This isn’t a couples cruiser. The reviewer who sailed the 745 observed that it’s set up to be run and operated by a professional crew, and that its forward crew quarters would attract top talent.
Design and Construction
With a displacement of nearly 119,000 pounds and a 19-foot-4-inch beam carried on a 65-foot-7-inch waterline, the Oyster 745 is a substantial offshore platform. It follows Oyster’s familiar center-cockpit layout, while three vertical windows give the hull a distinctive signature, repeated in the owner’s cabin.
The deck walkways are wide enough for crew to pass without squeezing through the shrouds—a safety feature singled out by the walkthrough reviewer. Forward of the mast, there’s a broad expanse of deck with well-arranged hatches and skylights. The high-quality teak decking showed no noticeable wobble underfoot, and its middle batten carries a decorative “fish” detail.
The deck saloon’s front glazing appears as one continuous black window, without visible frames, and gives the yacht a cat-like profile when viewed from the side. Below, the wooden interior maintains a consistent standard of finish from the saloon to the crew compartment.
Writing in Cruising World, the tester who inspected the engine room found all the primary systems arranged around its perimeter, with really great access. The tester judged the boat beautifully built, nicely engineered, and comfortably serviceable.
Rig, Deck and Cockpit
At the mast stand, two halyard winches sit to either side, with the primary being the larger of the pair. Some of the rigging lines leading aft pass through a small arch in front of the primary winches before being coiled. The primary winches are huge stainless-steel Lewmar units positioned aft, behind the steering stations.
A high coaming shelters the cockpit and creates a reassuringly secure space. Its central table folds out on all four sides, roughly tripling its footprint to form a dining platform. A large reclining area, arranged around two big L-shaped settees, can accommodate around eight guests.
The tester found the yacht’s speed and maneuverability surprising. The yacht felt good, was easy to move around both on deck and below, and was very comfortable.
Interior and Accommodations
The full-width aft master cabin lies down a short, two-step corridor from the saloon. On the way, the corridor passes a large bathroom with a separate shower and electric toilet.
The master cabin offers abundant storage and plenty of natural light through three Seascape windows. Its ensuite has a walk-in shower and an electric-flush toilet, while touchscreens control the infotainment and air-conditioning systems.
In the saloon, the dining area is to starboard and has notably fine upholstery. The dedicated navigation station includes a massive wooden chart table, with facing areas for plotters, radar, computer screens, switch panels, and VHF. The galley has a stainless-steel double sink, a 4-burner stove, and a large freezer-fridge combination against the forward bulkhead.
Guest accommodations include one large cabin with a big bed, an opening porthole, and an ensuite, plus a second cabin with two separate beds. Forward, the Pullman-configured double crew cabin has its own ensuite and matches the finish of the main interior. Its proper companionway stair—not a ladder—drew praise as a “stairway to heaven.”
Energy Use and Complexity
Energy consumption is a significant issue aboard the Oyster 745. The walkthrough noted that true circumnavigators would argue that a vessel of this scale isn’t energy-independent without careful management.
With day and night generators, a big shaft-drive engine, and numerous systems, the 745 is also an extremely complex boat to run.
The Verdict
The Oyster 745 is a thoroughly modern offshore yacht intended for professional crew. It occupies the sweet spot Oyster knew how to build: vast, light-filled accommodations within a seaworthy center-cockpit hull, backed by excellent deck safety and service access.
The 745 rewards a professionally crewed program and punishes the idea of casual two-person cruising. As a luxury world cruiser, however, it’s difficult to fault the execution.
Pros
- Full-width aft master cabin with three Seascape windows and abundant storage
- Wide deck walkways free of the shrouds, plus a cockpit protected by high coamings
- Engine room with perimeter-mounted systems and excellent access
- Distinctive vertical hull windows and frameless-looking saloon glazing
- Unanimously named Best Luxury Cruiser for 2018 by Cruising World’s panel
Cons
- High energy consumption requires disciplined management
- Requires professional crew and isn’t suited to couples cruising
- Extremely complex systems architecture
