2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 vs 2008 Oyster 56 — Comparison
2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1
2008 Oyster 56
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 | 2008 Oyster 56 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Oyster |
| Year | 2019 | 2008–2015 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | United Kingdom |
| Designer | Groupe Finot-Conq | Rob Humphreys |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 15.94 m (52.3 ft) | 17.10 m (56.1 ft) |
| LWL | 14.30 m (46.9 ft) | 14.30 m (46.9 ft) |
| Beam | 4.80 m (15.7 ft) | 4.72 m (15.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.25 m (7.4 ft) | 2.35 m (7.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 13,500 kg (29,762 lbs) | 21,000 kg (46,297 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,800 kg (8,378 lbs) | 7,800 kg (17,196 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 108.0 m² (1,163 ft²) | 128.0 m² (1,378 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 150 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 500 L (132.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 400 L (105.7 gal) | 850 L (224.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 10 | 8 |
| Cabins | 5 | 4 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 and 2008 Oyster 56 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the 2008 Oyster 56 is a 2000s offering from Oyster from United Kingdom. The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 was penned by Groupe Finot-Conq. The 2008 Oyster 56 was designed by Rob Humphreys.
In terms of size, the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 measures 15.94m (52.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.80m, compared to the 2008 Oyster 56 at 17.10m (56.1ft) with a 4.72m beam. The 2008 Oyster 56 is 1.16m longer than the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1. The 2008 Oyster 56 displaces approximately 56% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.35 and 108.0 m² of sail area. The 2008 Oyster 56, with an SA/D of 17.08 and 128.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 11.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 2008 Oyster 56 has a comfort ratio of 17.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.69. The ballast ratios are 28.2% for the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 and 37.1% for the 2008 Oyster 56, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 provides 10 berths in 5 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 2008 Oyster 56 offers 8 berths in 4 cabins with 850L water and 500L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2008 Oyster 56 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 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.