For this model, Humphreys developed an improved hull form and paired it with a sportier rig than earlier Oysters. Testing found the resulting boat both quick and composed.
Design and Construction
The 625 has a first-class composite structure. Its hull laminate combines E-glass, Kevlar, and carbon fiber, with a solid laminate below the waterline and reinforcement from a structural grid. Above the waterline, the topsides are foam-cored and vacuum-bagged. The deck is balsa-cored, with plywood incorporated in load-bearing areas.
Compared with its predecessors, the exterior has a cleaner, more modern bulwark profile. A gentle sheer line connects the stem overhang and reverse transom, while the tapered foredeck leads into the sloping forward edge of the wraparound coachroof window. Integral fittings make it easier for the crew to move from bow to stern, and the flush foredeck lines reinforce the modern appearance.
Oyster offered three keel configurations: a standard 9-foot-2-inch high-performance bulb foil, a fixed shoal-draft option, and an optional centerboard arrangement.
Rig, Sailing Performance, and Handling
The standard fractional sloop rig carries a traditional full-battened mainsail. However, the test boat had the optional triple-spreader cutter rig, an in-mast furling mainsail, and double headsails on husky electric roller furlers.
Under full sail in 12 knots of wind, the boat maintained 7.7 knots through the water. On a beam reach, she accelerated readily to nearly 9 knots when the puffs arrived. Swapping the genoa for the staysail produced comfortable close-reaching speeds of 8.5 to 8.8 knots. With the sheets eased and the wind entering the low teens, she topped 9.1 knots.
The 625 tacked reliably through about 90 degrees and tracked beautifully. Her turning circle was just 1½ boatlengths. Under power, a 180-horsepower Volvo turning at 2,000 rpm delivered a cruising speed of 8 knots. The tester measured sound levels of 60 dBA—the lowest he had recorded in more than two decades of boat tests.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The large cockpit separates the social lounging space from the working sailhandling area. A smaller secondary cockpit aft contains dual helm stations, with a centerline passage between them.
Below, the 625 provides spacious accommodations for a sailing yacht under 20m. Headroom is well over 6 feet almost everywhere, and the owner’s suite spans the full beam aft.
The saloon features Oyster’s signature triple Seascape windows, along with seven deck-saloon portlights and six additional windows at seated eye level. These were set against suede fabric and blond maple joinery.
Buyers could choose from several interior arrangements. Options included a fourth cabin, accessed from the master suite, that could serve as a workshop or as guest or children’s accommodation. Another forepeak layout provided quarters for a full-time crew member, reached by a separate ladder and watertight door.
The test boat slept seven in four cabins, although four of its berths were fairly narrow pilot-cabin bunks.
Systems, Capacities, and Cruising Fitout
Oyster offered extensive customization to each buyer’s specifications. The standard boat included a large forepeak locker, a full-width lazarette, dual bronze sea chests with manifolds, and a 24-volt DC system with a large battery bank. It also carried a second 150-amp engine alternator and an 11.5 kW genset. Together, these features make up a platform built for long-range comfort.
Tankage comprises 449 gallons of fuel, 317 gallons of water, and 99 gallons of waste capacity, supporting extended cruising. A displacement-length ratio of 182 and sail-area displacement ratio of 22.3 place the 625 firmly in the performance-cruiser band for a yacht of her size.
Known Issues
No structural or systemic defects affect the Oyster 625. The construction details noted in period coverage—solid glass below the waterline, foam-cored and vacuum-bagged topsides, and a balsa-cored deck with plywood reinforcement—describe the boat’s build method rather than any failure mode. Period reviews praised the execution without reservation.
The Verdict
The Oyster 625 is a thoughtfully engineered, 62-foot deck-saloon yacht that balances ocean-going substance with lively handling and a bright, customizable interior. It offers cruising families quiet propulsion, easy sailhandling, and layouts suited to anything from owner-only sailing to operation with paid crew.
Pros
- Improved Humphreys hull form and a sportier rig than earlier Oysters
- Vacuum-bagged composite construction with solid glass below the waterline
- Three keel options, including shoal-draft and centerboard configurations
- Exceptionally low measured sound levels and a tight 1½-boatlength turning circle
- Flexible four-cabin layouts with a full-beam aft owner’s suite
Cons
- Some pilot-cabin berths are fairly narrow
- In-mast furling and double headsails were optional rather than standard
