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A beautifully proportioned, luxury 60 foot sailboat, with customised build solutions and effortless shorthanded sailing capability

The Oyster 595. The perfect all-round adventurer.

Well-proportioned, with generous living and entertaining spaces and excellent sailing capabilities to meet any cruising requirement.

Performance cruising

Increased hull volume and longer waterline provide excellent all-round performance, fun and comfort, and the ability to maintain smooth, fast passage-making speeds.

Magnificently spacious

The extremely large volume below decks offers safe, luxurious living and entertaining space for up to eight family, friends or crew.

Adaptable configuration

Available in standard or shallow-draft keel, with an optional extended transom and various interior layout options, the 595 offers extensive choices to suit any cruising lifestyle.

Iconic Oyster styling, remarkable hull volume and our trademark deck saloon are just some of the outstanding features of this ocean cruiser for sale.

Better by design

The next-generation oyster 595 sets the standard for future true bluewater cruisers with her outstanding ocean-going capabilities and liveaboard qualities..

She displays all the hallmarks of an Oyster, from the impressive volume of the Humphreys-designed hull with twin rudders and wide, clutter-free flush teak decks, excellent stowage, a choice of entertaining spaces and the optional bathing platform.

Available in two keel formats, standard or with a shallow-draft centreboard keel, which is ideal for those wanting to explore shallow coves and cruising grounds. For ultimate bluewater adventures, the extended transom variant provides additional stowage and a truly vast lazarette.

The ergonomically designed cockpit features twin helm stations, alfresco dining for eight and a sprayhood on the deck saloon to keep guests protected from the weather, whatever the conditions. Safe and easy to move around under sail, she is fun to sail and a joy to relax on while anchored in secluded bays.

The Oyster 595 is designed to perform day in, and day out in all sea conditions, to deliver safe, comfortable and enjoyable sailing experiences.

Equipped with the latest and most reliable sailing equipment, she is a pleasure to sail shorthanded. Her silky smooth, soft motion, even in a head sea, delivers consistently fast passage-making at only a modest angle of heel, making light work of ocean crossings.

Unlike other ocean cruisers for sale, push-button in-mast furling, electric mainsail and genoa winches come as standard and she offers responsive finger-tip control on the helm, thanks to the twin rudder design. The helm stations feature all the technology required for relaxed operation and navigation, with the winches within easy reach. There is a large sail locker on the foredeck to store your sails, spinnaker and Code Zero, and the long waterline, excellent stability and wide beam aft harness the significant sail power, no matter what sail wardrobe you choose.

The word ‘quality’ never quite captures the meticulous finish of our yachts. Our constant endeavour for excellence brings together our master craftspeople with advanced materials, production techniques and the latest engineering technology.

This is reflected in a hull design that epitomises the standards Oyster believes all bluewater cruising yachts should meet – an uncompromising strength of construction. Built to rigorous Lloyd’s Register certification, we demand only the very best materials. From the drawing board, we overspecify the hull superstructure by four times the strength when compared to the competition, with a strong, longitudinal construction and additional materials around the keel structure and slam zones. For added peace of mind, Lloyd's surveyors also sign off each hull and deck as part of the build process, reflecting our uncompromising approach to quality control. 

We don't accept anything less than perfection in terms of fit, finish and engineering integrity, that's why the Oyster 595 has outstanding quality and character.

Contemporary, luxurious styling and volume below decks make for the perfect living space for any adventure.

Inspired living space

The oyster 595’s contemporary interior is refined and luxurious. the saloon, the social heart of this boat, offers a wealth of space and convenience for crew and guests..

The open longitudinal galley, navigation station and saloon are light, bright and airy thanks to the seascape and wrap-around saloon windows – forward units are opening, providing excellent natural ventilation at anchor. Every detail, practicality and seamanlike feature on this bluewater cruiser has been considered, from the optional convertible saloon table, which doubles as a day bed, the pop-up TV addition, galley fiddles for bracing when heeled, through to the extensive range of galley appliances. There is deep, comfortable seating for relaxing, with space for six at the saloon table, along with lots of stowage, essential for any bluewater adventure. Combine this with the handcrafted fit-out to a standard rarely found on a 60 foot sailboat, blended seamlessly with practicality and seaworthiness, the Oyster 595 makes living aboard for extended periods a truly pleasurable experience.

With the welcome hull volume, choice of hardwoods, exquisite fabrics and materials, the Oyster 595 offers versatile configuration options and many opportunities for personalisation.

Building on ideas and innovations from our fleet, the 595 offers a comprehensive range of accommodation options. There are three well-appointed layouts to choose from – an aft ensuite master cabin with three guest cabins, one amidships and two guest cabins forward, creating privacy and comfort for up to eight family or crew in any configuration. The aft ensuite master option provides private access to a spacious cabin featuring Oyster’s signature seascape windows, which flood the space with natural light. There is also a sofa, optional television and ample stowage.

Throughout the cabins, Oyster’s attention to detail reveals itself in everything, from the beautiful handcrafted cabinetry to the deep mattresses, island berths, optional full-length mirrors and cedar-lined wardrobes. Not forgetting the walk-in showers and mood lighting for any occasion.

The latest, new-generation technology adds another dimension to the capability of the Oyster 595, whether you plan to relax or work aboard her.

Technology and tradition come together in complete harmony on the 595, making her well-connected with seamlessly integrated navigation, entertainment and onboard systems. Oyster Command™, Oyster’s intuitive CZone-managed digital switching system, connects everything from the entertainment, utilities and lighting, to monitoring the latest black box technology, which provides real-time status and control of onboard systems through the Oyster owners App.

Specify your favourite AV systems, satellite connectivity and WiFi technology to keep connected and able to work aboard in the world’s remotest corners. All technology and systems are specified for robustness and reliability and nothing is installed that has not been proven at sea.

Entries open for the Oyster World Rally 2028-29. Embark on the sailing adventure of a lifetime

The joy of Oyster ownership

There is more than just pride on offer when it comes to owning an Oyster 595. Every new Oyster comes with a comprehensive warranty, personalised care, access to our global service network, unrivalled support, life-changing experiences and so much more.

On an Oyster the world is yours.

OYSTER OWNERSHIP

Ownership benefits rarely experienced in marine

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Technical details

Specification and features

Lloyd’s register certified hull and deck moulding.

Peace of mind is built into this bluewater cruiser with Lloyd’s Register certification of the hull and deck moulding and also complies with EU RCDII.

Hydraulic in-mast (IMF) and headsail furling

In-mast furling (IMF) for the mainsails and Seldén Furlex hydraulic headsail furling gear are fitted as standard. Hydraulic-powered, push-button controls are on hand for both systems on both helm pedestals, close to the primary winches, for complete control and ease of use.

Handbuilt oak & walnut interior

The standard joinery throughout is oak with a satin finish varnish. Cabin soles feature random plank, crown-cut walnut veneered boards, with rubber seals to minimise movement and squeaking.

Retractable hydraulic bow & stern thrusters

Slide into the tightest berths and manoeuvre in busy marinas with the powerful Sleipner retractable bow and stern thrusters.

An Onan 11kw 4-cylinder diesel generator is almost silent in operation thanks to its sound shield and anti-vibration mounts. Power for all your 240v equipment and charge your batteries efficiently.

Seascape windows

The 595 saloon and owner’s cabin feel light and airy thanks to the four sets of signature Seascape windows that create a powerful connection between the interior and the ocean outside.

Powerful 150HP engine  

The Oyster 595 features the powerful 150hp (110kW) Yanmar 4VL. Motor or motor sail with the throttle backed-off and you can consume the miles at speed with excellent fuel efficiency. This engine has been chosen for its quietness, power at low revs and it’s compliance with worldwide emissions levels. But more importantly, in Yanmar, you have an unrivalled global support-and-service network to help you maintain your engine in peak condition.

Interior layout configuration

The large volume of the Oyster 595 hull makes for a versatile space. There are two configurations to choose from – an aft master cabin and ensuite with two double ensuites forward and one bunk amidships; or two doubles forward sharing one head, with a workspace or bunk amidships. See interior plans for more details.

Wood options

Beautiful solid wood is a hallmark of Oyster 595 interiors. Choose from a range of wood options including walnut, maple and cherry.

Keel options

Oyster 595 centreboard variant – if you love cruising shallow coastal waters, you can upgrade from the standard lead-bulb fin keel to a shallow draft centreboard option with a minimum draft of 179cm/5’10”.

Bathing platform

Upgrade the standard open-stepped transom with an impressive hydraulic-operated bathing platform, providing easy access for swimming and hopping in and out of the tender.

Extended transom

The extended transom option offers more space on the aft deck along with acres of space in the lazarette below.

Hull colours

Tailor the look of your yacht with hull, mast and boom in your favourite colours with complementing sail cloths. Vinyl wrap and paint options let your imagination run wild. Try some different options with our colour picker.

Hydraulic passerelle

The 1.9m letter box retractable hydraulic passerelle extended from the transom lets you board and disembark in style.

Plans and interior layouts

Colour inspiration

595 CENTREBOARD

Explore shallow cruising grounds and secluded anchorages aboard the shallow-draft 595 centreboard variant, the 595CB.

EXPERT OPINION

Expert insights and independent reviews on the Oyster 595

The Oyster 595

RELATED STORIES

Inspiring stories and adventures onboard the Oyster 595

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Winner of European Yacht of the Year 2023. She sets a new 50 foot bluewater benchmark, offering a stunning combination of sailing performance, comfort, safety and luxurious living space.

Heralding a new generation of Oysters, this 60 foot bluewater cruiser is a sailing yacht for all oceans. Practical and well-provisioned for long distance sailing or cruising in coastal waters.

The much-anticipated Oyster 595 is well-proportioned and extremely versatile. Offering exciting, customised build options with no compromise, she is capable of great things.

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OYSTER COLLECTION A COLLECTION OF THE TOP PRE-OWNED OYSTER SAILING YACHTS FOR SALE.

OYSTER SAILING YACHTS FOR SALE

Oyster Yachts are admired the world over and remain a top choice for seaworthy bluewater sailboats. The current Oyster Yachts line includes the some of the best deck salon cruising yachts ever made. They are stylish and built for the most discerning owners. Every boat is built to order and customized to match her owners’ tastes. While all Oyster models have the same stunning lines, each one has her own personal look down below.

2006 Oyster 56

Renown as one of the world leading sailboat builders, Oyster is the epitome which other boats strive to measure themselves against. Ambrosia a great example of quality, function and form. These deck saloon boats boast bright comfortable interiors, practical sail handling from the helm and rigid construction. A perfect family boat or couples cruiser this boat is optimized for long term cruising in comfort and style.

All Pre-Owned Oyster Sailboats Currently For Sale

Oyster yacht reviews, guides, & news.

Oyster Yachts began creating durable, fast, sea-kindly sailboats in the early 70’s. Like the boats made over forty years ago, the beautiful Oysters of today are created by some the worlds best craftsmen and women. The building of a great sailboat always starts with a good design and Oyster Yachts have always relied on top designers. Beyond being able to build a great boat, Oyster is known for offering high levels of support to all owners. During their around the world rally the company is always in contact with the fleet to ensure a once in a lifetime experience for each vessel. Support goes far beyond the rally however. The builder does not always tout this support and not all service people are created equal. Oyster yachts is able to assist clients across the globe, whether they are the first or third owners.

Promo Video of the All New Oyster 565

A great promo video that Oyster has released highlighting features of the all new Oyster 565.

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The 725 was built, as many Oysters are, to sail anywhere her owners wish to go. She is the first boat in the range to have exceptional and dedicated crew quarters.

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The Oyster 625 is a powerful sailboat that can be handled by an experienced couple but also has ample space for a captain and crew if that is the desired cruising mode.

OYSTER YACHT SALES

Collection Yachts, based in the yachting capital of the world, Fort Lauderdale, is proud to represent buyers and sellers of Oyster Yachts. Traveling with clients across the globe to find the best Oyster Yacht has resulted in long lasting relationships and many sales. Like Oyster, Collection Yachts provides top quality service for as long as a client owns their Oyster.

Previously Sold Models

DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE

Boat search, yacht search looking for a specific boat.

We Can Help - At Collection Yachts, each of our yacht brokers specialize in specific segments of the market and have in-depth knowledge of market pricing and availabilty. Tell us what you are looking for and we can share all possible options that meet your criteria, as well as notify you as soon as new listings become available.

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• Boats for Sale

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Search for a Oyster on TheYachtMarket today. We have Oyster brokers and sellers from around the world at great prices.

Which models do Oyster produce?

Oyster produce a range of boats including the Oyster 461 , Oyster 485 , Oyster 545 and Oyster SJ35 . For the full list of Oyster models currently listed on TheYachtMarket.com, see the model list in the search options on this page.

What types of boats do Oyster build?

Oyster manufactures a range of different types of boats. The ones listed on TheYachtMarket include Sloop , Deck saloon , Racing boat , Ketch and Cruiser .

How much does a boat from Oyster cost?

Used boats from Oyster on TheYachtMarket.com range in price from £8,950 GBP to £5,410,000 GBP with an average price of £1,040,000 GBP . A wide range of factors can affect the price of used boats from Oyster, for example the model, age and condition.

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Oyster Yachts started to build superyachts in the 1970’s, and accumulated experience on the hundred of yachts they delivered since then. They specialize in the construction of bluewater cruising sailing yachts, building yachts up to 120′ and 159GT. Whether you are an experienced owner or a newcomer in the industry, an Oyster Yacht is a solid buy.

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• Digital Edition

Oyster 495 review: an impressive smaller Oyster

• Toby Hodges
• September 29, 2022

An exclusive three-day test on the new baby of the Oyster range, the Oyster 495, shows that big things can come in (slightly) smaller sizes, says Toby Hodges

Product Overview

Manufacturer:, price as reviewed:.

Good things come to those who wait. After tirelessly chasing the breeze for over 100 miles, we found our just rewards. It was a hazy, moody morning as I rose from the privileged comfort of the aft berth of the new Oyster 495. Twin thrusters were pushing us effortlessly off the dock in Guernsey, our late night stopover, as I took my coffee from the galley espresso machine up on deck, noting how quickly and easily I was beginning to enjoy such creature comforts.

Once out past the harbour arms, white caps indicated a solid breeze. The sails were unfurled at the push of a button and Carpe Diem , Oyster 495 number one, began to heel and power up properly, as if finally set free. This was the moment for me that Oyster’s latest design came alive and transformed into what is arguably the definitive modern day luxury distance cruiser.

It has been a long, highly publicised build up to the launch of Oyster’s first boat fully conceived in the four years under software entrepreneur Richard Hadida’s tenureship. This is a model the CEO has talked about from the start, one to widen the luxury brand’s net and bring more, and younger, people on board. It seems that strategy is already working, as, out of the 15 Oyster 495’s already sold around the world, only two are to existing Oyster owners.

This is also the smallest yacht the Southampton firm has developed from scratch since 2005, and warranted a new yard in Hythe to take production in-house and build up to a schedule of 12 Oyster 495s a year.

Sailing out past The Needles. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

49ft for the 49th year

This is only a 49 in name though, not in the looks, volume or price tag. The Oyster 495 is as much a part of the small superyacht style of Oyster as its last few launches from the Oyster 565 to the Oyster 885, all by Humphreys Yacht Design.

First impressions centre on its size: the deck space and internal volume that all the beam and freeboard height creates. Yet while the duck egg vinyl wrap intentionally sets off a vibrant aesthetic, it’s the rest of the renowned quality and styling on the boat that really hits home.

The integral boarding ladders which fold down from the guardrails are optional but arguably essential, though once aboard you quickly realise how easy it is to move around the deck and through the superb cockpit.

With sprayhood removed and dark, stiff sails trimmed, the 495 in powerful performance mode against the Sark tide. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

Below decks you’ll find a clever new layout which, for me, makes the galley a star of the show and helps ensure the aft cabin, with its views and space, is best in class.

Once I discovered the deck stowage, engine room space and mechanical layout, I was convinced this could be a serious world cruiser and was excited about the chance to spend proper time aboard, a long weekend-style mini cruise, to see how it performs and how practical it is.

Oyster reserved our three-day slot aboard the first Oyster 495 during its ‘world tour’, in which it is premiering this new model in the Baltic and Mediterranean.

With a ridge of high pressure settling over the south coast, the obvious option to find wind was to take the north-easterly across the Channel. We met a spell of glorious summer conditions once out of the western Solent, sailing close-hauled over flat water at 7 knots in 10 knots localised seabreeze, before we pointed our bows across the Channel and settled in for many hours of reaching with and without asymmetric spinnaker, or motorsailing when the wind dropped. With double figure apparent wind speeds you can reliably sail at a speed similar to or exceeding that of the engine at cruising revs, meaning you can passage plan at 8 knots.

Although the standard Oyster 495 comes very complete, the test boat was equipped with plenty of optional extras including a carbon mast and in-mast furling carbon spectra sails to help bolster performance. As I was to discover in the Channel Islands , the boat still likes to be powered up before you get much communication on the helm, and in the lighter breezes I had to watch the numbers to avoid wandering off course.

The robust fixed bowsprit neatly integrates anchor roller and keeps the spinnaker tack clear of the headstay. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

Initially, the helm felt overly heavy, despite the dual rudders. Our skipper, Oyster’s CCO Paul Adamson, was quick to access the steering gear through the pedestals and after some tweaking the result was slightly lighter. However, long geared linkage of centre cockpit steering to twin rudders will always mean hopes for direct feedback need to be measured accordingly.

Built for breeze and ease

To have extra breeze the following day was transformational. With the true wind in the teens or more The Oyster 495 comes alive. It’s powerful and stable, exactly what you want from a distance cruiser.

It was also a really impressive display of how easy it is for one person to manage. I sailed Carpe Diem right into Sark’s Le Grand Greve cove, using the pedestal push buttons to furl the jib, then the main and finally to command the windlass to lower chain as we glided to a halt with no engine or any other hands required.

The push button ease with which you can manage this boat is a big deal. Three new clients of boats in build have converted from power to give sail a go, says Adamson. That said, they’re expensive options, with retractable bow and stern thrusters alone costing around £40,000.

Clear views for my watch during last light crossing the Channel. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

While a standard Oyster 495 has an aluminium rig with electric in-mast furling, Oyster has been working with Seldén on a new hydraulic in-mast furling system for this optional £140,000 carbon rig. The test boat had a full hydraulics package to serve the outhaul, vang, mainsheet and backstay, the twin compact pumps of which need comparatively little oil and are remarkably quiet (good for not waking the off watch). The push button system is being developed and uses a smart pressure release mechanism to prevent accidental overloading.

That afternoon was full glamour: sunny sailing in a puffy 15-20+ knots, which meant gusts in the mid- to late-20s over the deck. With some heel induced, the Oyster 495 stabilises and powers up. On the times we did really press we only managed to stall on a couple of occasions in the higher gusts and even then the round-up came very gently, politely inviting you to depower the main.

In general, speeds remained in the high 8s when close-hauled, rising into the 9s when we freed up a bit more, while we nudged double figures broad reaching in flat water and in stronger gusts. Around the 9-knot mark is the comfort zone, with comfort the byword – the 495 promotes a lot of confidence to keep sail up, without shipping water or overloading, and has a reassuring, forgiving motion through waves.

Spacious cockpit, table and long benches encourage alfresco dining. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

The helm stations are typical for modern Oysters in that they’re relatively high up to give clear sightlines from the wheels and headroom below decks. Add to that the freeboard height and you may wonder if it feels exposed. However the deep footwells with angled sides really suit standing at heel, while most will realistically engage autopilot and seek cockpit protection during lengthy watches anyway.

First class layout

I took to helming seated outboard on the coaming, which feels a more natural position at heel than trying to reach forward from the helm seat. The pedestals are well designed, particularly the grab handles each side, although a smaller or repositioned throttle lever would be prudent to prevent consistent snagging.

U-shaped galley suits working at sea, while a deep, angled footwell proves useful at the helm. Photo: Waterline Media

The positioning of the primary winches has also been very well considered, on a raised step each side outboard of the coamings and perfectly in reach of the helm. It’s also a useful step out from the cockpit to the side deck.

The standard block and winch is installed as well as the hydraulically controlled mainsheet, showing a system which can also easily be adjusted from the helm. I appreciated how a preventer line is rigged on each side of the boom, with clutches on deck allowing this to be set up on one side and the tack line on the other.

The intelligent, practical design elements continue around the clean decks, including genoa sheet leads kept neatly inboard alongside the coachroof. Reverse sheer helps generate headroom below without needing to extend the coachroof forward of the mast, while removable dorades and cages help keep the foredeck flush.

A quick swim at the anchorage and a hot shower on the bathing platform was necessary to prove the benefits of the new cassette platform design. An electric ram pushes it out horizontally aft from the lazarette to extend deck space. The full beam lazarette itself is enormous, and while the sail locker is certainly beneficial it could use a larger hatch as it was a squeeze to try and get the gennaker through.

Plenty of instrument and switchboard space at the navstation. Photo: Waterline Media

The cockpit is perhaps Oyster’s best yet relative to its size. It provides excellent protection, particularly under the sturdy sprayhood with its large clear panels. The huge table makes it clear this is where the majority of meals will be taken, with deep benches easily long enough to seat eight or to lie down on. While much design work has clearly gone into the flowing lines, I found the backrest angle a little severe, so cushions might be a wise extra.

We eventually had to wrench ourselves away from the stunning Sark anchorage to try to catch favourable tides back across the channel. Sailing to the Casquets under sunset we met a dying breeze in the Channel for the long motor and night watches across the shipping lanes.

At cruising revs we clocked 8.5 knots at 2,100rpm burning just 6lt per hour of the tank’s 880lt. Noise levels were very acceptable down below too, thanks in part to some excellent insulation. Adamson puts this know-how down to Oyster’s larger yachts and says a key is that the acoustic sandwich insulation used is all glued with no fastenings that can transmit sound.

The passageway aft helps allow for superb engine access. Photo: Waterline Media

Life at heel

Spending proper time aboard on passage is the ideal way to assess the practicality and comfort of the interior in use and at heel.

In terms of styling and quality of finish, today’s Oyster is top drawer. Rather than the typical passageway galley seen on a centre cockpit model this size, the 495 has the beam for a seaworthy U-shaped galley to port, while the starboard passageway provides stowage space and helps open up access to the engine room. It’s a one-fits-all layout, but a solution the yard is understandably delighted with. Smart features seen on the latest larger models are also included, such as the formidable lighting system throughout and the digital switching touchscreen monitors which clearly show and interrogate all systems.

Sturdy handholds lead you down six deep steps to a saloon bathed in light and natural ventilation, the latter from the large, forward-opening coachroof windows. The table on the test boat could be lowered to extend the starboard sofa into a double or daybed. It also has a handrail which extends out, which is needed at heel as there’s a large open area to navigate across – a longitudinal rail on the deckhead would make sense here.

it’s hard to believe you can get such a stateroom at this length – the sea views it provides are incomparable. Photo: Waterline Media

The adjoining galley is excellent, ideally shaped for working at heel, with abundant natural light. The fact that we as a crew all offered to cook or make drinks so often said plenty. Although modestly sized, with relatively compact outboard lockers and only a half height fridge aft, extra optional fridge/freezer space can be chosen here, in the cockpit and particularly in the passageway. Practical elements include the inboard sink and surround acrylic work surfaces with radiused upstands and an integrated bin. If being picky, a larger porthole to the cockpit to pass drinks through would be handy.

A generous chart table and plentiful space for instruments encourages passage planning and quiet study in the navstation. The coachroof windows extend aft to encourage extra light both here and in the galley, but the navstation is too low to enjoy that benefit. I found it comparatively dark and would prefer to see out more, but the large computer monitor was deemed to be more useful than a hull port here.

Forward cabin is spacious and light with good views too. Photo: Waterline Media

Aft stateroom cabins have long been an Oyster calling card and the Oyster 495 continues that tradition to the extent this is arguably the best you can get in 50ft. A step in the cockpit helps create a wide passage forward of the berth with 6ft 4in/193cm headroom.

It’s taller still in the adjoining heads, a clever design with an area sculpted out from between the engine room and galley to create a proper shower stall.

From the stowage, both in cedar-lined wardrobes, drawers and small lockers around the berth, to the superb lighting, overhead escape hatches, blinds and ventilation, it all smacks of quality. The vertical hull portlights steal the show, inviting prime sea views, especially from the privacy of the sofa to port.

Accommodation forward of the saloon comprises a compact Pullman, ideal for kids or a delivery crew, and a generous guest double. These share a good sized heads and separate shower, although with no wet locker, foul weather gear will likely end up cohabiting the shower too.

Working at the chart table at night. Photo: Waterline Media

Once again it’s the headroom and light that stands out in the forward cabin, the latter thanks to long twin overhead hatches with mushroom vents plus hull ports.

For a yacht which is so nice and light below decks, and which has such fine sea views from the cabins, my main issue is that you can’t actually see the sea properly from the saloon, galley or navstation. The coachroof windows are too high to see out of when standing in the saloon, the hull ports too low when seated.

It can be argued that a prime benefit of Oyster’s long favoured semi-raised saloon is that it’s low enough to adjoin the surrounding areas and high enough to house the large polyethylene fuel and water tanks, together with the battery bank, below the sole. The test boat has standard 800Ah gel batteries, sealed in airtight containers and ventilated overboard by fan, while all systems including the aircon can run off the inverter.

Plenty of deck space to enjoy Sark’s west coast anchorage. Photo: Waterline Media

Further aft, the grey water runs into the deep keel stub, a smart idea to centralise weight in otherwise wasted space. The stub also helps keep the rest of the bilge dry, holding liquid in one place, with strumboxes used for the bilge pumps to help prevent blockage. Some of the infused glassfibre construction and carbon reinforced stringers are visible here – a solid laminate with Vinylester outer skin is used below the waterline.

Where Oyster’s larger models have a workshop cabin leading into the engine room, the Oyster 495 doesn’t have the space for this, yet the layout solution here and access to the engine room are superb. Twin doors open out to reveal the motor mounted in the centre of the boat, at max beam, a saildrive to negate shaft space and allow for an 8kW genset accessed via its own door immediately aft.

Opposite is excellent stowage in the passageway, including freezer and washing machine, with optional 110lt/hour watermaker below the sole.

Modern hull shape buys plenty of volume aft. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

Benefits of a prototype

Our voyage was temporarily paused after a leak was traced to a cracked skin fitting in the lazarette, a watertight compartment aft. It was a fitting for the emergency boarding ladder, a practical device which allows the release of a pushpit-mounted soft ladder from the water, but one that was mistakenly installed with an incorrect part. We are told it is not a feature on other models and all subsequent Oyster 495s will be fitted with a bronze or TruDesign skin fitting.

Lazarettes are often decked out with a single level floor, yet here Oyster understandably wanted to make as much of the cavernous stowage space available as possible. It’s stowage world cruisers will love, but fitting storage units to take individual boxes might help prevent loose items sliding around pipework and steering gear. The incident highlighted the prime value of having a model that is thoroughly tested before going into full production.

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Credit to Oyster for doing a full tour with this first boat and for encouraging extensive trials. The longer you spend aboard any yacht, the more likely it may appeal but equally the more chance there is to find fault. Most niggles I picked out seemed to be in hand, although a larger sail locker hatch would be on my wishlist, while bluewater sailors may wish for a wet hanging locker. This might be a small mollusc by Oyster’s modern standards, but it’s one big pearly shellfish for most of us. The yard has managed to include so many of its big boat features into a 16m yacht which can be handled by a couple without crew. It’s a lot of money, but that includes an impressively full spec and the prestige club element of buying into a brand which offers renowned service and a prize draw in its world rally. With a draught under 2.3m (or 1.83m with shoal keel option), the 495 can not only take you across an ocean in supreme comfort but it can then squeeze into shallow harbours. It is slightly heavier with less sail power than some competitors and won’t suit those doing lots of lightwind helming, however, it has a high, powerful and forgiving shape for tradewind sailing. For liveaboard voyaging in a luxury monohull of this size, the 495 sets a new standard.

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