Oyster
Oyster 46
In the dusty Landamores archive in Norfolk two drawings share the same title: "Oyster 46". One is early-1980s Holman & Pye / HP46, an early deck saloon with large boxy opening windows. The other is Rob Humphreys' line with the panoramic "eyebrow" glazing and a wider stern, the 2005–2012 series of just 29 hulls. Between them sit a long pause and a full designer change. A buyer of this page is doing DNA archaeology: is this still the same Oyster soul, or only the same name on the plate?
You spot a Humphreys 46 from afar by that eyebrow and a stern wider than the 45/47 it replaced. At about 14.27 m LOA and 4.42 m beam, displacement near 17.5 t and draft about 2.16 m (shoal near 1.75 m), it keeps a centre-cockpit deck saloon and ocean manners. Hand-built in Norfolk; after 2012 the line moved on as the Oyster 475.
On the used market cards often say only "Oyster 46" and mix in years 2002–2008 or a classic HP46. Read the plate first: Rob Humphreys, window 2005–2012, about 29 hulls - not Holman & Pye of the eighties. Then check eyebrow seals, teak thickness and furling systems. This page is for buyers after a British mid-40s deck saloon of the Humphreys era who will separate it from another plate sharing the name.
At the helm the hull feels screwed into the water: the centre cockpit shelters you, the panoramic saloon gives sea view without going on deck. Rarity of 29 hulls does not cancel a survey of glazing seals and teak wear. If a broker shows classic 1980s boxy windows under an Oyster 46 label without saying HP46, stop until plate and build year match.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 2005–2012
- LOA
- 14.27 m
- Beam
- 4.42 m
- Model
- Oyster 46
Key takeaways
- Best for: Rob Humphreys UK centre-cockpit deck saloon (2005–2012, 29); DNA eyebrow lineage
- Common issue: eyebrow glazing seals, teak thickness, hotel-system tickets
- Typical price: premium bluewater band; reject 2002–2008 cards and Holman & Pye HP46 plates
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 14.27 m
- Beam
- 4.42 m
- Production years
- 2005–2012
Design history
The Humphreys Oyster 46 was built from 2005 to 2012: about 29 hulls through Landamores / Oyster Marine in Norfolk. Rob Humphreys refreshed the mid-40s deck saloon after the 45/47: more beam aft, longer waterline, eyebrow glazing. Holman & Pye Oyster 46 / HP46 (about 1981–1990, roughly 25 hulls) is another era and another window language. Catalogue years 2002–2008 and dims 14.04×4.17 in catalogue cards are drift. Page canon: Humphreys / 2005–2012 / 29 / 14.27 × 4.42.
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- Is this the Holman & Pye HP46 of the eighties sold as an Oyster 46?
No. On this page 'oyster-46' means Rob Humphreys' Oyster 46, 2005–2012, about 29 hulls. HP46 / Holman & Pye is another plate and other years; read the plate before salon photos pull you in.
- Why do cards show 2002–2008?
Catalogue drift. For this boat keep the 2005–2012 window, not 2002–2008.
- How hard is the panoramic "eyebrow" to maintain?
It is a complex joint. On boats of this age check seals; leaks hit expensive joinery. Norfolk service still knows these hulls.
- Can a couple or a single-hander manage her?
Yes - she was drawn for a couple or one person: furling and leads to the cockpit keep work predictable, but weight and systems still need disciplined service.
- What about the teak deck after 15 years?
Teak is an Oyster standard, but age needs a thickness and caulk check; full renewal is a major ticket.
- How does this 46 differ from the Oyster 475?
The 475 continues the line after 2012. If a listing mixes 46 and 475 badges, match plate and year.
Annual ownership costs
Annual cost for a Humphreys Oyster 46 sits beyond the berth mainly in hotel systems (hydraulics, watermaker) and teak. Figures below are a family ownership corridor, not a yard quote.
| Item | From (€) | To (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berth (14.27 m) | 5200 | 8900 | Hull length |
| Systems and automation | 3500 | 6500 | Hydraulics, furling |
| Winter storage | 2200 | 4100 | Crane and hardstand |
| Teak, timber, rigging | 1400 | 3200 | Deck age |
| Annual total | ~12300 | ~22700 | Baseline |
Take engine hours and systems service from this hull's invoices, not the advert.
Pre-purchase survey checklist
- Plate and years: Rob Humphreys Oyster 46 / 2005–2012; reject HP46 Holman & Pye and a 2002–2008 window.
- Eyebrow glazing: seals, leak stains inside the saloon.
- Teak: plank thickness, caulk, soft spots.
- Rudder: play in the high-aspect stock.
- Keel: bolts and ballast joint; shoal or standard ~2.16 m.
- Sail automation: winches, furling, power.
- Hotel systems: watermaker, hydraulics, service invoices.
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 8.7/10: Reject Holman & Pye HP46 mix-ups and 2002–2008 cards: this Oyster 46 page is Rob Humphreys' eyebrow deck saloon (2005–2012, 29 hulls, 14.27×4.42). Buy plate and eyebrow seals, not the wrong era.
- Pros
- UK centre-cockpit deck-saloon volume, Norfolk hand-build pedigree, and a DNA plate lesson a buyer can check.
- Cons
- Eyebrow glazing seals, teak thickness, and hotel-system tickets that punish deferred service.
- Who it suits
- Buyers after a British mid-40s deck saloon who will match Humphreys on the plate before signing. Confirm rudder play and teak wear when hauled; reject HP46 plates and 2002–2008 catalogue drift.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial, Last reviewed: 2026-09-11
Owner reviews
Share your experience owning this model. Reviews are moderated before publication.
- Long-range dream★★★★☆
Oyster 46 is our stretch goal boat — surveyed three candidates before accepting deferred deck work on the one with complete engine logs.