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Oyster 55
Designer: Holman & Pyle  ·  Builder: Oyster Marine Ltd.  ·  First built: 1986
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About the Oyster 55

Built by the renowned British yard Oyster Marine, the 55 is a prime example of the brand's enduring philosophy: bluewater cruising yachts crafted to the highest standards for serious offshore passages. Oyster has long held a prestigious reputation among long-distance cruisers, and the 55 sits comfortably within a lineup that has earned the trust of circumnavigators and ocean voyagers worldwide. Designed for couples or small crews tackling extended offshore passages, the 55 balances capable blue-water performance with the kind of comfort and fit-and-finish that Oyster owners have come to expect. The boat is well regarded for its robust build quality, thoughtful deck layout, and well-appointed interior, making extended time aboard genuinely comfortable rather than merely tolerable. For the prospective buyer, an Oyster 55 represents a serious investment in both craftsmanship and capability. Whether the goal is a transatlantic crossing, a Pacific circuit, or simply ambitious coastal cruising with a touch of luxury, this yacht is engineered to deliver confidence at sea without sacrificing the refinement that defines the Oyster brand.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 56.25 ft / 17.15 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 45.43 ft / 13.85 m
Beam 15.75 ft / 4.80 m
Max Draft 7.50 ft / 2.29 m
Displacement 51,000.00 lb / 23,133 kg
Ballast 13,359.00 lb / 6,060 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,595.00 ft² / 148.18 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Holman & Pyle
Builder Oyster Marine Ltd.
First Built 1986
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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
18.64
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
41.21
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
1.7
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. 9.03
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. 2.0
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