2004 Hunter 466 vs 2008 Oyster 56 — Comparison

2004 Hunter 4662004 Hunter 466
VS
2008 Oyster 562008 Oyster 56

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2004 Hunter 4662008 Oyster 56
General
ManufacturerHunterOyster
Year2004–20082008–2015
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUnited Kingdom
DesignerGlenn HendersonRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA14.17 m (46.5 ft)17.10 m (56.1 ft)
LWL12.50 m (41.0 ft)14.30 m (46.9 ft)
Beam4.37 m (14.3 ft)4.72 m (15.5 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)2.35 m (7.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement12,247 kg (27,000 lbs)21,000 kg (46,297 lbs)
Ballast4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area90.5 m² (974 ft²)128.0 m² (1,378 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP150 HP
Fuel Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)500 L (132.1 gal)
Water Capacity379 L (100.1 gal)850 L (224.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths88
Cabins34

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2004 Hunter 466
17.30
2008 Oyster 56
17.08
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2004 Hunter 466
33.33
2008 Oyster 56
37.14
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2004 Hunter 466
0.76
2008 Oyster 56
0.69
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2004 Hunter 466
15.61
2008 Oyster 56
17.81

Detailed Comparison

The 2004 Hunter 466 and 2008 Oyster 56 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2004 Hunter 466 is a 2000s design by Hunter from USA, while the 2008 Oyster 56 is a 2000s offering from Oyster from United Kingdom. The 2004 Hunter 466 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 2008 Oyster 56 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 2004 Hunter 466 measures 14.17m (46.5ft) overall with a beam of 4.37m, compared to the 2008 Oyster 56 at 17.10m (56.1ft) with a 4.72m beam. The 2008 Oyster 56 is 2.93m longer than the 2004 Hunter 466. The 2008 Oyster 56 displaces approximately 71% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2004 Hunter 466 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.30 and 90.5 m² of sail area. The 2008 Oyster 56, with an SA/D of 17.08 and 128.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2004 Hunter 466 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2004 Hunter 466 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 2008 Oyster 56 has a comfort ratio of 17.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 33.3% for the 2004 Hunter 466 and 37.1% for the 2008 Oyster 56, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2004 Hunter 466 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 379L of water capacity and 189L of fuel. The 2008 Oyster 56 offers 8 berths in 4 cabins with 850L water and 500L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2008 Oyster 56 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The 2004 Hunter 466 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: 2004 Hunter 466 · 2008 Oyster 56