2004 Oyster 46 vs 2015 Oyster 72 — Comparison
2004 Oyster 46
2015 Oyster 72
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2004 Oyster 46 | 2015 Oyster 72 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Oyster | Oyster |
| Year | 2004–2010 | 2015 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Designer | Rob Humphreys | Rob Humphreys |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.02 m (46.0 ft) | 21.95 m (72.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) | 18.50 m (60.7 ft) |
| Beam | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) | 5.60 m (18.4 ft) |
| Draft | 2.05 m (6.7 ft) | 2.80 m (9.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 12,500 kg (27,558 lbs) | 38,000 kg (83,776 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,800 kg (10,582 lbs) | 14,000 kg (30,865 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 90.0 m² (969 ft²) | 195.0 m² (2,099 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 280 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 1000 L (264.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 450 L (118.9 gal) | 1500 L (396.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 10 |
| Cabins | 3 | 5 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2004 Oyster 46 and 2015 Oyster 72 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2004 Oyster 46 is a 2000s design by Oyster from United Kingdom, while the 2015 Oyster 72 is a modern offering from Oyster from United Kingdom. The 2004 Oyster 46 was penned by Rob Humphreys. The 2015 Oyster 72 was designed by Rob Humphreys.
In terms of size, the 2004 Oyster 46 measures 14.02m (46.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the 2015 Oyster 72 at 21.95m (72.0ft) with a 5.60m beam. The 2015 Oyster 72 is 7.93m longer than the 2004 Oyster 46. The 2015 Oyster 72 displaces approximately 204% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
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 2015 Oyster 72, with an SA/D of 17.52 and 195.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2015 Oyster 72 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 2015 Oyster 72 has a comfort ratio of 15.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.67. The ballast ratios are 38.4% for the 2004 Oyster 46 and 36.8% for the 2015 Oyster 72, 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 2015 Oyster 72 offers 10 berths in 5 cabins with 1500L water and 1000L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2004 Oyster 46 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 2015 Oyster 72 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2015 Oyster 72 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2004 Oyster 46 · 2015 Oyster 72