2004 Oyster 46 vs 1996 Moody 45 — Comparison

2004 Oyster 462004 Oyster 46
VS
1996 Moody 451996 Moody 45

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2004 Oyster 461996 Moody 45
General
ManufacturerOysterMoody
Year2004–20101996–2002
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUnited KingdomUK
DesignerRob HumphreysBill Dixon
Dimensions
LOA14.02 m (46.0 ft)13.72 m (45.0 ft)
LWL11.60 m (38.1 ft)11.50 m (37.7 ft)
Beam4.20 m (13.8 ft)4.22 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.05 m (6.7 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement12,500 kg (27,558 lbs)12,500 kg (27,558 lbs)
Ballast4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)4,900 kg (10,803 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area90.0 m² (969 ft²)85.0 m² (915 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Water Capacity450 L (118.9 gal)450 L (118.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2004 Oyster 46
16.97
1996 Moody 45
16.03
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2004 Oyster 46
38.40
1996 Moody 45
39.20
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2004 Oyster 46
0.73
1996 Moody 45
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2004 Oyster 46
18.69
1996 Moody 45
19.06

Detailed Comparison

The 2004 Oyster 46 and 1996 Moody 45 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2004 Oyster 46 is a 2000s design by Oyster from United Kingdom, while the 1996 Moody 45 is a 1990s offering from Moody from UK. The 2004 Oyster 46 was penned by Rob Humphreys. The 1996 Moody 45 was designed by Bill Dixon.

In terms of size, the 2004 Oyster 46 measures 14.02m (46.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the 1996 Moody 45 at 13.72m (45.0ft) with a 4.22m beam. The 2004 Oyster 46 is 0.30m longer than the 1996 Moody 45.

Looking at performance, the 2004 Oyster 46 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.97 and 90.0 m² of sail area. The 1996 Moody 45, with an SA/D of 16.03 and 85.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2004 Oyster 46 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2004 Oyster 46 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 1996 Moody 45 has a comfort ratio of 19.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 38.4% for the 2004 Oyster 46 and 39.2% for the 1996 Moody 45, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2004 Oyster 46 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 450L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The 1996 Moody 45 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 450L water and 250L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1996 Moody 45 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 Oyster 46 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1996 Moody 45 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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