Oyster Yachts Debuts Centerboard Keel Option for 745 Model

New super-shallow draft centerboard option provides access to secluded bays and shallow inlets, while still delivering high-spec upwind performance.

Oyster Yachts said its 745 model is now available with a super-shallow draft centerboard option, enabling this blue water cruising yacht to safely access some of the world’s most secluded shallow bays, rivers and small marinas, further enhancing her bluewater credentials.

By providing the option of a hydraulically operated retractable centerboard, the draft of the Oyster 745 is reduced from 3.10m (10’2”) to just 1.98m (6’6”) at the touch of button from the helm station. The centerboard swings up inside shallow-draft ballast keel ensuring it does not compromise the open-plan, spacious layout or interior joinery within the 745.

The option of a centerboard keel enables boat owners to still enjoy the high-spec, high-performance Oyster 745. The 745 Centerboard is paired with a carbon mast and boom and carbon composite rigging are designed to maximize stability and balance, whilst the reduced weight provides optimum performance under sail. With the centerboard fully extended to its full depth of 4.56m (14‘11”), the 745 grips the water to produce outstanding upwind performance, with twin rudders giving finger-tip control, making the Oyster 745 an exceptionally comfortable and exhilarating yacht to sail.

Designed and built to Lloyds Register certified standards, the Oyster 745 Centerboard features intelligent design, including forced air ventilation plus air-conditioning for comfort at all times, with expansive storage and tankage for true long-distance cruising.

The spacious and luxurious living space offers five cabins, four of which are en-suite, rain showers, electric toilets and well-equipped galley. Designed to be easily sailed short-handed, the 745 also offers alternative configuration to create flexible and discreet crew quarters, whilst still offering complete privacy for owners and guests if required.

“Adding the centerboard keel option to the highly popular Oyster 745 offers owners the best of both worlds,” said David Edge, Head of Design at Oyster Yachts. “There is no compromise on performance and stability, with blistering upwind speed, yet at the touch of a button, she can glide into areas which others cannot reach, making the most of safe and hidden inshore anchorages, rivers, inlets and marinas.  This option makes oyster yachts the ultimate blue-water cruiser.”