1988 Oyster 55

The Oyster 55 is perhaps the classic Oyster and one of our best-selling models. Designed by Holman and Pye and introduced in 1986, the first 16 hulls were launched at 53 feet and featured a counter stern. The addition of a sugar scoop with bathing platform stretched the design to 55 feet and around half of the 53s were later extended to match the newer model. Her attractive and traditional looks include a moderate free-board, attractive sheer line, and generous overhangs, giving her a timeless elegance, whilst her balanced hull form makes her a sure-footed sea boat in any conditions, especially upwind in a gale. The 55 is heavily constructed with a single-skin GRP hull supported by massive ribs and stringers, encapsulated keel, and keel-stepped mast. 

We launched 48 examples between 1986 and 1998 when she was replaced in our range by the Oyster 56. In that time there were a number of variations, most were cutter rigged with in-mast furling, but three were launched at ketches. The standard 55 has an encapsulated keel, but a handful were launched with a shoal draft, and we launched one with a pilothouse. The interiors usually have either four cabins or three plus a workshop, and most are finished in teak, although there are some in cherry or light oak. The 55 is a proven world cruiser and consummate ocean-going live aboard. 

Valent sleeps up to ten in five cabins, without recourse to the saloon, and has the classic shorthanded long-distance cruising rig – cutter rig with in-mast furling. The current owner bought her in 2019, and after a substantial refit, sailed with his young family from the UK, south through Atlantic Europe and across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. A new Flexiteek deck was fitted in 2023, while recent standing rigging, batteries, steering system, satellite communications, SSB, windlass, anchor, canvas work, hydro-generator, dinghy, outboard, electric primary and halyard winches, cooker, washing machine, watermaker, navigation instruments, and life raft should mean that there is little investment needed from her next owner. 

Valent is a substantial blue water cruiser, with many recent upgrades, and would be a superb choice for anyone looking for a tried and tested world cruising yacht.