Designer Rob Humphreys’s latest project in his continuing update of the Oyster line has been to take a fresh look at the 45-foot center-cockpit deck-saloon model designed for Oyster many years ago by Holman & Pye. Many of the features that have made Oyster one of the world’s preeminent builders of custom and semi-custom yachts are present on this yacht. Now Humphreys has revisited the basic hull form with an eye to improving performance—but not at the cost of a rough-and-tumble motion through the water. This 46-footer, which displaces about 38,500 pounds, has plenty of power to shoulder aside a nasty chop and should provide a comfortable ride in most conditions. Humphreys has lengthened the waterline slightly, has added about 6 inches of beam, and, perhaps most important, has increased sail area about 17 percent.
Belowdecks, a three-cabin arrangement features an owner’s stateroom aft along with a double-bunk arrangement amidships and a V-berth all the way forward. Altogether, this is a well-executed update of one of Oyster’s most popular yachts.
Oyster Marine USA, 5 Marina Plaza, Goat Island, Newport, RI 02840; 401-846-7400; www.oystermarine.com
