1 / 7
2005 Oyster 53
other
used
Listed 0 days ago
Specifications
Make
Oyster
Model
53
Year
2005
Length
55.8ft (17.0m)
Beam
4.70m
Draft
2.29m
Hull Material
GRP
Engine
Yanmar 4JH3-HTE 100 hp, 5800 hours
Fuel Type
Diesel
Location
Panama City, Panama
Equipment & Extras
- Beam
- 15'5"
- Fuel
- Diesel
- Hull
- GRP Monohul
- Keel
- Bulb Keel
- Year
- 2005
- Draft
- 7'6"
- Engine
- Yanmar 4JH3-HTE direct drive with 3 Blade Bronze propeller
- Category
- Used sail boat for sale
- Designer
- Rob Humphreys/Holman & Pye/Loughborough University
- Location
- Panama City, Panama
- Air draft
- 75'5"
- Make/model
- Oyster 53
- Displacement
- 25.68 tons (U.S.)
- Engine hours
- 5800
- Name of boat
- MAKING TIME
- Fuel capacity
- 181 gallons (U.S.)
- Maximum speed
- 9 mph
- Cruising speed
- 7 mph
- Length on deck
- 52'5"
- Length overall
- 55'9"
- Number of berths
- 8
- Number of cabins
- 4
- Tax / VAT status
- Not paid / Excluded
- Passenger capacity
- 10
- Drinking water capacity
- 154 gallons (U.S.)
- Fully equipped and turn-key bluewater cruiser
- Raised deck saloon and centre-cockpit design
- Optimized for single-handed sailing
- Extensive 2019 refit with ongoing upgrades
- Accommodation for 8 in 4 cabins, 2 heads
- RCD Category A (Ocean)
- Teak decks (2019)
- Bow thruster (Sleipner SP155)
- Advanced autopilot system
- Modern electronics including radar, chartplotter, AIS, and autopilot
- 32,000 BTU reverse-cycle air conditioning (2019 upgrade)
- Proven offshore performance, excellent motion in heavy seas
- Builder: McDell Marine, New Zealand
- Designer: Rob Humphreys (hull), Holman & Pye (interior)
- Model Year: 2005
- LOA: 16 m (17 m with bowsprit)
- LWL: 14.2 m
- Beam: 4.7 m
- Draft: 2.3 m
- Displacement: 23,300 kg (lightship) and 25,000 kg when she was last on the scales tanks full
- Ballast: 6,500 kg
- Air Draft: 23 m to top of aerials
- Hull Type: Monohull
- Hull Material: GRP with Isophthalic gelcoat, vinylester resin, longitudinal stringers
- Deck Material: Teak (2019)
- Keel: Fin with bulb
- Rudder: Skeg-hung
- Hull Colour: Vermillion Red
- Topsides: Snow White
- RCD Category: A (Ocean) - Crew Limit: 10
- Cabins: 4 - Berths: 8 (excluding saloon)
- Heads / Showers: 2
- Interior: Light American oak, shadow-gap joints, sculpted fiddles, stainless grab handles
- Saloon: Raised deck saloon, oval starboard settee/table, port settee, bar unit
- Galley: Starboard aft saloon, Avonite counters, twin stainless sinks, Force 10 4-burner stove/grill/oven
- Owner’s Cabin (Aft): Centreline queen berth, en-suite head/shower, dressing table, hanging locker
- Forward Cabin: Centreline double, seat/vanity, drawers, hanging locker
- Port Midship Cabin: Upper/lower berths (storage/sleeping)
- Starboard Guest Cabin: Upper/lower berths, lockers, hanging locker
- Air Conditioning: 32,000 BTU reverse-cycle (2019)
- Laundry: LG 8 kg inverter washing machine (2022)
- Ventilation: Coframo fans in each cabin
- Headroom - 2m in the saloon and 1.85m throughout
- Capsize Screening Formula (CSF): 1.8
- Displacement/Length Ratio (D/L): 204–242
- Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (SA/D): 16.8–18.99
- Max GZ: ~0.5–0.8 m at 30–50° heel (est.)
- Angle of Vanishing Stability (AVS): ~120–140°
- Smooth motion in heavy seas; offshore passage 150–200 nm/day
- Cruising Speed: 6 kts
- Max Hull Speed: 8 knots
- Sailplan: Sloop, double-spreader (she has tangs and winch pads to install an inner stay sail)
- Keel-stepped Selden rig
- In-mast furling mainsail (North Sails, 2025, cutback leach, vertical battens option)
- Electric in mast furling
- Mast was out 2019
- Mast rebuilt and painted
- New controller 2022
- New motor 2017
- 2 in spare
- New gear set in spare
- Headsail Manual furling
- 115% Roller-furling genoa (Quantum, 2025, single-handed setup)
- Asymmetrical cruising spinnaker with Rollgen top-down furler & bowsprit sock
- Hank-on storm jib
- Main: current sail area 71 m2
- Genoa 74 m2
- Gennaker 145 m2
- Standing Rigging: Dyform & Ix19 stainless steel wire (new 2019)
- Running Rigging: Chromed bronze rigging screws
- Spinnaker pole
- Mast track
- Vang strut
- Winches: Lewmar – 2 x 64 electric primaries, 2 x 48 secondaries, 1 x 48 electric mainsheet/utility, 1 x 48 main halyard, 1 x 48 genoa halyard, 2 x 16 ST
- Mainsheet traveller
- Engine: Yanmar 4JH3-HTE 100 hp (74 kW), 5,800 hours
- KM4A mechanical gearbox
- Shaft replaced 2017
- Good in 2019
- Last pulled February 2026
- Shaft seal wet with greaser
- Propeller: Flexofold 23" 3 blade feathering propeller ALCARA: Aluminium Bronze Alloy with, Stripper rope cutter (2017)
- Bow Thruster: Sleipner SP155 with Sidepower 8960 controller (2022)
- Twin alternators: 55A 12 V (start) + 150A 24 V Mastervolt (house)
- Aquadrive coupling (2017)
- Duplex fuel/water filters (2019)
- Engine room soundproofing (2019)
- Range - MAKING TIME has done 700nm between the Maldives and Seychelles motor sailing around 1400-1600 RPM without cans on deck therefore using the cans in the Lazarette stored on deck 1000 nm is possible
- With safety 500 – 1000 nm range
- Fuel Tank: 685 L (GRP with inspection hatches)
- Water Tank: 580 L (GRP with inspection hatches)
- Hot water: 73 L calorifier via engine heat or 1.25 kW 230V element
- 1 x Holding tank: 50 L with gravity/deck discharge
- Watermaker: 200 L/h, 4 Dow Corning membranes (2020)
- Sump tanks & Whale Gulper pumps
- Electric bilge pumps x2, manual
- Henderson MkV pump
- 2 x propane cylinders with solenoid shutoff & Xintex gas alarm
- Fully independent 12V and 24V systems with generator, inverter, solar input and battery monitoring for extended off-grid operation
- 24V DC house: 12 x 6V Gel batteries (660 Ah @ 24V, 2024)
- Engine start: 2 x 80 Ah 12 V batteries (2024 – raised from waterline)
- Mastervolt 24/3500-100 inverter/charger (2022)
- Victron Orion 230/12 V start battery backup charger (2025)
- Cummins Onan 7 kW generator (2019 Kubota engine)
- Generator 2019 1300 hours
- Dockside power: 230 V /50Hz 30A, ring main with outlets
- Battery monitoring unit with PC access
- Raymarine dual autopilot system (2022), incorporating 2 x P70s heads, EVI sensors, AC400 controllers and 2 x short arm Raymarine Linear Drive units (plus a spare)
- 3 x i70 multifunction displays
- Radar: Quantum Doppler (2022)
- Chartplotter: Axiom 12 RV RealVision 3D (2022)
- AIS 650 Class B transceiver (2022)
- Ray63 VHF, Raymic 60/70 handset at pedestal - Wind, depth, speed instruments (2022)
- Garmin InReach
- Starlink Mini
- Plastimo Echotest 2 hand sounder
- Ocean Scout night-vision camera (2017)
- Windex, VHF & AIS aerials, masthead navigation lights
- Simpson davits
- Nova outboard lift
- 2 x LG 300 W solar panels (2019)
- Lumitec underwater lights x 2 (2022)
- Hatch & portlights: ManShip (2019) & Gebo (lenses 2019)
- Fenders: 4 heavy-duty + 1 inflatable
- Cockpit table w/ cooler compartment
- Teak swim ladder steps
- 45kg, stainless steel, Ultra anchor (2016)
- Ultra Swivel and chain grab
- 100 m 12 mm galvanized DIN766 G43 chain spliced to a 22mm 3 strand 40m rodewith the bitter end secured below
- Dodger (2019/2026)
- Bimini w/ zippered sides
- Cockpit & saloon covers
- Bow awning (2019)
- Stern awning (2019)
- 2 x 16,000 BTU Dometic - reverse-cycle units for heat (2019)
- Frigomatic 24V dual compressor electric refrigeration/freezer (2019) keel-cooled
- Frigomatic 24 V keel-cooled front-opening refrigerator
- Ocean Signal LB2E EPIRB (2020)
- Zodiac 8-man liferaft (2019 inspection)
- 8 lifejackets (2 Petzl)
- Danbuoy, Para-anchor w/ deployment rode/sack (2019)
- Emergency tiller
- 12V flood pump
- Flares
- Smoke & CO detectors
- Fire extinguishers & fire blankets in engine room, galley, cockpit
- Mast climbing gear for solo maintenance
- 3.2 m Charlmark RIB, Sunbrella cover (2019)
- Yamaha Enduro 15 hp outboard (2020)
- Bauer Junior dive compressor (unknown)
- Barbecue, fishing rods & gear
- Fugoo sound system (2019)
- Free Diving fins
- Spear gun
- Real looking stuffed dog toy “Aki” for added security
- Major refit 2019: USD 240,000
- New sails (2025)
- Rigging & furlers (2019)
- Electronics upgrades (2022)
- Oyster custom crockery & cutlery
- Dyson vacuum
- Airfryer
- Induction hob
- Manuals and schematics
- Extensive spares (Quantum radar, Aquadrive unit, engine/generator spares, furler motors, steering cable, Mastervolt solar regulator)
- Kedge rode & lines, and lines for Typhoon/Hurricane holes and roping to rocks in deep anchorage (Raja Ampat)
- Extra fuel/water cans
- Tools
Description
Oyster 53 – 'Making Time'Best-equipped exampleOcean Passage readyRecent refitThe Oyster 53 is one of the world’s most celebrated bluewater cruisers, renowned for its combination of performance, comfort, and quality. Making Time, launched 2005 (hull laid 2004) built by New Zealand’s premier yard, McDell Marine, exemplifies this pedigree with exceptional engineering, meticulous joinery, and a thoughtfully optimized layout for single-handed or family cruising.Designed by Rob Humphreys with interior ergonomics by Holman & Pye in collaboration with Loughborough University, the raised-saloon, centre-cockpit layout maximizes comfort, safety, and visibility while offshore. Making Time has been maintained to the highest standards, with an extensive USD 240,000 refit in 2019 and ongoing upgrades, ensuring she is a turn-key bluewater yacht capable of safe and fast ocean passages.With a light American oak interior, 32,000 BTU reverse-cycle air conditioning, and accommodation for up to eight in four cabins, she offers spacious and practical living for extended voyages. The yacht is RCD Category A (Ocean) and remains a proven performer in conditions from light winds to 22 knots offshore.Owner’s Comments “We have cruised extensively aboard Making Time, from Hong Kong to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. She has performed impeccably in all conditions, with ample power and stability. She is optimised for single-handed sailing with redundant systems for enhanced safety... she remains a delight to handle with family and friends. We maintain extensive spares onboard which enable confident access to remote locations while allowing us to stay ahead of the maintenance schedule. Born in New Zealand, her McDell Marine build quality is evident in every detail. We have invested heavily to ensure she’s not just seaworthy, but exceptional in every way."Broker’s Comments “We know this Oyster 53 well having sold her to her current owner in 2014. She represents a rare opportunity to acquire a fully equipped, turn-key bluewater cruiser with a meticulous maintenance history. The quality of construction, combined with modern upgrades to rigging, electronics, sails, and deck equipment, make her ready to cruise anywhere in the world. She is one of the finest examples of the model currently on the market.”Owner will consider delivery worldwide by negotiation.Key Features Fully equipped and turn-key bluewater cruiserRaised deck saloon and centre-cockpit designOptimized for single-handed sailingExtensive 2019 refit with ongoing upgradesAccommodation for 8 in 4 cabins, 2 headsRCD Category A (Ocean)Teak decks (2019)Bow thruster (Sleipner SP155) and advanced autopilot systemModern electronics including radar, chartplotter, AIS, and autopilot32,000 BTU reverse-cycle air conditioning (2019 upgrade)Proven offshore performance, excellent motion in heavy seas
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONSpecificationsBuilder: McDell Marine, New Zealand Designer: Rob Humphreys (hull), Holman & Pye (interior) Model Year: 2005LOA: 16 m (17 m with bowsprit)LWL: 14.2 mBeam: 4.7 mDraft: 2.3 mDisplacement: 23,300 kg (lightship) and 25,000 kg when she was last on the scales tanks full Ballast: 6,500 kgAir Draft: 23 m to top of aerialsHull Type: MonohullHull Material: GRP with Isophthalic gelcoat, vinylester resin, longitudinal stringersDeck Material: Teak (2019)Keel: Fin with bulbRudder: Skeg-hungHull Colour: Vermillion Red Topsides: Snow WhiteRCD Category: A (Ocean) - Crew Limit: 10AccommodationsCabins: 4 - Berths: 8 (excluding saloon)Heads / Showers: 2Interior: Light American oak, shadow-gap joints, sculpted fiddles, stainless grab handlesSaloon: Raised deck saloon, oval starboard settee/table, port settee, bar unit Galley: Starboard aft saloon, Avonite counters, twin stainless sinks, Force 10 4-burner stove/grill/ovenOwner’s Cabin (Aft): Centreline queen berth, en-suite head/shower, dressing table, hanging lockerForward Cabin: Centreline double, seat/vanity, drawers, hanging lockerPort Midship Cabin: Upper/lower berths (storage/sleeping)Starboard Guest Cabin: Upper/lower berths, lockers, hanging lockerAir Conditioning: 32,000 BTU reverse-cycle (2019)Laundry: LG 8 kg inverter washing machine (2022)Ventilation: Coframo fans in each cabinHeadroom - 2m in the saloon and 1.85m throughoutPerformance & StabilityCapsize Screening Formula (CSF): 1.8Displacement/Length Ratio (D/L): 204–242Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (SA/D): 16.8–18.99Max GZ: ~0.5–0.8 m at 30–50° heel (est.)Angle of Vanishing Stability (AVS): ~120–140°Smooth motion in heavy seas; offshore passage 150–200 nm/dayCruising Speed: 6 ktsMax Hull Speed: 8 knotsRig & SailsSailplan: Sloop, double-spreader (she has tangs and winch pads to install an inner stay sail)Keel-stepped Selden rigIn-mast furling mainsail (North Sails, 2025, cutback leach, vertical battens option)Electric in mast furling. Mast was out 2019. Mast rebuilt and painted. New controller 2022. New motor 2017. 2 in spare. New gear set in spareHeadsail Manual furling 115% Roller-furling genoa (Quantum, 2025, single-handed setup)Asymmetrical cruising spinnaker with Rollgen top-down furler & bowsprit sockHank-on storm jibSail Areas: Main: current sail area 71 m2Genoa 74 m2Gennaker 145 m2Standing Rigging: Dyform & Ix19 stainless steel wire (new 2019)Running Rigging: Chromed bronze rigging screwsSpinnaker poleMast trackVang strutWinches: Lewmar – 2 x 64 electric primaries, 2 x 48 secondaries, 1 x 48 electric mainsheet/utility, 1 x 48 main halyard, 1 x 48 genoa halyard, 2 x 16 STMainsheet travellerEngine & MechanicalEngine: Yanmar 4JH3-HTE 100 hp (74 kW), 5,800 hoursKM4A mechanical gearboxShaft replaced 2017. Good in 2019. Last pulled February 2026.Shaft seal wet with greaserPropeller: Flexofold 23" 3 blade feathering propeller ALCARA: Aluminium Bronze Alloy with, Stripper rope cutter (2017)Bow Thruster: Sleipner SP155 with Sidepower 8960 controller (2022)Twin alternators: 55A 12 V (start) + 150A 24 V Mastervolt (house)Aquadrive coupling (2017)Duplex fuel/water filters (2019)Engine room soundproofing (2019)Range - MAKING TIME has done 700nm between the Maldives and Seychelles motor sailing around 1400-1600 RPM without cans on deck therefore using the cans in the Lazarette stored on deck 1000 nm is possible. With safety 500 – 1000 nm range.Plumbing & TankageFuel Tank: 685 L (GRP with inspection hatches)Water Tank: 580 L (GRP with inspection hatches)Hot water: 73 L calorifier via engine heat or 1.25 kW 230V element1 x Holding tank: 50 L with gravity/deck dischargeWatermaker: 200 L/h, 4 Dow Corning membranes (2020)Sump tanks & Whale Gulper pumpsElectric bilge pumps x2, manual Henderson MkV pump2 x propane cylinders with solenoid shutoff & Xintex gas alarmElectrical SystemsThe vessel benefits from fully independent 12V and 24V systems with generator, inverter, solar input and battery monitoring for extended off-grid operation24V DC house: 12 x 6V Gel batteries (660 Ah @ 24V, 2024)Engine start: 2 x 80 Ah 12 V batteries (2024 – raised from waterline)Mastervolt 24/3500-100 inverter/charger (2022)Victron Orion 230/12 V start battery backup charger (2025)Cummins Onan 7 kW generator (2019 Kubota engine)Generator 2019 1300 hours.Dockside power: 230 V /50Hz 30A, ring main with outlets. Battery monitoring unit with PC access.Navigation & ElectronicsRaymarine dual autopilot system (2022), incorporating 2 x P70s heads, EVI sensors, AC400 controllers and 2 x short arm Raymarine Linear Drive units (plus a spare) 3 x i70 multifunction displaysRadar: Quantum Doppler (2022)Chartplotter: Axiom 12 RV RealVision 3D (2022)AIS 650 Class B transceiver (2022)Ray63 VHF, Raymic 60/70 handset at pedestal - Wind, depth, speed instruments (2022)Garmin InReachStarlink MiniPlastimo Echotest 2 hand sounderOcean Scout night-vision camera (2017)Windex, VHF & AIS aerials, masthead navigation lightsDeck & EquipmentSimpson davitsNova outboard lift2 x LG 300 W solar panels (2019)Lumitec underwater lights x 2 (2022)Hatch & portlights: ManShip (2019) & Gebo (lenses 2019)Fenders: 4 heavy-duty + 1 inflatableCockpit table w/ cooler compartmentTeak swim ladder stepsAnchors45kg, stainless steel, Ultra anchor (2016)Ultra Swivel and chain grab 100 m 12 mm galvanized DIN766 G43 chain spliced to a 22mm 3 strand 40m rodewith the bitter end secured below.CanvasDodger (2019/2026)Bimini w/ zippered sidesCockpit & saloon coversBow awning (2019)Stern awning (2019)Refrigeration & Air Conditioning2 x 16,000 BTU Dometic - reverse-cycle units for heat (2019)Frigomatic 24V dual compressor electric refrigeration/freezer (2019) keel-cooledFrigomatic 24 V keel-cooled front-opening refrigeratorSafetyOcean Signal LB2E EPIRB (2020)Zodiac 8-man liferaft (2019 inspection)8 lifejackets (2 Petzl)Danbuoy, Para-anchor w/ deployment rode/sack (2019)Emergency tiller12V flood pumpFlaresSmoke & CO detectorsFire extinguishers & fire blankets in engine room, galley, cockpitMast climbing gear for solo maintenanceTender & Toys3.2 m Charlmark RIB, Sunbrella cover (2019)Yamaha Enduro 15 hp outboard (2020)Bauer Junior dive compressor (unknown)Barbecue, fishing rods & gearFugoo sound system (2019)Free Diving finsSpear gunReal looking stuffed dog toy “Aki” for added security.Recent Upgrades / RefitMajor refit 2019: USD 240,000Teak decks (2019)New sails (2025)Rigging & furlers (2019)Electronics upgrades (2022)Included Inventory / SparesOyster custom crockery & cutleryDyson vacuumAirfryerInduction hobManuals and schematicsExtensive spares (Quantum radar, Aquadrive unit, engine/generator spares, furler motors, steering cable, Mastervolt solar regulator)Kedge rode & lines, and lines for Typhoon/Hurricane holes and roping to rocks in deep anchorage (Raja Ampat)Extra fuel/water cansTools
DISCLAIMERNicolle Associates offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.This vessel is VAT not paid.As always photographs do not do justice so a viewing is highly recommended.This boat is lying in Panama City, Panama© 2026 Nicolle Associates
Change History
1 event trackedNew listing appeared
via TheYachtMarket
3 hours ago
Financing Calculator
Financing Calculator
Estimate the true monthly cost of owning the 2005 Oyster 53.
£
15%
(£56,288)
10%
50%
6.9%
4.9%
9.9%
Monthly Finance Payment
£3,687
£318,963 over 10 years at 6.9% APR
Monthly Running Costs (estimated)
Mooring / berthing
£614
Insurance
£469
Maintenance
£751
Fuel
£292
Running costs subtotal
£2,125/mo
True Monthly Cost
£5,812
Finance + running costs combined
Finance 63%
Running costs 37%
Total Interest
£123,479
Total Cost (finance)
£498,729
Can I afford this?
£
These are estimates for illustration only. Actual rates, terms, and running costs will vary. Always seek independent financial advice before committing to marine finance.
Looking for marine finance? We are working with finance partners to offer quotes directly. Check back soon.
At ~£3,687/mo, is this boat priced right?
Get the full deal report →Same Boat, Different Prices?
We found 1 other Oyster 53 listing. Compare prices across brokers.
Is this boat a good deal?
Get the full price history, market comparison, and red flags, before you commit.
What this boat is actually worth, based on market data
What to offer: what similar boats actually sell for
Red flags to watch for: relisting history, unusual price movements, broker red flags
Whether the price will drop further, based on trajectory and seasonal data
How it compares to 10-20 similar boats, with prices to benchmark against
Full intelligence on a 6-figure purchase, for less than filling your fuel tank to go see it.
Get alerted if the price drops
Create a free account to track this boat and get notified when the price changes, new photos are added, or the listing is updated.
Sign up free to track this boatNo credit card required
Negotiation Tracker
Sign up for Pro to track offers, get market intelligence, and compare boats.
See Pro Features