The value of owning an Oyster

Strong residuals is one benefit of Oyster ownership, but running costs must be considered when owning any boat. Most owners work on the basis of plus 10% of capital costs to run their boat annually.

But that is not the case for Oyster 745 owner Christian Casal, who explains: “Almost all the yacht owners I talked to told me that the running costs would be 10% of the capital cost per year. That’s not true. It’s not even been 5% and I keep my boat in super shape.”

Chartering through Oyster Charter is another option that makes the prospect of ownership more compelling. With the right combination of boat, crew and location, Charter allows owners to offset some of the running from costs, which includes employing a crew to maintain her year-round. This can keep a yacht in prime order and provide extraordinary value in terms of carefree, luxury sailing and boat ownership. It reduces cost of ownership and provides reassurance of attractive returns if you need to make the difficult decision to sell her in the future.

For example, an annual 6 week charter of a 60 foot Oyster 625 can yield €138,000 which after commission provides owner with €110,000.

One last thought on the value of owning an Oyster. What price can you put on a life-changing experience?

Many owners buy their Oysters to take the voyage of a lifetime with the Oyster World Rally. It is the ultimate bucket list experience, but to gain entry, one must invest in a new or brokerage Oyster for the duration of the event. Owners who have taken part in past rallies agree that the experience comes with limited risk on their investment and is an excellent way to utilise value from capital, while fulfilling a once-in-a-lifetime dream.

A great example of this is owner Ross Golding, who built his Oyster 565 purposefully for the Oyster World Rally 2022-23. He returned from the voyage having already sold his boat en route. The deal was sealed by Oyster Brokerage shortly after the lines were secured at Nelson Dock, Antigua, after he successfully completed the 27,000nm adventure. Ross frames it perfectly: “There are so many plusses to a trip like this, it is hard to know where to start.”

In a fast changing world there is no guarantee of any level of return on investment. But after five decades building and reselling Oyster yachts, we are confident the risks of owning an Oyster are lower when compared to other boats. As we’ve highlighted, reasonable running costs, strong residuals and opportunities to fulfil lifetime ambitions of adventure like no other, are just some of the compelling reasons to invest in an Oyster. And the prospect of eventually exiting the Oyster family with treasured memories, as many owners have over the last 50 years, makes an even more compelling case to choose an Oyster yacht.