Oyster 395 Lightwave as a cruiser

[Pizzazz]

I am looking for a sailboat in the Med and I came across a relatively well kept Oyster 395 Lightwave. It would be great to get first hand opinions of the boat and how suitable it is for a cruiser. In terms of expectations, I am coming from a Hunter 31 which in many ways was the perfect boat for me. The Oyster seems to be faster, sturdier and more ocean capable while similar in terms of layout and fit/finish.

If you are not familiar with that Oyster, it was designed by Carl Schumacher and can be thought of as an evolution of the Express 37 design. It is a 40 footer, 11,000 lb, 24 SA/D, PHRF around 60-66. There are limited reviews on the web but some claim it is capable of 200 nm days in open ocean (above hull speed but still, some people claimed they did it). The boat will be used mostly for cruising the Greek islands and occasional Atlantic ocean races.

Is it too much of a trade-off performance vs comfort? Could it be modified into a comfortable ocean cruiser? Is it OK to buy an Oyster without teak? I mean, no one wants to deal with teak on a 30 year old boat but Oysters/HR/etc. typically come with teak?

Thank you!

ex-SV Pizzazz

[barnakiel]

It is perfectly suitable. Comfort onboard is excellent.


The real difference is deck layout. Sailing one I can remember typical racing deck - minimal protection to the crew and driver, fittings distribution for a crew of 10 well muscled males, etc.


Below deck I prefer it to the other Oysters. Easier to move thru in the seaway. Better seaberths, etc.


Sails like a dream except banging it upwind in typical ocean chop.


They are fassssst.



The one I was on lost her rudder soon afterwards.


b.

[Tudorsailor]

If you buy do make sure to sign up to Login – Oyster Owners Group

TS