Ocean 62 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Ocean 62 is a quintessential "miles muncher," designed for stability and momentum rather than light-air agility. With a reported sail area-to-displacement ratio of approximately 10.37 and a displacement of 48,000 lbs, the vessel feels planted and purposeful in a seaway. Its hull form, often attributed to the influences of E.G. van de Stadt, features a deep V-section and a substantial 48-foot waterline that allows it to maintain high average speeds across varying conditions.

Handling is defined by the ketch rig, which remains the most common configuration for the 62. This split sail plan is highly advantageous for a short-handed crew, as it breaks the total sail area into smaller, more manageable pieces, allowing for easy reefing as the wind climbs. For the owner, this results in a yacht that can be balanced effectively under mizzen and jib alone in heavy weather. Some versions, such as the Ocean 62 Centreboard variant, offer an additional layer of versatility with a hydraulic keel that reduces draft for shallow-water cruising without sacrificing the yacht’s legendary deep-sea stability.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike the Ocean 60, which often prioritized maximum occupancy for charter fleets, the interior of the Ocean 62 emphasizes private luxury and long-term liveability. The standard configuration typically features three to four expansive cabins, a significant departure from the six-cabin layouts common in its sibling models. The centerpiece of the 62 is the aft stateroom, which spans the full beam of the yacht, providing a level of privacy and headroom rarely seen in vessels of this vintage.

The craftsmanship reflects Southern Ocean Shipyard’s "gold standard" era, utilizing heavy mahogany or teak joinery that gives the interior a traditional, "ship-like" feel. The salon is typically elevated, benefitting from the yacht’s high freeboard to provide excellent natural light and ventilation through large portholes. Because these boats were built on a semi-custom basis, variations are common; some hulls were delivered with a dedicated navigation station and a massive "up-galley" for social cooking, while others moved the galley lower to maximize salon seating.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Ocean 62 shares its cultural footprint with the "cult classic" Ocean 60. While the 60 was the boat of choice for famous charter operations and historical Atlantic crossings, the 62 is frequently cited in high-end brokerage retrospectives as the "civilized" version of that ocean-proven hull. The series as a whole is often mentioned alongside other SOS legends like Ocean Spirit, the Ocean 71 that won the 1970 Round Britain Race. The 62's reputation for seaworthiness is bolstered by anecdotes of its siblings surviving Force 13 conditions, cementing its place in the "blue water hall of fame" as a vessel built to outlast its owners.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach an Ocean 62 with the understanding that these are complex, aging systems-heavy yachts.

• Osmosis and Hull Condition: While Southern Ocean Shipyard used hand-laid GRP to extreme thicknesses, boats from the late 70s and early 80s can still be susceptible to osmosis if the gelcoat has not been maintained. A thorough hull survey is essential.
• Teak Deck Longevity: Many Ocean 62s were delivered with teak-laid side decks. In this era, decks were often screwed and stapled through the core; if the bungs have worn down or the caulking has failed, water may have reached the sub-deck. Replacement is a significant six-figure capital expense.
• Ketch Rig Maintenance: The complexity of two masts, dual sets of standing rigging, and extra furling systems requires double the inspection effort. Potential buyers should check the chainplates for signs of stress or weeping, particularly where they penetrate the deck.
• Hydraulic Systems: If the vessel is a centreboard model, the hydraulic rams and hoses for the keel require meticulous inspection. Parts for these older custom systems may need to be fabricated if they have not been recently serviced.

Community & Resources

While there is no single "Ocean 62 Class Association," owners typically congregate around the broader Southern Ocean Shipyard heritage. Technical support is often found through the Van de Stadt Design archives or through technical groups dedicated to the Gallant 53 and Ocean 71, as much of the hardware and construction philosophy is shared across the fleet.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Unmatched Durability: Built to exceed Lloyds standards, providing immense peace of mind in heavy weather.
• Split Rig Handling: The ketch configuration makes it one of the few 60-plus-foot yachts of its era truly manageable by a couple.
• Volume & Luxury: Exceptional interior volume and private owner-focused layouts compared to the charter-centric Ocean 60.

Cons:

• High Operating Costs: Maintaining the systems, rigging, and teak of a 62-foot vessel requires a substantial annual budget.
• Heavy Air Dependency: The high displacement means the boat can feel sluggish in light winds without a large reaching sail.
• Aging Systems: Most original units will require significant electrical and plumbing refits to meet modern cruising standards.