For those ready to start some bluewater voyages immediately, this well-cared-for, fin-and-bulb-keel sailing yacht from Oyster Design Group has been updated, overhauled, and ready to set sail for new adventures. Currently moored in Port Townsend, this one-owner, ocean-rated cruiser, built in Auckland, New Zealand, has circumnavigated the world, sailing 75,000 miles in its 16 years of existence, and also took part in the 2013-2014 Oyster World Rally.
In recent years, the Oyster 53 has been refurbished several times, including a full engine rebuild and a servicing of the generator in 2021 and 2023. During a seven-month retrofit in 2021, a new water heater was installed, cutless bearings were replaced, and the water-maker pump was rebuilt. Other improvements include new Lewmar deck hatch seals and lenses, new Gabo portlights, new teak cap rail plugs, and non-skid coating on the coach roof.
Sails include Sanders reefing mainsail and headsail, and two Yankee sails. The yacht is cutter-rigged with a Selden in-mast electric furling main sail, a Reckmann electric furling Yankee, and a manually furling staysail. All running rigging was replaced in 2021.
Despite being the smallest of all Oyster yachts to have a four-cabin layout, the 53 is surprisingly spacious, with room for seven berths. The large cockpit is protected by a sprayhood/Bimini and includes a natural teak table. For social gatherings, the stainless steel helm can be removed, and the cockpit table extended with a custom insert.
A companionway and ladder connect the cockpit to the open salon, furnished with light teak joinery and teak and holly decking. Large windows provide plenty of ambient light and can be opened to provide fresh air. An expandable table and a plush, U-shaped settee are situated to starboard, with seating for up to 10 people. Just aft of the settee is the galley, featuring Corian countertops, a double sink, an electric Force10 range, and a crockery cabinet, and a Frigomatic refrigerator and freezer, both serviced in 2023. A navigation station and chart table are located to the port side of the salon, equipped with a built-in chartplotter, VHF DSC radio, SSB radio, a satellite phone, shipboard computer, radar detector, and stereo system.
The full-beam owner’s cabin is located just aft of the galley and includes a queen-size berth, a seating area to port, a Fusion stereo system, and an en suite head and shower. Another stateroom with a queen-size berth is situated at the bow with a third stateroom just aft and to starboard with two single-bunk berths. A fourth stateroom just aft of the navigation station includes a single berth. A second forward day head is located forward of the saloon.
The rebuilt engine is a 100 hp 2007 Yanmar 4JH3-THE with just under 4,000 hours of use and a four-blade folding Bunton propeller. Under power, the vessel can cruise at 6.5 knots and tops out at 8 knots.
Specs & Info
LOA 53’0” · Beam 15’3” · Draft 7’3”
Tankage (Fuel/Fresh/Black)
165 gal. / 154 gal. / 18.5 gal.
Engine
Yanmar 4JH3-THE
Contact
Waterline Boats/Boatshed
Port Townsend, WA
Van Helker
425.246.5101
van@waterlineboats.com
waterlineboats.com
