1985 oyster 46hp thoughts?

[Justo29]

Hey there!
Looking at a older oyster very well kept. Blue water cruiser. I know they are slower but seaworthy and sturdy. A lot of upgrades and teak decks replaced in 2015. I know that there was a very limited amount of these made and it’s kinda hard to find any reviews or info but wondering if anyone has any thoughts or experience on these.
Thanks in advance!

[Muaddib1116]

No personal experience, but I was very interested in one a few years ago. I think they're really nicely designed. Everything I've heard about that era of Oyster indicates a high build quality. New teak decks is a huge upgrade that you'll be glad to not have to deal with for a long time. I met a guy with one in Maine last summer. He and his family have been bouncing around on one for quite a while, he loves the thing and it certainly looks like it's seen some action and taken good care of them.

[Tsuru]

Hello and welcome,
What model Oyster are you considering?

[Muaddib1116]

It's in the topic. A 1985 46 HP (Holman & Pye). Sort of the big brother to your 435, I think.

[Tsuru]

Originally Posted by Muaddib1116

It's in the topic. A 1985 46 HP (Holman & Pye). Sort of the big brother to your 435, I think.

I see that now, thanks for the correction.
We've owned our Oyster 435 for a year and have done 5,000 ish offshore miles. Averaged over 150 nm per day Raiatea to Hilo this summer that was mostly done in comfort. So, not fast, but not slow either.
Oyster has been helpful with support for upgrades and repairs.
Good luck with your purchase.
Ray

[Justo29]

Thanks for the replies! We are close to making an offer but the mainsail is from 2000 and the owner is trying to claim its good for another 10 years!

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Justo29

Thanks for the replies! We are close to making an offer but the mainsail is from 2000 and the owner is trying to claim its good for another 10 years!

Welcome to the forum. The sail very well might go another 10 years if it was rarely used. It could have been a former dock queen. My boat is a 1979 and the same thing happened. Engine...moderate hours. Sails...still stiff like new sails. If the boat is in general good shape, don't let that stop ya and if you really want it, I wouldn't raise the hair on the owners back...

[Jim Cate]

The sail very well might go another 10 years if it was rarely used.

True... but equally it could have accrued UV damage through the sail cover and blow to bits the first time it is used in strong weather.

You could get a sailmaker to evaluate it for you...

Jim

[Takitimu]

We are new owners of an Oyster 485. She has been a dock queen to an obsessive compulsive for the last 20 years. We are currently updating a few things before we set sail. I can honestly say this is an incredibly built boat. Sailed from CA to OR in some very interesting wether a couple weeks ago and she was a champ. Only the cat got sea sick. Can't say enough about Oyster.