Oyster 37 - Any info!?

[Ludd]

Bulb or scheel type keels can often be a problem picking up the anchor rode.
We see this often on the Guadiana.
For " picking up" read fouling!

 

[jonjo]

I suggest the OP views a few hours of the "Follow The Boat" video sailing blog on YouTube particularly the mid cruise year-long refit in the Far East. These videos will highlight the full horror of 35 years of aging in an old Oyster.

The OP is making a classic newbee mistake of assuming that whatever wonderfulness could be ascribed to a spanking new Oyster in 1979 is just as valid today. The reality is that just about every component of a 35 year old yacht should be considered overdue for replacement or reconditioning unless there is clear evidence to the contrary.

 

[geem]

I suggest the OP views a few hours of the "Follow The Boat" video sailing blog on YouTube particularly the mid cruise year-long refit in the Far East. These videos will highlight the full horror of 35 years of aging in an old Oyster.

The OP is making a classic newbee mistake of assuming that whatever wonderfulness could be ascribed to a spanking new Oyster in 1979 is just as valid today. The reality is that just about every component of a 35 year old yacht should be considered overdue for replacement or reconditioning unless there is clear evidence to the contrary.

Unless the boat has been stored in a museum it is highly likley that lots of original systems and equipment have been replaced. The issue for me is how well has this work has been done.

 

[Theo]

Thanks for the Utube suggestions.

My interest in a 37, and what I'm trying to find out for sure, is how strongly they have been built. in which case if they have been well looked after and regularly maintained there's no reason they should be a damp Biscuit. Far from it. Boats from this era were over built were they not? It stands to reason that they would last relatively longer than her modern equivalent. None the less I am doing all I can to educate myself on spotting a pup.

So Sailorman how is yours looking after the time you have owned her? Has her build quality stood the test of time? 13 winches sounds like a lot of maintenance?

Apologies if I'm repeating these posts. I post them then can't see them!

 

[Tranona]

Thanks for the Utube suggestions.

My interest in a 37, and what I'm trying to find out for sure, is how strongly they have been built. in which case if they have been well looked after and regularly maintained there's no reason they should be a damp Biscuit. Far from it. Boats from this era were over built were they not? It stands to reason that they would last relatively longer than her modern equivalent. None the less I am doing all I can to educate myself on spotting a pup.

So Sailorman how is yours looking after the time you have owned her? Has her build quality stood the test of time? 13 winches sounds like a lot of maintenance?

Apologies if I'm repeating these posts. I post them then can't see them!

Not necessarily so. As suggested earlier "overbuilt" does not always lead to a 30 year old boat being a good buy. It is not the build of the basic structure that is the problem, but the more expensive bits that go into making it a usable boat. there is a lot of myths around about the build of boats of this era. The design meant (as already suggested) a high ballast ratio, so half of the weight is not in the construction. The ballast on this boat is around 3500kgs and the rest of the boat 3200kgs. Similar size boats of more modern designs typically have ballast ratios of between 35-40% so for the same displacement, the hull and machinery would be between 4000-4500kgs.

Performance orientated boats like this tend to have a hard life and when they get to this age many owners tend to neglect them because the cost of maintaining them in good condition is out of proportion to their value. Remember this is a boat, that if built today would cost upwards of £250k, and refurbishment costs are related to that, not the market value.

So if you can find that rare gem for sale that has been maintained and updated well, fine. But do not be tempted by one that needs a lot of work unless you have deep pockets and lots of time.

 

[sailorman]

Thanks for the Utube suggestions.

My interest in a 37, and what I'm trying to find out for sure, is how strongly they have been built. in which case if they have been well looked after and regularly maintained there's no reason they should be a damp Biscuit. Far from it. Boats from this era were over built were they not? It stands to reason that they would last relatively longer than her modern equivalent. None the less I am doing all I can to educate myself on spotting a pup.

So Sailorman how is yours looking after the time you have owned her? Has her build quality stood the test of time? 13 winches sounds like a lot of maintenance?

Apologies if I'm repeating these posts. I post them then can't see them!

She is a 2 owner boat & reflects that. maintenance is not an issue even at my advanced years

 

[Tranona]

She is a 2 owner boat & reflects that. maintenance is not an issue even at my advanced years

Guess you won't be selling in a hurry though!

 

[sailorman]

Guess you won't be selling in a hurry though!

As long as my old bone hold out, No. I have no reason to even consider changing, up or down. We had a 6 week cruise aboard her last summer ( remember summers ) without a hitch

 

[Kurrawong_Kid]

Maintenance applies to any boat after a couple of years. The answer is to "do a job a day so you can always go out to play". I know because I live 169 miles (3 hours) from our boat and only get to her every two or 3 weekends when we are not off on an extended cruise, but keep her in adequate condition to safely sail. Improvements are another matter. Putting more modern electronics, warm air heating, holding tanks and calorifers etc. take a serious amount of time and frustration, let alone expense.
It's a question of balance between whether you want to go sailing in an old but sound boat which may not have all modern equipment but you can afford; or spend time and money upgrading to perfection and hardly ever go sailing. Relating to what has been posted earlier boats like Oysters and Moody's are of apparently heavier displacement because the more modern yachts are usually beamier and of greater volume for the same weight. The older boats are therefore often more comfortable in a seaway.

 

[Bajansailor]

This photo of a 37 stomping along nicely is from an old Oyster catalogue -

And here is a general arrangement drawing for the 37 -

For comparison, here are some photos and a GA of the Heritage 37.

And a larger version of the General Arrangement, as it is such a nice drawing -

Here is the Pilothouse version -

 

[moiossi]

hello everybody,
i’m also interesting to buy an oyster 37 one toner but i have some questions about it :
- i’m looking for the original manual or brochure or other documents about it. did anybody’s get it ?
-there’s a rail about 1 meter on the deck near the anchor well, what is the function of it ?
- this boat has runners and babystay , do they participate to hold the mast or just for race fine settings of the mast and the sails,?
thanks for your help