Ocean 60 Information, Review, Specs

The Ocean 60 was primarily offered as a ketch or a schooner, though the ketch rig remains the most prevalent in the brokerage market today. It was later complemented by the Ocean 62, a sibling model built on essentially the same hull form but optimized with a more "private" owner-centric layout and a slightly modified transom. Where the 60 was the workhorse of the charter world, the 62 was often seen as the refined, long-distance private cruiser.

Sailing Performance & Handling

At sea, the Ocean 60 is defined by its displacement and its steady, predictable motion. With a heavy-displacement hull and a deep fin keel paired with a large skeg-hung rudder, the boat exhibits exceptional tracking, even in a confused following sea. As an ocean-crossing vessel, its sail area-to-displacement ratio is tuned more for momentum and stability than light-air agility. It is not a boat that "flicks" through tacks; rather, it powers through chop with a "steamroller" effect that provides immense confidence to the crew.

The ketch rig provides a versatile sail plan, allowing for numerous "gears" as the wind increases. Owners frequently report that the "jib and jigger" configuration (sailing under headsail and mizzen alone) allows the Ocean 60 to remain balanced and comfortable in 30-knot gusts while maintaining a respectable speed. Maneuvering in tight marinas can be a challenge due to its high topsides and significant windage, making a powerful bow thruster a near-essential upgrade for modern owners.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Ocean 60 was designed to maximize occupancy without sacrificing the feeling of a "grand salon." Most units were built with a "charter-friendly" layout, often featuring four or five separate cabins, each with en-suite heads. This modularity was a key selling point for Southern Ocean Shipyard, as it allowed the vessel to accommodate large groups in private quarters that felt substantial rather than cramped.

The salon is typically the centerpiece of the vessel, utilizing the wide beam to provide a massive U-shaped seating area and a dedicated navigation station that would rival a small office. The joinery is characteristic of the Poole shipyard's high standards—heavy teak or mahogany veneers and solid wood trim that have, in many cases, survived decades of hard use. The primary variation between the Ocean 60 and its sibling, the Ocean 62, lies in the aft section; the 62 typically features a grand master suite spanning the full beam of the stern, whereas the 60 often utilized that space for twin guest cabins or crew quarters.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Ocean 60 earned its reputation as the "King of Charter" throughout the 1980s and 90s. Its ruggedness led to it being featured in various sailing documentaries of that era focusing on trans-Atlantic crossings. While it has not been a "star" of a specific Hollywood production, it is a frequent sight in the background of classic yachting photography from the Antigua Sailing Week and other prestigious Caribbean regattas, where many of these hulls spent their primary working lives.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing an Ocean 60 requires a rigorous survey, specifically focusing on the systems and structural components that endure the most stress on a 60-foot ketch.

1. Teak Deck Condition: Most Ocean 60s were originally fitted with thick teak decks bedded in resin or screwed down. After 40 years, these decks are often at the end of their service life. Potential buyers should check for soft spots in the core and evidence of water ingress around the deck-to-hull joint.
2. Osmosis: While Southern Ocean Shipyard used high-quality resins, these hulls were built before the widespread use of vinylester resins. A thorough hull inspection for osmotic blistering is standard for this vintage.
3. Rigging and Chainplates: The loads on a 60-foot ketch are immense. The stainless steel chainplates are often buried behind cabinetry, making inspection difficult but necessary. Any sign of "tea staining" or weeping should be treated as a major project.
4. Engine and Machinery: Many units are powered by older Perkins or Ford Lehman diesels. While these are reliable "million-mile" engines, access in the engine room—though generally good—should be checked for signs of neglected maintenance on heat exchangers and exhaust elbows.
5. Steering System: The cables and sheaves for the large skeg-hung rudder should be inspected for fraying or corrosion, as the physical force required to steer a boat of this mass is significant.

Community & Resources

The community for Southern Ocean Shipyard vessels is largely informal but highly dedicated. Owners tend to communicate through regional cruising clubs and technical forums. While no singular "Ocean 60 Class Association" exists, the Van de Stadt Designs archive remains a vital resource for original plans and technical specifications for owners looking to perform authentic restorations.

The Verdict

The Ocean 60 is a "proper ship" for the sailor who prioritizes sea-kindliness and interior volume over racing trophies. It remains one of the most cost-effective ways to acquire a true 60-foot offshore passage-maker, provided the buyer is prepared for the maintenance scale of a vessel this size.

Pros:

• Exceptional heavy-weather stability and comfort.
• Enormous interior volume with versatile cabin configurations.
• Renowned Van de Stadt design pedigree and robust British construction.
• "Go-anywhere" capability with a well-protected skeg-hung rudder.

Cons:

• High maintenance costs associated with a large ketch rig.
• Difficult to maneuver in close quarters without a bow thruster.
• Likely requires significant investment in deck and system renewals if original.
• Sluggish performance in light winds (under 10 knots).