Oyster 53

Recently Refit World Cruiser
US$560,000.00 (Approx £443,635) Reduced
  • Boat REF#  ·  333145
  • LOA  ·  16.15m
  • Year  ·  2008
  • Construction  ·  GRP
  • Underwater profile  ·  Fin and Bulb
  • Berths  ·  7
  • Engine  ·  1 x Diesel 100hp, Yanmar 4JH3-HTE (2007)
  • Lying  ·  Seattle, WA USA -- At our docks!
Boatshed Port Townsend
Boatshed Port Townsend
Van Helker

Extra Details

Designer Oyster Design Group, Rob Humpreys
Builder McDell Marine -- Aukland, NZ
Lying Seattle, WA USA -- At our docks!
Fuel capacity 165.0 G Total - 1 Tanks
Water capacity 154.0 G Total - 1 Tanks
Holding tank capacity 18.5 G Total - 2 Tanks

Mechanical

Engine 1 x Diesel 100hp
Engine make and model Yanmar 4JH3-HTE (2007)
Engine Hours engine1= 3944
Engine Cooled Indirect
Steering Wheel
Drive Shaft
Prop(s) 600 mm Brunton folding 4 blade (+ Rope Cutter)
Fuel consumption (approx) 1.1 G /hour At Cruising Speed
Cruising speed (approx) 6.5 knots
Max speed (approx) 8 knots
Generator output 9.2KVA
Generator Hours 3304
Engine spares
Water-maker

The main engine underwent a full rebuild at the Port Townsend Shipwrights Co-op in 2023. The engine is equipped with a speed seal impeller system which simplifies maintenance.

The main engine and the generator are both equipped with a gensep exhaust for quiet operation and were last serviced in 2023. Service logs for routine engine and generator maintenance are available.

In addition to routine preventative maintenance, the generator (new in 2018), was extensively serviced in 2021 and 2023 by the Port Townsend Shipwrights Co-op.

The Seafresh H2O6 water maker produces 104 liters / hour of freshwater, and there are three new membrane casings and associated plumbing aboard as spares.

The battery configuration consists of:

-Service Bank 24v / 400 AH LiFePo4 (bank consists of 8 batteries, new in 2019)
-Engine Starting Bank 12v / 176 AH sealed lead acid (2 batteries)
-Genset Starting Battery 12V / 88 AH sealed lead acid (1 battery)

Charging is provided by Victron Multiplus 24V/120A charger and a redundant Mastervolt 24V/100A provides backup charging when on shore power or when running the 9.2kw Westerbeke generator. The engine is equipped with a high output Mastervolt alternator (24V/150A) for charging while underway using the engine. Lithium battery bank monitoring and settings are managed by a TAO BMS computer interface. The lithium bank is capable of powering the reverse-cycle unit, watermaker, stove, or washing machine, which reduces the need for running the generator. The lithium house bank also powers the powerful and effective 11kw Sleipner bowthruster.

A "Torrid" Stainless Steel 17 gallon 1500 watt water heater was installed in 2021. This water heater is also plumbed to a generator heat exchanger, which allows hot water to be made while the generator is running without actually requiring AC power from the genset.

Other mechanical items to note include:
-Cutless bearings replaced in 2021
-Watermaker high pressure pump rebuilt in 2021
-Thru-hulls greased in 2024

Dimensions

LOA 16.15m
LWL 13.90m
Beam 4.65m
Draft Min 2.20m
Draft Max 2.20m
Airdraft 21.20m
Displacement 53,427.2lbs
Headroom 2.00m
Storage On marina

Rig

Cutter rigged Aluminium spars (2007) with stainless steel standing rigging ()

Sails

Mainsail Sanders (Peter Sanders, Lymington, UK) - Inmast (2018)
Headsail Sanders (Peter Sanders, Lymington, UK) - Furling (2018)
Other sails Yankee (2018)
2nd Yankee for downwind sailing (2018)
Spinnaker gear

Vessel is cutter-rigged with an in-mast electric furling main sail, electric furling yankee, and manually furling staysail.

The main, staysail, and yankee were replaced in late-2018.

All running rigging was replaced in 2021. Other sail handling related items serviced / replaced at the 2021 refit include:

-Rig inspection and report
-Replace D1 Shrouds
-Replace All Boom Sheaves
-Replace Yankee Clutch on Mast
-Replace Yankee Reckman Furler Motor
-Replace Mast Boot
-Replace Mainsheet Traveller Block
-Reseat Babystay & Staysail Chainplates
-Serviced All Genoa Cars & Travelers

Sail Handling Overview:
-Backstay Tensioner Harken B503 manual
-Halyards at Mast 2x Lewmar 48 Manual
-Mainsail In-mast Selden Electric Furling
-Mainsheet Lewmar 48 Electric
-Mainsheet Traveller 2x Lewmar 16 Manual
-Spinnaker Pole 1x Aluminium
-Staysail Harken Manual Furling
-Staysail Sheet 2x Lewmar 48 Manual
-Vang Selden Rod-kicker Manual
-Yankee Reckmann Electric Furling
-Yankee Sheet 2x Lewmar 65 Electric

A Sailrite Sewing Machine is included as part of the inventory.

Electrical Systems

24 volt battery, 240 shore power voltage, 11 batteries charged by: engine, shore power, generator

Construction

Construction GRP
Underwater profile Fin and Bulb
Finish Gelcoat finish

Length overall for moorage purposes is 57 feet.

The Oyster 53 is a CE Category A Ocean Rated vessel. Like most of the Oyster 53's, she was built at the McDell Marine Yard in Aukland, NZ, and then was delivered and commissioned in the UK. Her hull was completed in late 2007 and she was delivered, rigged, and fully commissioned by Oyster in March 2008.

Hull construction is GRP with white gelcoat hull and deck. Decks are teak with raised bulwarks and a teak capping rail.

Stainless steel stanchions and lifelines run the perimeter of the deck with a midship gateway to port and starboard and astern for access to the swim platform.

Key components that were serviced and replaced during and since the 2021 refit include:

-Lewmar deck hatch seals and lenses replaced
-New Gabo portlights in master stateroom and galley
-Saloon windows and surround repainted
-Teak caprail plugs replaced
-New deck non-skid on coachroof

In May 2024 the Port Townsend Shipwright's Co-op polished the hull and deck, applied new bottom paint, and replaced the anodes.

Fuel, potable water, and holding tanks are all GRP construction.

Waterline Boats / Boatshed did not independently verify capacities, or dimensions described in this listing. Information is derived from seller-provided information and/or literature.

Accommodation

Total # of berths 7
No. of double berths 2
No. of single berths 3
Cabin(s) 4
Handbasin 2
Shower 2
Air conditioning 1 Air conditioning Units rated at 16000 BTU/h
Heads 2 heads (Manual)

One can board this vessel through gates in the lifeline located to port and starboard midships, or at the transom.

The cockpit is comfortable and spacious, and protected from the elements by a newer sprayhood / Bimini. A natural teak cockpit table forward of the helm is adequate for day-to-day use and entertaining, and the stainless steel helm can be removed and the cockpit table expended with a custom insert (new 2021) for social gatherings.

The main cabin / saloon is accessed from the cockpit by passing through the companionway and descending a ladder. The saloon is spacious, open, and bright. The wood joinery consists of a light teak, and the decks are teak and holly. Large windows lie to port, forward, and to starboard -- and can be opened to provide fresh air while in port or on the hook. Headroom measures a full 2 meters. The white headliner provides a light airy feel to the space.

The saloon table and settee is located to starboard. Plush and comfortable round / U-shaped seating (re-upholstered in 2021) lines the outboard half of the saloon table. A table cover protects the table-top for day-to-day use. The table is expandable and can accommodate up to 10 people between the built-in seating to port and starboard, and a couple of free-standing chairs.

The galley lies just aft of the saloon settee and is set up with Corian countertops, a stainless steel double-basin sink, an electric Force10 range, and a crockery cabinet for the Oyster-branded Wedgewood China. There is generous storage in the form of a custom sundries locker with pull-out bins (in-place of the usual wet-locker), a cutlery drawer with built-in dividers, spice cabinet, and a dedicated cabinet for the La Pavoni Coffee Grinder and Espresso Maker.

The Keel-cooled Frigomatic DC Fridge is located behind a hinged cabinet door in the aft galley. The Keel-cooled Frigomatic W50 undercounter freezer is located in the forward galley. The freezer is a dual compressor unit, and maintains a deep freeze of -17.8 to -22 degrees C. The fridge and freezer were both professionally serviced in 2023.

A navigation station and chart table is located to the port side of the saloon. Nav electronics at this location include built-in Primary Chartplotter, VHF DSC Radio, SSB Radio, Satphone, Shipboard Computer, Radar Detector, Stereo, and more. Electrical switch panels, disconnects, and other controls line the nav station.

Modern LED overhead lighting and reading lights are used throughout (warm white in most spaces, bright white in galley, red in select locations for night transits).

There are a total of four staterooms:

The master suite is located in an aft cabin just aft of the galley. This full beam stateroom is laid out with a queen size berth roughly centerline, a hanging locker and storage to starboard, and a seating area with a bookshelf to port. An ensuite head compartment with a manual toilet, washbasin, and shower lies to port. Numerous port lights and an overhead hatch provide light and fresh air. A Fusion stereo system is installed in the master suite with speakers mounted in the headliner.

Another large stateroom lies all the way forward and is configured with a queen-size centerline berth, hanging lockers, and ample storage. Just aft and to starboard lies a third stateroom with two single bunk berths. A fourth stateroom just aft of the navigation station is configured with a single berth.

A second forward head compartment located just forward of the saloon serves as a day head and/or a guest head, and is set up with a manual marine toilet, wash basin, and shower. A Miele washing machine is well hidden within a saloon cabinet just aft of the forward head.

4 burner Electric cooker/stove

Accommodation

Cooker/stove
Oven
Sink
Refrigerator
Freezer
Curtains
Air conditioning
Pressurised water system
Hot water system
Fresh water wash
Cockpit shower
Washing Machine

One can board this vessel through gates in the lifeline located to port and starboard midships, or at the transom.

The cockpit is comfortable and spacious, and protected from the elements by a newer sprayhood / Bimini. A natural teak cockpit table forward of the helm is adequate for day-to-day use and entertaining, and the stainless steel helm can be removed and the cockpit table expended with a custom insert (new 2021) for social gatherings.

The main cabin / saloon is accessed from the cockpit by passing through the companionway and descending a ladder. The saloon is spacious, open, and bright. The wood joinery consists of a light teak, and the decks are teak and holly. Large windows lie to port, forward, and to starboard -- and can be opened to provide fresh air while in port or on the hook. Headroom measures a full 2 meters. The white headliner provides a light airy feel to the space.

The saloon table and settee is located to starboard. Plush and comfortable round / U-shaped seating (re-upholstered in 2021) lines the outboard half of the saloon table. A table cover protects the table-top for day-to-day use. The table is expandable and can accommodate up to 10 people between the built-in seating to port and starboard, and a couple of free-standing chairs.

The galley lies just aft of the saloon settee and is set up with Corian countertops, a stainless steel double-basin sink, an electric Force10 range, and a crockery cabinet for the Oyster-branded Wedgewood China. There is generous storage in the form of a custom sundries locker with pull-out bins (in-place of the usual wet-locker), a cutlery drawer with built-in dividers, spice cabinet, and a dedicated cabinet for the La Pavoni Coffee Grinder and Espresso Maker.

The Keel-cooled Frigomatic DC Fridge is located behind a hinged cabinet door in the aft galley. The Keel-cooled Frigomatic W50 undercounter freezer is located in the forward galley. The freezer is a dual compressor unit, and maintains a deep freeze of -17.8 to -22 degrees C. The fridge and freezer were both professionally serviced in 2023.

A navigation station and chart table is located to the port side of the saloon. Nav electronics at this location include built-in Primary Chartplotter, VHF DSC Radio, SSB Radio, Satphone, Shipboard Computer, Radar Detector, Stereo, and more. Electrical switch panels, disconnects, and other controls line the nav station.

Modern LED overhead lighting and reading lights are used throughout (warm white in most spaces, bright white in galley, red in select locations for night transits).

There are a total of four staterooms:

The master suite is located in an aft cabin just aft of the galley. This full beam stateroom is laid out with a queen size berth roughly centerline, a hanging locker and storage to starboard, and a seating area with a bookshelf to port. An ensuite head compartment with a manual toilet, washbasin, and shower lies to port. Numerous port lights and an overhead hatch provide light and fresh air. A Fusion stereo system is installed in the master suite with speakers mounted in the headliner.

Another large stateroom lies all the way forward and is configured with a queen-size centerline berth, hanging lockers, and ample storage. Just aft and to starboard lies a third stateroom with two single bunk berths. A fourth stateroom just aft of the navigation station is configured with a single berth.

A second forward head compartment located just forward of the saloon serves as a day head and/or a guest head, and is set up with a manual marine toilet, wash basin, and shower. A Miele washing machine is well hidden within a saloon cabinet just aft of the forward head.

4 burner Electric cooker/stove

Deck Gear

Sail cover
Sprayhood
Cockpit cover
Sun awning
Warps
Fenders
Boathook
Davits
Swim Platform
Swim Ladder
Instrument Covers
Passerelle
Bimini
Bow Thruster

2 halyard winches
7 sheet winches
Electric Lewmar V4 windlass
2 anchors
(Lewmar CQR (75 lbs / 34 KG))
120.00m of chain
Ribeye 330 dinghy (2007)
(RIB)
20hp outboard, Yamaha, Short Shaft (2021)
The main anchor is fitted with 120 meters of 12mm chain. The kedge / backup anchor is a Fortress anchor with 10 meters of 12mm chain and 100 meters of 18mm 8-plait.

The Ribeye 330 tender underwent a major overhaul in 2021 and received a new 20 hp Yamaha outboard at that time. The tender also received new steering, repairs to the GRP hull and hypalon sponsons in 2021. The tender was most recently serviced in May 2024.

The Stainless Steel Simpson S300 Transom Davit has a safe working load of 300 kg. The davit was rebuilt during the 2021 refit: the port motor was re-wired, the Dyneema, lifting bars, and magnets were replaced.

Two foldable and storable director style deck chairs provide free standing seating on the aft deck and can provide additional seating around the saloon table.

Below deck storage lockers, including a beam to beam lazarette on the aft deck provide a substantial amount of storage.

Other updates on deck made in 2021 include:
New cockpit upholstery
New Bimini / Sprayhood / Dodger

Nav Equipment

Compass
Speed
Wind
Radar
VHF
VHF DSC radio
SSB
GPS
Chart plotter
Autopilot
Navtex
Stereo
Barometer
Navigation lights
Computer
AIS Receiver
Echo sounder
Radar Reflector

Iridium 9505 Satellite Phone

Cockpit Instruments and Nav Electronics:
-Autopilot Raymarine ST 7000 w/ Twin 24v Linear Drives
-Raymarine ST 6002 Speed, Wind & Depth Displays
-Furuno 1734 Cockpit Chartplotter
-Dedicated Boat Computer 12v Raspberry Z83 integrated with Iridium 9505 satellite phone

Navigation Station Instruments and Nav Electronics:
-Furuno GP320 GPS
-2 x Cobra Marine Handheld VHF
-1x Icom IC-M25 Handheld VHF
-Furuno 1834 Main Chartplotter
-Furuno NX300 Navtex
-Seame Radar Detector
-Furuno FS157 SSB Radio
-Furuno FM2721 VHF
-Negretti & Zambra Barometer

Stereos:
-Fusion MSRA70 Radio in Master Cabin
-Alpine Radio UTE2008T in Saloon
-Speakers in the cockpit, saloon, and master cabin

Navigational components replaced since 2021 include the autopilot controller, AIS aerial, Raymarine cockpit repeaters (speed, wind, depth), Raymarine windvane, cockpit speakers, and Fusion stereo.

Hundreds of paper charts necessary for world cruising are aboard.

Safety Equipment

Carbon Monoxide detector
Liferaft
Boarding ladder

2 bilge pumps (1 manual / 1 Electric)

6 person life raft; new in 2023.

Toys

Kayak

Inflatable Kayak (new 2023)

Broker's Comments

Oyster produced the 53 model from 1999 - 2008, and 52 hulls of this model were built. This hull is #51/52.

This is a one-owner boat, and the owners specified a number of custom features during the build. Those that were not specified during the build process were added at a later date after their experience with extended cruising proved helpful in dictating other necessary additions.

The cruising history of this vessel is impressive -- and includes a circumnavigation as part of the 2013-2014 Oyster World Rally and a cumulative total of ~75,000 miles.

It is obvious that this vessel has been cared for exceptionally well. The hull, decks, rigging, and interior are all brilliant, and the vessel elicits positive comments from even the saltiest bystanders.

In the last few years she has been more-or-less home-ported out of Port Townsend, Washington. In 2021 she underwent an extensive 7-month refit on the hard at the Port Townsend Shipwrights Co-op, a renowned and well-regarded boatyard & shipyard. She has been in for a variety of other maintenance in subsequent years.

The owners have kept meticulous logs of all upgrades, maintenance, service items, and more. Several binders of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Manuals, Build Documents from Oyster Yachts are aboard and maintained.

An inventory of 670 different type of spare items (1014 total items total, after accounting for duplicates -- an estimated value of >$30,000) appropriate for extended cruising are stored tidily aboard in 90 different locations. The owner will provide a spreadsheet detailing the specifics.

The owners of this vessel have maintained a fantastic Cruising Blog spanning at least a decade which documents port calls, friends, and ocean passages. The passage that follows is an excerpt from their blog: "The next stage in our continuing journey was the passage from La Paz, Mexico to Nuku Hiva in the mountainous, volcanic Marquesas Archipelago. This is one of the longest stretches of open water that a circumnavigator encounters. We had forgotten how beautiful the skies over the Pacific Ocean were. During the day, azure skies with trade wind clouds and the blinding orb of the mighty sun. At sunset the sea darkens to a cobalt blue, the dying rays of a molten orange sun light up the clouds, followed by star speckled heavens, glittering in the dark navy sky with phosphorescence shadowing the boat’s wake. The shock comes when the moon rises slowly out of the ocean, momentarily putting the watchman on alert that he or she has missed a vessel on AIS or radar, only to heave a huge sigh of relief when it is identified as La lune. The dawn creeps up slowly chasing the darkness away, firstly grey then blue skies appear and the intense heat starts to build up. Passages such as this allows you to think, contemplate life, change plans and most of all, reflect on the past, present and anticipate the future." Contact the listing broker for the URL to the blog if you'd like to read more!

Bob Perry's review of the Oyster 53 in Sailing Magazine has some positive remarks, notably: "They have a nice feel and usually show careful detailing and choice of hardware. I think this new 53 epitomizes what a lot of cruising sailors are looking for today... An attractively detailed, well-laid-out, center-cockpit cruiser."

According to Oyster Yachts marketing literature, "the 53 is also the smallest Oyster that offers a four cabin layout... Fast, well balanced, superb in poor weather and simple to handle, the 53 is deservedly more of one of our most sought after designs."

This vessel's systems have recently been overhauled and more recently serviced, and this Oyster 53 is ready to cruise. It would appear that there is nothing a prospective owner would need to do except for bring aboard some personal items, receive a pass-down, and set sail for distant horizons.

These boat details are subject to contract.
Note: Offers on the asking price may be considered.

Where the particulars herein give details of a boat, whether new or used, they are intended to give a fair description of the vessel but are not guaranteed as accurate or complete. They shall not form part of any offer or contract for the sale of the vessel. The prospective purchaser is recommended to independently check the particulars and the vessel. The vendor is not selling in the course of a business unless otherwise stated. Personal property is excluded from the sale of the vessel unless specifically included in the listing specification above or in a purchase contract. Personal property may be equipment or gear not permanently attached to the vessel including but not limited to: artwork, entertainment equipment, fishing equipment, TV receivers, recreational equipment, kayaks, tools, and personal appliances. Photos that may incidentally depict owners' personal property do not convey that such items are included in the sale of the vessel unless such items are specifically listed herein. At all times, where the particulars herein give details of a new boat and/or a new boat to be supplied/built by a builder/manufacturer, or a boat to be chartered, via our introduction, we do not guarantee or assume responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of any information offered by third-party companies in respect thereof including without limitation new boat builders/manufacturers, charter companies and/or companies/businesses which are ‘Friends of Boatshed’. We shall not be responsible for, or party to, any transactions, contracts or agreements between you and such third-party providers of products or services and it is incumbent upon you to verify such details direct with such entities and contract with them at your sole discretion and on terms that you agree.