michael_w
Well-known member
If you'd like a new one, there's a hull at the back of Fox's meadow. A couple of years ago they went to cut up the mould and found a boat inside!
Oyster lightwave 395
- Thread starter sighmoon
- Start date
blush2
Active member
Blush is still Blush, we did do the double handed series and kept her on the Hamble until recently. We have owned her for 18 years.
We had the rig modified with swept back spreaders which allowed the removal of the checkstays to make her easy for the two of us to sail. The plan was to go long distance and we spent a year including the Canaries and Azores. The runners have not proved too much of a problem, my other half single hands her from time to time.
The core is okay. However, I would suggest checking all the deck fittings, especially those added by previous owners to make sure the balsa was sealed where holes have been drilled.
Can't comment on the interior, Blush was a stripped out racer until we got her, we added all the creature comforts.
GrahamD
Active member
Lightwave395
Well-known member
Whilst Amandla Kulu was quick in light airs she did have a very full race sail wardrobe which filled the living area during races- Light and heavy No1's downwards and latterly both Symmetrical and Asymmetrical kites, having also sailed on 'Expedite' (which I think later became Pip Hare's 'The Shed') I'd say the most comfortable wind speed range is probably 8 - 20 knots although I don't know whether you plan to have a furling headsail. When I raced on my boat I had hanked headsails and at the top end 30 knots of breeze called for a No3 headsail and one reef. They do have strong simple rigs, I had the puckering experience of gybing Kulu off Yarmouth one Cowes week during a 48 knot gust and the rig stayed in the boat (which was more than a couple of crew nearly didn't)
In fairness I'd probably say that IMHO if you want a boat to meander around on with the family it might not be the best choice but if you don't mind a bit of effort it will reward you with rapid progress. I am enjoying cruising but don't particularly want to do it slowly
Rainmaker has crossed the Atlantic a couple of times and has done well in the SORC solo race series for the last couple of years too
Interesting blog, thanks !
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wayfarer8088
Member
There's an Oyster Lightwave 395 called "Rainmaker" from our club doing the ARC (race class) now. Read their blog at Rainmaker
Wouter Verhulst
New member
Nice to read Rainmaker's trip. Thanks.
Wouter Verhulst
New member
80% will be flat water cruising, so im searching for a boat which cruises with higher speed (but is stil ok in handling) So without backstays /mast rig is a pre. Really like what i've heard about the 395. And the interior is ok for family purpose (not to racy inside) So planning to continue buying one.
Wouter Verhulst
New member
I'm not sure which sail combination is recommended. I think 70% will be a 5 to 16 knots of breeze. So based on handling simplicity (not too much extra hands) , im not sure what to prefer with a furler system.
blush2
Active member
Change the rig to fractional ? Blush is 3/4 fraction, the runners meet the mast at the same level as the forestay. The first reef is very deep and allows the head of the main to pass under the runners, so once reefed both backstays can be left on.
Wouter Verhulst
New member
Hi, almost in the end phase of buying a 395 and after survey, nothing big structural subjects to be found. Thats good. Very easy to manoevre, and around 7.5-7,8 SOG while motoring. It was a nice testing day.
They do have found some moisture points at the scepter poles and before the genua rail and some small points around the baby attachment before the mast.
I have some doubts about the brochure weight. It has been stated that total weight is about 5000 kg. On the internet i have found different numbers. One at 6700 kg. One 6200 kg. Yesterday 's weight during the survey was around 6900. Anyone who has some reference about a realistic weight range ? Thanks!
They do have found some moisture points at the scepter poles and before the genua rail and some small points around the baby attachment before the mast.
I have some doubts about the brochure weight. It has been stated that total weight is about 5000 kg. On the internet i have found different numbers. One at 6700 kg. One 6200 kg. Yesterday 's weight during the survey was around 6900. Anyone who has some reference about a realistic weight range ? Thanks!
michael_w
Well-known member
Try the RORC rating office. Someone is bound to have a 395 with an endorsed IRC rating which amongst other things involves the boat having its empty weight checked on a calibrated load cell.
Lightwave395
Well-known member
My last endorsed IRC cert quotes the 'hull empty' weight at 6700kgs, but FWIW that is with my different keel, pictured here with the different mast step:
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Wouter Verhulst
New member
Lightwave395
Well-known member
I would suspect so, I've not seen a keel design as you've pictured. My certificated weight is with the boat completely 'empty', no fuel, water, anchors, chains, or anything else. in fact preparing for an IRC weighing makes you realise how much junk you sail around with !
If you don't already have one this link will download the original Oyster brochure:
https://oysteryachts.com/assets/files/Oyster_395LW-Model_Brochure.pdf
Amandla Kulu, the boat I raced on is pictured at the top of this page and Rainmaker, referred to above is also featured:
Oyster Lightwave 395 | Oyster Yachts
Wouter Verhulst
New member
Wouter Verhulst
New member
Lightwave395
Well-known member
This looks like the original, which had the option of a 'shoe' on the bottom
Lightwave395
Well-known member
Don't know about this one, it doesn't look like the class approved Corby design
Wouter Verhulst
New member
Nice end of january ill be sailing an oyster 395. Thanks for all your information which helped a lot in buying this boat. Hull no 003.
Lightwave395
Well-known member
Enjoy, you'll love it !