Oyster 495 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Oyster 495 marks a significant addition to Oyster Yachts' current lineup, with production beginning in 2021 and continuing to the present day. As with all modern Oyster yachts, the 495 emerged from the design philosophy of Rob Humphreys and his team, alongside Oyster's own designer Chris Lock. The builder, Oyster Yachts, founded in 1973, has a long-standing reputation for crafting capable and luxurious bluewater cruising yachts known for their robust fiberglass construction, exquisite craftsmanship, and timeless design. The 495 was specifically developed to capture the core "DNA" of the Oyster brand, delivering excellent sailing characteristics, quality materials, and superb British craftsmanship in a thoroughly modern 50-foot bluewater sailing yacht. A key design feature, consistent with Oyster's identity, is the distinctive deck saloon and the signature "seascape windows," which enhance interior light and views. The Oyster 495 also benefits from a modern hull shape, specifically designed to resist heeling, contributing to its stability and comfort.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Oyster 495 boasts impressive sailing characteristics, striking a balance between performance and stability for long-distance cruising. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.65, she offers balanced performance, capable of performing well in varying wind conditions. Her displacement to length ratio of around 201.6 indicates a moderately heavy displacement for her length, which is characteristic of a robust bluewater cruiser designed for comfort and seakindliness. The yacht's ballast, weighing 14,619 pounds, contributes to its stability. However, the modern hull form of the Oyster 495 is also designed to resist heeling, which reduces the reliance on ballast alone for stiffness.

Reviews indicate that the Oyster 495 "comes alive" in true wind speeds of teens or more, proving to be "powerful and stable," which is precisely what is desired from a distance cruiser. Designed with "bluewater sensibilities" in mind, she offers a reliable and comfortable motion in a seaway, making her suitable for extended passages and circumnavigations.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Oyster 495 is meticulously planned, reflecting the high standards of attention to detail expected from Oyster Yachts. Despite its 52.82-foot length overall, the yacht's generous beam of 15.65 feet and considerable freeboard contribute to substantial deck space and internal volume, creating a luxurious living environment.

The layout typically features a well-appointed salon, a fully equipped galley, and comfortable sleeping arrangements. A highlight of the interior is the full-width owner's cabin, distinguished by Oyster's signature triple Seascape windows that flood the space with natural light and offer expansive views. While specific headroom details are not provided, the overall design emphasizes spaciousness and intelligent use of volume. Owners should note that the interior design may include numerous steps. The vessel is well-equipped for extended cruising, featuring a significant fuel capacity of 211 gallons and a water capacity of 159 gallons. A clever design element is the deep keel stub, utilized for grey water collection, which centralizes weight efficiently.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently praise the Oyster 495 for its robust construction, luxurious living spaces, and solid sailing performance, particularly its powerful and stable motion in a seaway. The yacht is recognized for its "excellent sailing characteristics" and overall quality of materials and craftsmanship. Notably, the Oyster 495 has succeeded in attracting new clients to the brand, with only a small fraction of early sales going to existing Oyster owners. While generally well-received, some owner feedback indicates that the yacht is an expensive investment and features multiple interior steps, which can be a consideration. The overall sentiment among owners appears to be one of satisfaction with a vessel that delivers on its promise of comfortable and capable bluewater cruising.