WHAT WE SAY

Broker's Comments

NEW FOOTAGE NOW AVAILABLE!

The Oyster 55 is perhaps the classic Oyster, and one of our bestselling models. Designed by Holman and Pye and introduced in 1986, the ﬁrst 6 hulls were launched at 53 feet and featured a counter stern. The addition of a sugar scoop with bathing platform stretched the design to 55 feet and around half of the 53s were later extended to match the newer model. Her attractive and traditional looks include a moderate freeboard, attractive shearline, and generous overhangs, giving her a timeless elegance, whilst her balanced hull form makes her a surefooted sea boat in any conditions, especially upwind in a gale. The 55 is heavily constructed with a single-skin GRP hull supported by massive ribs and stringers, encapsulated keel, and keel-stepped mast.

We launched 48 examples between 1986 and 1998 when she was replaced in our range by the Oyster 56. In that time there were a number of variations, most were cutter rigged with in-mast furling, but three were launched at ketches. The standard 55 has an encapsulated keel, but a handful were launched with shoal draft, and we launched one with a pilothouse. The interiors usually have either four cabins or three plus a workshop, and most are finished in teak, although there are some in cherry or light oak. The 55 is a proven world cruiser and consummate ocean-going liveaboard.

Modus Vivendi has been in the same ownership since 1997 and has been constantly maintained and upgraded. Among the recent works undertaken by the owner were a new teak deck fitted in 2000, a new generator and windlass, nav instruments, a cooker,
and washing machine in 2008, a new bow thruster in 2014, a fridge compressor in 2015, and house batteries in 2021.

Fully equipped and ready to sail, Modus Vivendi would make a wonderful yacht for anyone looking for a bluewater thoroughbred.