News Release

Almere, Netherlands (December 8, 2022) – Oyster Yachts has announced a strengthened partnership with propulsion specialist YANMAR Marine International with an emphatic endorsement of the YANMAR sail drive solution’s reliability and quality in its benchmark Oyster 495.

Following installations in the 50ft bluewater cruiser, the British boatbuilder has now selected the YANMAR engine as standard fit for the Oyster 565 and 595 yachts, to further extend the companies’ collaboration.

In a new video launched today, Oyster Yachts’ Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Adamson, highlights the benefits and features of the YANMAR 110 hp unit, as well as the significant synergies between the partners. The film, shot in Palma de Mallorca, focuses on Oyster 495 hull number one, Carpe Diem, and hull number two, Tuga, owned by Formula 1 celebrity Eddie Jordan - both fitted with the YANMAR 4JH110 diesel engine, SD15 sail drive, and VC20 controls.

Paul Adamson commented: “Something really important to us as a brand is reliability, as is quality, craftmanship, love, care, and attention that go into the yachts that we build. So, when we choose an engine partner for our yachts, we look for exactly the same qualities.
“As a sailor, there are a few things that I can tell you are absolutely superb about the YANMAR engine. Not only is it quiet, really fuel efficient, it’s also hugely reliable. “We were thrilled to collaborate with YANMAR on the Oyster 495 and excited about plans to fit the YANMAR larger engine as standard on the Oyster 565 and 595.”

A further testimonial followed from former Formula 1 team owner and experienced sailor, Eddie Jordan, who added: “Rob Humphreys and Oysters in-house design team did a great job designing the 495. It is the baby of the Oyster fleet and for me, it is the little treasure. She’s a dream to sail, but when the wind drops the super-efficient YANMAR engine takes her to her happy place of 9 knots effortlessly. She is the jewel in the crown which Oyster hasn’t had for a little while and it is the perfect boat for young people to learn what it is like to go blue water sailing.”

The YANMAR 4JH110 Common Rail, 4-cylinder, direct injection marine diesel inboard engine selected by Oyster is specifically produced for the marine environment. It surpasses strict global standards for virtually odor and smoke-free operation as well as keeping fuel consumption to a minimum and optimizing performance with precise, digitally controlled fuel injection.

The engine is coupled to the SD15 sail drive solution, providing the boat owner with the experience of low vibration and noise on-board, low drag, improved propulsion efficiency, and fuel consumption with excellent hydrodynamic efficiency.

Included in the specification of the Oyster 495, the VC20 Vessel Control System offers dedicated control modes for all YANMAR control system functions, putting the user in complete control and providing several benefits that make a real difference for boat owners, and boat builders.

Floris Lettinga, Sales and Marketing Director, YANMAR Marine International (YMI), commented: “Oyster Yachts is recognized as the creator of the world’s finest luxury bluewater sailboats which are designed with meticulous attention to detail, so YMI is delighted to align with these standards in our ongoing partnership. With a continued focus on supplying the most innovative marine propulsion systems with a commitment to sustainability and to protecting the environment, we look forward to working with Oyster to enhance the experience for owners, their crew, friends and family.”

The first all-new Oyster under Richard Hadida’s ownership, the Oyster 495 redefines proven design concepts and heralds a return to the 50-foot market where the brand made its name, offering a stunning combination of performance, comfort, and style, with a host of practical seamanlike features. Easy to handle for a family crew, the yacht opens the door to a new cohort of Oyster owners, whether it is for exploring coastal waters, crossing oceans, or circumnavigating the globe.

Backed by years of diesel innovation and the delivery of application-driven solutions for the recreational marine sector, YANMAR’s engines are firmly established as the global standard in sailboat and small craft propulsion.

View the Oyster testimonial video here.