortable beam of 15.75 feet provides generous interior volume without compromising seakeeping ability. Her impressive comfort ratio of 34.02 indicates exceptional motion comfort in rough seas, making her ideally suited for serious offshore cruising and ocean passages. Built during Oyster's golden era of fiberglass construction, this model reflects the yard's commitment to robust engineering and luxurious accommodations. The SA/Displacement ratio of 16.76 suggests moderate sail power optimized for cruising rather than racing, while the conservative capsize screening formula of 1.83 confirms her offshore credentials. With a theoretical hull speed of 8.96 knots, she offers respectable performance for extended cruising adventures where comfort and safety take precedence over pure speed.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 53.00 ft / 16.15 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 44.67 ft / 13.62 m
Beam 15.75 ft / 4.80 m
Max Draft 7.00 ft / 2.13 m
Displacement 40,800.00 lb / 18,507 kg
Ballast 16,500.00 lb / 7,484 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 1,236.00 ft² / 114.83 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Holman & Pye
Builder Oyster Marine Ltd. (UK)
First Built 1985
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Performance Ratios
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
 16.76
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
 40.44
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
 204.35
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
 34.02
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
 1.83
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. 8.96 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. 2,513.87 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkins
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 76
Fuel Capacity 180 gals / 681 L
Water Capacity 420 gals / 1,590 L
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