2004 Oyster 46 vs 1986 Westerly Oceanlord — Comparison

2004 Oyster 462004 Oyster 46
VS
1986 Westerly Oceanlord

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2004 Oyster 461986 Westerly Oceanlord
General
ManufacturerOysterWesterly
Year2004–20101986–1992
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUnited KingdomUK
DesignerRob HumphreysEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA14.02 m (46.0 ft)12.04 m (39.5 ft)
LWL11.60 m (38.1 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
Beam4.20 m (13.8 ft)3.81 m (12.5 ft)
Draft2.05 m (6.7 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement12,500 kg (27,558 lbs)9,980 kg (22,002 lbs)
Ballast4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area90.0 m² (969 ft²)68.0 m² (732 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP50 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)182 L (48.1 gal)
Water Capacity450 L (118.9 gal)340 L (89.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2004 Oyster 46
16.97
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
14.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2004 Oyster 46
38.40
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
36.36
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2004 Oyster 46
0.73
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2004 Oyster 46
18.69
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
23.70

Detailed Comparison

The 2004 Oyster 46 and 1986 Westerly Oceanlord represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2004 Oyster 46 is a 2000s design by Oyster from United Kingdom, while the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord is a 1980s offering from Westerly from UK. The 2004 Oyster 46 was penned by Rob Humphreys. The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the 2004 Oyster 46 measures 14.02m (46.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord at 12.04m (39.5ft) with a 3.81m beam. The 2004 Oyster 46 is 1.98m longer than the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord. The 2004 Oyster 46 displaces approximately 25% 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 1986 Westerly Oceanlord, with an SA/D of 14.90 and 68.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. 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 1986 Westerly Oceanlord has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 38.4% for the 2004 Oyster 46 and 36.4% for the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord, 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 1986 Westerly Oceanlord offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 340L water and 182L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord 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.

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Or view individual specs: 2004 Oyster 46 · 1986 Westerly Oceanlord