2004 Oyster 46 vs 1996 Najad 380 — Comparison

2004 Oyster 462004 Oyster 46
VS
1996 Najad 380

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2004 Oyster 461996 Najad 380
General
ManufacturerOysterNajad
Year2004–20101996–2006
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUnited KingdomSweden
DesignerRob HumphreysJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA14.02 m (46.0 ft)11.55 m (37.9 ft)
LWL11.60 m (38.1 ft)9.50 m (31.2 ft)
Beam4.20 m (13.8 ft)3.55 m (11.6 ft)
Draft2.05 m (6.7 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement12,500 kg (27,558 lbs)7,500 kg (16,535 lbs)
Ballast4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)3,050 kg (6,724 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area90.0 m² (969 ft²)62.0 m² (667 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Water Capacity450 L (118.9 gal)260 L (68.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2004 Oyster 46
16.97
1996 Najad 380
16.44
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2004 Oyster 46
38.40
1996 Najad 380
40.67
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2004 Oyster 46
0.73
1996 Najad 380
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2004 Oyster 46
18.69
1996 Najad 380
20.83

Detailed Comparison

The 2004 Oyster 46 and 1996 Najad 380 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2004 Oyster 46 is a 2000s design by Oyster from United Kingdom, while the 1996 Najad 380 is a 1990s offering from Najad from Sweden. The 2004 Oyster 46 was penned by Rob Humphreys. The 1996 Najad 380 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 2004 Oyster 46 measures 14.02m (46.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the 1996 Najad 380 at 11.55m (37.9ft) with a 3.55m beam. The 2004 Oyster 46 is 2.47m longer than the 1996 Najad 380. The 2004 Oyster 46 displaces approximately 67% 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 1996 Najad 380, with an SA/D of 16.44 and 62.0 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 1996 Najad 380 has a comfort ratio of 20.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 38.4% for the 2004 Oyster 46 and 40.7% for the 1996 Najad 380, 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 1996 Najad 380 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 260L water and 150L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1996 Najad 380 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: The 2004 Oyster 46 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: 2004 Oyster 46 · 1996 Najad 380