2004 Oyster 46 vs 1979 Cal 39 — Comparison
2004 Oyster 46
1979 Cal 39
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2004 Oyster 46 | 1979 Cal 39 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Oyster | Cal |
| Year | 2004–2010 | 1979–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | United Kingdom | USA |
| Designer | Rob Humphreys | Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.02 m (46.0 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.60 m (38.1 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.05 m (6.7 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 12,500 kg (27,558 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,800 kg (10,582 lbs) | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 90.0 m² (969 ft²) | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 30 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 450 L (118.9 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2004 Oyster 46 and 1979 Cal 39 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2004 Oyster 46 is a 2000s design by Oyster from United Kingdom, while the 1979 Cal 39 is a 1970s offering from Cal from USA. The 2004 Oyster 46 was penned by Rob Humphreys. The 1979 Cal 39 was designed by Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt.
In terms of size, the 2004 Oyster 46 measures 14.02m (46.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the 1979 Cal 39 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 2004 Oyster 46 is 2.13m longer than the 1979 Cal 39. The 2004 Oyster 46 displaces approximately 53% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2004 Oyster 46 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.97 and 90.0 m² of sail area. The 1979 Cal 39, with an SA/D of 15.78 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2004 Oyster 46 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2004 Oyster 46 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 1979 Cal 39 has a comfort ratio of 21.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 38.4% for the 2004 Oyster 46 and 41.7% for the 1979 Cal 39, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2004 Oyster 46 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 450L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The 1979 Cal 39 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1979 Cal 39 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 2004 Oyster 46 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2004 Oyster 46 · 1979 Cal 39