Oyster 53 vs Oyster 56

[MV Alchemy]

Hello all,

I am planning to upgrade from my current Oyster 485 to either an Oyster 53 or an Oyster 56 of 2001 to 2004 vintage. I wondered whether anyone has experience of sailing either (or preferably both) these models and might have any advice as to which one would be a better choice? Are there any compelling reasons (e.g. sailing performance) to go for either model other than the slightly increased interior space and improved machinery access in the 56?

My intended use (and reason for the upgrade) is extended cruising, beginning with a trip from Europe to Asia via the Caribbean and South Pacific. I need space for 3 to 4 adults and 1 to 2 children on board in comfort.

I would be very grateful for any thoughts. Note that I am not considering any other builders or models at this stage - it is between the Oyster 53 and the 56 but I am struggling to figure out whether the premium of perhaps £150,000 is justified to get the 56.

Many thanks,
Tom

[poiu]

They are both fine boats and I would have been happy to buy either. Indeed I nearly did.

I haven't sailed them both, but I have spoken to people who have and the difference is mainly that the 56 is about half a knot faster and has slightly less weatherhelm and slightly bigger all round, particularly in the cockpit.

The price difference is a typical example of the law of diminishing returns. You can improve your value for money equation with a much cheaper boat still.

[MV Alchemy]

Thanks poiu - that's very helpful.


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[Kenomac]

We have a 53 and have been on many 56s. The 56 offers just a little more elbow room. Would we trade up for 150k? No, but it's mostly just the two of us and an occasional guest couple.

Make sure you buy either with the workshop option instead of the bunks.

If you plan on having six aboard for significant time, look at the Oyster 61 sitting in Ipswich that needs some work. About the same price as a 56.

[MV Alchemy]

Hi Kenomac - the 56 I am looking at has the workshop/single berth option whereas the 53 has the two berths. I agree that the workshop option is much better but I guess that modifications could be made to the 53 out of the 150k savings.


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[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by thoreed

Hi Kenomac - the 56 I am looking at has the workshop/single berth option whereas the 53 has the two berths. I agree that the workshop option is much better but I guess that modifications could be made to the 53 out of the 150k savings

The workshop is awesome. Gives us an organized place for hand tools, power tools, ice maker, fuel filtration and polishing system. Plus the crew bunk is used for storing clear plastic bins filled with spares, held in place by the lee cloth.

[Eleuthera 2014]

Hello Thoreed,

I considered Oyster 53 & 56 before settling on Eleuthera.

IMO, given the number of people you plan to have aboard, the 61 in Ipswich would be on my short list..

(After day 2, I begin selection of the most annoying guest. By day 3, I am at the human sacrifice stage)

[MV Alchemy]

I think a 61 is probably a little over the top for my intended use. That one is apparently not in very good condition as well so not for me I think.

Originally Posted by Eleuthera 2014

Hello Thoreed,

I considered Oyster 53 & 56 before settling on Eleuthera.

IMO, given the number of people you plan to have aboard, the 61 in Ipswich would be on my short list..

(After day 2, I begin selection of the most annoying guest. By day 3, I am at the human sacrifice stage)

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