QUALITY

Renowned quality you can trust

Meticulous attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship underpin Oyster’s reputation for quality boat building. Hand-built in United Kingdom, we combine traditional handcrafts with advanced composite technology. Our stringent quality control means each element is finished to absolute perfection. Built to last, our true bluewater cruisers are Lloyd’s Register and DNV-GL certified for strength, safety and peace of mind.

Oyster hull with propeller

Outstanding build quality

Built to a different standard, our reputation is founded on strength of construction, outstanding levels of craftsmanship, the best materials and most reliable equipment – working with partners who share our obsession for quality.

Our build quality is second-to-none, with yachts designed to tolerate stresses far beyond the normal. So when you choose Oyster, you choose excellence, not just quality.

Craftsmanship (Yacht Build)

Materials

The Oyster difference

Laminate resin hull and deck shell

Our hull and deck shells are manufactured from Oyster ‘custom’ laminate, which is carefully specified using unidirectional, bi-axial, tri-axial and quadri-axial fabrics, selected specifically to respond to localised stress requirements. Above the waterline, the topsides laminate is a high-tech, cored structure providing strength, stiffness and insulation. Below the waterline, the hull features a monolithic (single-skin) composite laminate forward of the aft keel bulkhead, reinforced with stringers and floors. Aft of the keel the hull area has a cored structure. The result is lighter weight, reduced shrinkage and more flexibility, increasing its resistance to micro cracking and fatigue, whilst improving impact resistance to submerged objects.

Gel coat

We use a white NPG resin gel coat which has excellent UV resistance and waterproofing qualities. We apply to its optimum thickness – not too thin that it compromises waterproofing, but also not too thick which makes the surface brittle. Our approach is about the quality of a beautiful moulded surface that weathers the elements and time.

Deck Saloon windows

Our deck saloon glass is UV-rated and [heat resistant] and features an Oyster trade mark front opening window for natural fresh air ventilation.

Deck hardware

Exterior hardware is made from high-grade A4 stainless steel for ultimate corrosion resistance. Loaded and load-bearing items from cleats and pad-eyes to winches, rigging tacks and blocks, are all over specified for true bluewater durability.

Mast spars and rigging

Oyster yachts are designed for global cruising, with high stability and ballast ratio characteristics. They feature larger-diameter rigging for maximum stability. We only partner with the world’s finest spar makers either in painted or anodised high-grade aluminium or carbon.

Beautiful hardwoods

Oyster Yachts interiors feature hardwoods all individually selected by expert suppliers from sustainable sources. We select the finest examples from the highest quality timber with minimal flaws and knots which helps us avoid waste and make sure each piece is perfectly finished the first time with appropriate grain matching and minimal wastage.

Seating

The material used in saloon seats is specified for extreme comfort and longevity. All upholstery meets UK Fire Regulations – some of the most stringent in the world and above EURCD requirements.

Light fittings

We use the highest quality LED lights throughout Oyster Yachts interiors, as well as in the navigation lights. Our recessed, glare-free spotlights and concealed LED strip lighting are seamlessly colour-tone matched for the perfect ambient lighting mood settings.

Fixtures and fittings

From door hinges and handles to catches and grab handles, everything is specified to the highest quality for smooth operation and extended lifespan. Cabin doors feature soft seals for positive, solid closure.

Soleboards

Our soleboards are hardwood faced onto marine ply with a balance lamination to assist against warping and twisting. They are laid onto rubber gaskets to prevent creaking or movement.

Electrical

All cabling behind the scenes is named and numbered to make testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance simple, along with any future alterations owners and skippers may wish to make. All exterior cables have tinned cores for anti-corrosion and uncompromised connection. Extensive use of waterproof connectors, both above and below decks significantly extends the lifespan of electrical connections and components.

Exterior
Interior
Oyster 745 at anchor at sunset
675 at anchor in cove
oyster 565 sailing at sea
oyster 885 sailing yacht 2
oyster sailing yacht 55 foot

INSIGHTS

Building your Oyster

The journey to becoming an Oyster owner is different for everyone. For some it starts as a childhood dream, for others, it’s the culmination of years of research that leads them to conclude there is no other choice but an Oyster. But for everyone, the delights of ownership start the moment the build begins.

A key part of owning your Oyster is understanding the craftsmanship and attention to detail that go into her and the insights you pick up through the build and handover process. Being part of this process adds to the deep sense of ownership felt when stepping aboard for the first time. To ensure this experience is something to savour and cherish, we assign one of our experienced project managers to guide you every step of the way.

Our Project Managers are all experienced sailors who will help to turn your hopes, plans and dreams of adventure into reality – from the initial moulding of the hull to your in-depth handover.

Their practical experience is gained from thousands of sailing miles (many have circumnavigated), previous builds and deep knowledge of Oyster yachts. Your Project Manager will be there throughout the build. They will offer advice on all aspects of the process along the way and are well-placed to advise you on anything from choosing and installing the complex computer and AV systems to selecting the right sails down to galley equipment – even details like appliances!

Working with you, they will ensure your Oyster is beyond expectation on the day you take ownership.

Your Project Manager will take time to get to know you and understand your plans – what is most important to you in terms of finish and equipment and where you wish to sail.

Once you have chosen your model, the planning phase is critical. Our team will use their deep knowledge of Oysters and the latest equipment to help you specify a yacht that meets your exacting requirements and is the answer to your sailing dreams. Only when everything is agreed upon, understood and signed off will the major work on creating the hull and deck begin.

Your Project Manager will encourage you to visit your yacht during each build stage. The process is fascinating and provides a chance to understand the strength of the yacht’s structure, operating systems and utilities.

The build starts at our specialist moulding technology centre. Over many years, we have seen that for owners a big part of the build is the regular yard visits scheduled throughout the build, to see the yacht at key points of the process.

Owning an Oyster is made richer by understanding the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into them. These yard visits help to do just that – they are an excellent opportunity to meet our master craftspeople, see their skills in action and understand all aspects of the construction of your yacht for complete peace of mind.

We will keep you up-to-date and ensure you have all the information you need to make decisions at the right time.

Depending on the model, upon completion, the hull and deck are transported to one of our manufacturing centres, where the utilities, systems and interior are installed.

The first phase of the fit-out sees the installation of wiring looms and plumbing systems, laying the foundations for our master craftspeople to play their part. During the second phase, the furniture and cabinetry are installed and the fine details of the finish are handcrafted to the highest standards, along with any customisation you have specified.

On completion, your yacht will be handed over to our commissioning team. Commissioning takes six to eight weeks, with extreme attention to detail to meet the most exacting standards and ensure everything is perfect for when you take ownership. This is followed by a week-long handover when you will experience your yacht and systems first-hand which, combined with the detailed handover procedure, will give you complete confidence to set sail on your first adventure.

At its heart, the Oyster 495 is a wonderfully (Humphreys) designed and engineered luxury bluewater cruiser conceived from the ground up, built in a new dedicated facility to a repeatable quality very few yards are capable of.
Toby Hodges, Yachting World

THE OYSTER DIFFERENCE

Oyster explorer yachts are specified well-beyond normal requirements.

495 sailing yacht
Seaworthy construction
For your peace of mind, our over-specified design and meticulous build processes ensure every part of your Oyster contributes to its strength and durability.

 

Engineering sailing yacht
Engineering
Every system is engineered to the highest standards. Built and tested for reliability and practicality, everything is designed for ease of use and simple maintenance.

 

provisioning sailing yacht
Provisioned for adventure
From design and build to performance and comfort, Oysters are built with ample tankage, stowage and comfort to make every voyage the perfect adventure.