2002 Oyster 53

Highly Updated Oyster 53 with 2024 Victron Lithium, Raymarine Axiom Electronics, Air Conditioning, and World ARC-Proven Ownership

KUMA is an exceptional 2002 Oyster 53, hull number 19, designed by Robert Humphreys and built by Oyster Yachts in England. The Oyster 53 is one of the great modern bluewater cruising designs: substantial enough for real ocean work, refined enough for comfortable living aboard, and respected for the kind of structural integrity, finish quality, and passage-making confidence that made Oyster a benchmark name among serious sailors.

KUMA is also far more than a pedigree yacht. Under her current ownership she has been actively cruised, carefully upgraded, and proven offshore. She joined the World ARC in Indonesia and completed more than 25,000 offshore miles, including 16,000 miles in a single year. Her owners describe routine 180-200+ mile days and note that in heavy conditions, including 35 knots true with 7-meter seas on the quarter, KUMA remained composed, safe, and comfortable enough for the crew to sit down to dinner in the saloon.

The recent upgrade profile is significant. KUMA now carries a 2024 Victron lithium and inverter system, all-new Raymarine Axiom electronics, Starlink Mini, PredictWind DataHub, extensive satellite and communications equipment, updated Dometic reverse-cycle air conditioning, refreshed refrigeration, replaced teak decks, new hatches and portlights, replaced standing rigging, updated sails, a professionally overhauled Yanmar, a low-hour Phasor/Kubota generator, recent drivetrain service, rebuilt/updated hydraulics, and a deep inventory of cruising gear and spares.

Below deck, KUMA delivers the atmosphere buyers expect from Oyster: cherry joinery, a raised saloon, a proper navigation station, a functional offshore galley, four cabins, two heads, and a practical crew/workshop space with engine-room access. She is elegant without being fragile, luxurious without losing her offshore purpose, and thoroughly set up for extended independent cruising.

For a buyer looking for a proven Oyster 53 with real ocean miles, serious recent systems investment, and the confidence of a knowledgeable owner’s program, KUMA deserves immediate attention.

Key Features:

·      Highly regarded Oyster 53 designed by Robert Humphreys and built by Oyster Yachts / Landamores in England

·      Hull number 19 with EU RCD Category A - Ocean rating

·      World ARC-proven yacht with more than 25,000 offshore miles under current ownership

·      Four-cabin, two-head center-cockpit bluewater cruising layout

·      Teak decks professionally replaced - 2017

·      Complete Victron lithium electrical system upgrade - 2024

·      8,000 W Victron Quattro inverter/charger capable of running air conditioning

·      All-new Raymarine Axiom navigation system - 2024

·      Raymarine Quantum 2 Doppler radar, AIS650, EV-400 autopilot, i70 displays, and RAY90 VHF

·      Mast electrical, radar, transducer, and radio cabling replaced - 2023

·      Dometic 44,000 BTU reverse-cycle air conditioning across five compressors

·      Yanmar 4JH3-HTE 100 HP diesel - approx. 4,666 hours total / 1,600 hours since overhaul

·      Phasor/Kubota 7 kW generator - 2019 / approx. 1,900 hours

·      Drivetrain refit including CV joint, engine mounts, Aqua-Drive, shaft, bearings, Max-Prop rebuild, cutlass bearings, and PSS shaft seal - 2024

·      Standing rigging replaced - 2018; Sailtec backstay and vang new - 2023

·      Full-batten mainsail and 135% genoa - 2018; 100% staysail - 2024

·      All original seacocks replaced with Forespar Marelon - 2018

·      All-new hatches and portlights - 2018

·      2024 Spinlock DeckVest 6D lifejackets with Ocean Signal MOB1 AIS/DSC personal locators

·      Highfield CL340 Hypalon RIB with Yamaha 15 HP 2-stroke outboard

·      Starlink Mini, PredictWind DataHub, Iridium GO! exec, Inmarsat SatPhone 2, Peplink/Pepwave mobile data system, and ICOM-M802 SSB

·      Echo Tec watermaker, RO/filtered drinking-water system, scuba gear, Bauer compressor, extensive tools and spares

KUMA’s interior is exactly what experienced Oyster buyers are looking for: warm, practical, beautifully finished, and configured for real offshore living. Her raised saloon brings in excellent natural light and visibility, while the cherry joinery, renewed headliner, updated fabrics, custom mattresses, refreshed lighting, and carefully maintained interior finish give the yacht a current, cared-for feel.

The four-cabin layout gives KUMA outstanding versatility. The aft owner’s suite provides the privacy expected of a center-cockpit Oyster, the forward starboard cabin offers a queen berth for guests, the forward port cabin provides practical over-under berths, and the crew/workshop cabin adds a valuable technical and storage space with direct engine-room access. The galley, navigation station, saloon, and cabins are arranged for true passagemaking rather than marina-only living.

Interior Styling and Additional Features:

·      Cherry interior joinery with sculpted fiddles, grab rails, shadow-gap joinery details, and Oyster custom locker/drawer knobs

·      Chequerboard-style teak cabin sole with black Avonite inlay

·      Doors with center sections and Avonite inlay, chrome hinges, and chrome handles

·      New white vinyl headliner and reupholstered ceiling panels - 2018

·      Cream Alcantara upholstery throughout - 2018

·      Custom mattresses and updated fabrics - 2018

·      Seven berths in four cabins, excluding the saloon

·      Sea berths fitted with Dacron lee screens and lanyards to through-bolted eyes

·      All drawers mounted on metal runners; lockers fitted with teak shelves and fiddles

·      Gebo and Lewmar hatches/ports with screens throughout - all new 2018

·      Updated interior lighting, including Lumitec lighting with dimmers where noted

·      Large inventory of tools, spare parts, owner’s manuals, original Oyster china, and cruising gear included

MAIN SALOON

KUMA’s raised saloon is one of the defining features of the Oyster 53. The elevated seating and large windows provide light, visibility, and a sense of connection to the water that conventional low-saloon layouts cannot match. The space is comfortable for entertaining, relaxing at anchor, or standing watch from below in poor weather.

·      Two Dometic 12,000 BTU reverse-cycle air-conditioning units

·      Raised saloon windows for natural light, ventilation, and visibility

·      Cherry woodwork with matching door and sole inlays

·      New upholstery and cushions

·      Ship’s clock and barometer

·      Two large bookshelves

·      Multiple storage cabinets and drawers

·      New three-way lights with dimmers

·      Protective covers on key wood surfaces including dinette, nav area, and large shelf

MASTER STATEROOM

The aft owner’s stateroom gives KUMA the private center-cockpit accommodation plan that remains one of Oyster’s signature strengths. The cabin is spacious, well ventilated, and finished with warm cherry joinery, a custom mattress, and updated soft goods for extended comfort aboard.

·      Queen berth with custom mattress

·      En-suite head with standalone shower

·      Dometic reverse-cycle air conditioning

·      24 V fan

·      Updated lighting and separate reading lights

·      Hanging locker and multiple cabinets/drawers

·      Bulkhead mirror

·      Four portlights and large overhead hatch

·      Soft cream headliner and Ultrasuede headboard

·      Cherry joinery with matching floors, doors, and inlays

Master Head

The master head is dedicated to the owner’s suite and includes upgraded fixtures, separate showering, and practical ventilation.

·      Jabsco Quiet Flush toilet

·      Standalone shower serving the owner’s suite

·      Built-in soap dispensers

·      Roca sink faucet

·      Adjustable showerhead

·      Shower sump pump

·      Opening portlight

·      Updated lighting

VIP STATEROOM

The forward starboard guest cabin is unusually generous for a yacht of this size, with a queen berth, warm joinery, and proper storage for guests on extended passages.

·      Queen berth

·      Cherry joinery

·      Hanging locker

·      Large storage drawers

·      Opening portlight

·      Separate reading lights

VIP Head

The forward head serves the forward accommodation area and has been updated with modern fixtures and a Jabsco Quiet Flush toilet.

·      Jabsco Quiet Flush head - 2025

·      Adjustable showerhead

·      Built-in soap dispensers

·      Roca faucet

·      Large mirror

·      Ventilation hatch with OceanAir shade

·      Stainless steel towel rack

·      Stainless steel hanging hooks

GUEST CABIN (PORT)

The port forward guest cabin provides a practical over-under berth arrangement that works well for children, crew, passage berths, or additional guests.

·      Over-under berths

·      Hanging locker

·      Cherry joinery

·      Opening portlight

·      Storage cabinets

·      Private reading lights

·      Convenient access to forward head

CREW CABIN

The crew/workshop cabin is one of KUMA’s most valuable cruising features, adding a genuine work area, spare-parts space, and flexible accommodation with direct engine-room access.

·      Convertible bunk-to-workbench arrangement

·      Multiple drawers and cabinets

·      Engine-room access

·      Lee cloth

·      Extensive tool inventory conveyed with yacht

·      Many spare pumps and parts included

·      Rubberized bench work surface / sole

·      Dual power outlets

·      Private reading light

·      Air-conditioning vent

KUMA’s galley is arranged for safe use underway, long-range provisioning, and comfortable entertaining at anchor. The equipment list is unusually strong, with both LPG and induction cooking, upgraded refrigeration, filtered drinking water, and extensive storage.

·      Front-load refrigerator with new compressor and spare compressor

·      Top-load freezer

·      Force 10 four-burner LPG stove and oven with dual-tank gas locker

·      Two-burner induction hob

·      Panasonic microwave

·      Three opening portlights

·      Double stainless steel sink

·      Filtered drinking-water faucet

·      Abundant drawers and cabinets

·      Large counter space

·      Updated Lumitec lighting with dimmers

·      Cutlery, silverware, dishes, and original Oyster china included

NAVIGATION STATION

The navigation station is a proper offshore command center, with new 2024 Raymarine electronics, communications equipment, Victron monitoring, air-conditioning controls, and the yacht’s electrical panel all within easy reach.

·      Raymarine 9 in Axiom touchscreen chartplotter at chart table - 2024

·      Raymarine RAY90 VHF

·      ICOM-M802 SSB

·      Victron display - 2024

·      EasyTouch air-conditioning controls x 2

·      Backup 12 V engine meter

·      Backup 24 V house meters

·      AC/DC electrical panel

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

KUMA’s 2024 Raymarine refit is a major selling point, replacing the navigation backbone with a modern Axiom-based package and providing working spares for all units except the autopilot control head. The communications suite is equally impressive for serious offshore cruising.

·      Raymarine Axiom system installed - 2024

·      Raymarine 12 in Axiom touchscreen chartplotter at helm - 2024

·      Raymarine 9 in Axiom touchscreen chartplotter at chart table - 2024

·      Raymarine Quantum 2 Doppler radar - 2024

·      Raymarine RV300 600 W 4-channel 3D scanning CHIRP transducer - 2023/2024

·      Raymarine AIS650

·      Raymarine i70 displays (4) for apparent wind speed, depth, wind speed, and knotmeter

·      Raymarine EV-400 Evolution autopilot with EV-1 sensor, P70 control head, ACU-400, and linear shaft drives

·      Raymarine RAY90 VHF with remote handset

·      Starlink Mini

·      YB Yellowbrick tracker with permanent installation

·      PredictWind DataHub wireless router

·      Inmarsat SatPhone 2

·      Iridium GO! exec sat phone with permanent antenna

·      Peplink mobile data router and Pepwave MAX Dome

·      Yaesu FTA-750 handheld airband transceiver

·      ICOM-M802 SSB with detachable dipole antenna

·      Standard Horizon handheld VHF radios - 3

·      Victron display and 12 V / 24 V system displays

HELM STATIONS

The single center-cockpit helm places KUMA’s primary navigation, steering, engine, windlass, and bow-thruster controls in a secure offshore position.

·      Raymarine 12 in Axiom touchscreen chartplotter - 2024

·      Raymarine autopilot control - 2024

·      Windlass chain counter

·      Sidepower bow thruster control

·      Morse throttle

·      Raymarine RAY90 remote VHF handset

·      Whitlock Athena remote steering pedestal with 42 in stainless wheel wrapped in brown suede leather

HULL

The Oyster 53 was built as a serious luxury offshore cruiser, with single-skin GRP construction, a structural grid, robust chainplate engineering, and the protected skeg-hung rudder arrangement preferred by many bluewater sailors.

·      Rob Humphreys-designed Oyster 53 hull, hull number 19

·      Laid-up single-skin GRP hull with structural stringers and floors to Lloyd’s approved design specification

·      Outer hull laminate in vinylester resin

·      High-performance bulb external lead keel

·      Fully protected skeg-hung rudder

·      Rudder bearings replaced - 2023

·      All original seacocks replaced with Forespar Marelon - 2018

·      White hull with navy cove line and double boot-top lines

·      Max-Prop feathering propeller rebuilt during drivetrain refit - 2024

DECK

KUMA’s deck has benefited from major ownership investment, especially the replaced teak, all-new hatches and portlights, and maintained deck hardware. The center-cockpit layout, sugar-scoop stern, substantial hardware, and deep deck stowage reflect Oyster’s offshore priorities.

·      Teak decks professionally replaced - 2017

·      Molded GRP deck with balsa core for strength and insulation

·      Plywood reinforcement in load-bearing deck areas with aluminum backing plates for load-bearing fittings

·      Hull-to-deck connection formed by return flange molded into hull, creating raised bulwark with teak capping rail

·      Side decks, coachroof, cockpit seats, cockpit sole, and helmsman’s seat trimmed with laid teak

·      All-new hatches, ports, and windows - 2018

·      Oyster custom vertical drop-down smoked-acrylic washboard system for main companionway

·      Custom deck-saloon windows in toughened/laminated smoked glass, with two forward outboard opening windows

·      Lewmar Ocean alloy-framed deck hatches and Gebo opening ports

·      Sugar-scoop stern with teak-trimmed platform, stainless boarding ladder, and hot/cold transom shower

·      Forward coachroof suitable for sunbathing

·      Large lazarette with gas struts and excellent deck storage

·      Deck hardware polished regularly; stanchion bolts replaced - 2024

·      All-new 5 mm Dyform stainless lifelines - 2023

·      Whitehall davits using Dyneema

·      Novalift outboard crane and enclosed-style outboard bracket

COCKPIT

The teak-laid center cockpit is secure, practical, and ergonomically suited for shorthanded offshore sailing. The arrangement keeps the helm, instruments, sheets, and hydraulic controls within a compact working area while preserving a comfortable social space at anchor.

·      Teak-laid, self-draining center cockpit

·      Lewmar 64 electric primary winches - 2

·      Lewmar 48 secondary winches - 2

·      Lewmar 48 electric main halyard and mainsheet winch

·      Lewmar 48 reefing winches on mast - 2

·      Lewmar 16 traveler winches - 2

·      Varnished teak cockpit table with stainless frame and insulated cool box

·      Navtec hydraulic panel factory-serviced - 2024

·      Sailtec backstay and vang new - 2023

·      Four padeyes

·      Manual bilge pump access - new 2024

·      Oversize stainless steel bimini / dodger framing

·      Waterproof loudspeakers mounted in cockpit coamings

MAST AND RIGGING

·      Standing rigging replaced - 2018

·      Running rigging continuously updated

·      Carbon-fiber whisker / spinnaker pole

·      Lewmar 48 halyard winches

·      Spinlock clutches new except one - 2024

·      Double-spreader configuration

·      Mast-mounted radar

·      Adjustable spinnaker pole track

·      Stainless steel crew-support pulpit

·      HellaMarine mast lighting

·      Mast electrical, radar, transducer, and radio cabling replaced - 2023

SAILS AND WINCHES

·      Full-batten mainsail - 2018

·      135% genoa - 2018

·      100% staysail - like new, 2024

·      Oxley parasail-type spinnaker

·      Additional spinnaker with snuffer

·      Sea anchor

·      Full deck sun/storage cover - 2022

·      Eight fenders and twelve dock lines

·      Spare sheets and halyards

·      Three fishing rods with tackle

·      Complete set of owner’s manuals, including full digital versions

ENGINE AND MECHANICAL

KUMA’s main mechanical package has seen the kind of attention offshore buyers value: an overhauled Yanmar, low-hour generator, major 2024 drivetrain work, updated air-conditioning, and critical mechanical components maintained or replaced before they become liabilities.

·      Yanmar 4JH3-HTE 100 HP diesel - approx. 4,666 total hours / approx. 1,600 hours since overhaul

·      Engine overhauled at approximately 3,000 hours

·      Phasor K3-7kW generator with Kubota D1105 engine - 2019 / approx. 1,900 hours

·      Drivetrain refit - 2024: CV joint, engine mounts, Aqua-Drive anti-vibration system, shaft, rudder bearings, hull-bearing and P-bracket bearings, Max-Prop rebuild, cutlass bearings, and PSS shaft seal

·      Mastervolt 24 V 110 A secondary alternator

·      Yanmar display panel

·      Oil / heat alarm

·      Dometic 44,000 BTU reverse-cycle air conditioning across five compressors

·      Sidepower 155 TC bow thruster rewired with new solenoids - 2024

PLUMBING AND TANKAGE

KUMA carries serious cruising tankage, upgraded water systems, and improved onboard water quality through her watermaker and filtered drinking-water arrangement.

·      Diesel fuel capacity: 225 US gal / 852 L in fiberglass tankage

·      Fresh water capacity: 229 US gal / 867 L in fiberglass tankage

·      Holding tank capacity: 70 US gal in polyethylene tankage

·      Hot water: 54 L / 14 US gal, heated by engine and 2 kW immersion heater

·      Echo Tec watermaker with recent upgrades

·      RO / filtered drinking-water system

·      Dual electric/engine-driven water heater

·      New water-pressure tank

·      Modern drinking-water filtration system

·      Updated refrigeration compressor with spare - 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The 2024 Victron lithium refit is one of KUMA’s strongest systems upgrades. It gives the yacht modern off-grid capacity, high-output inverter capability, comprehensive monitoring, and a solar-ready charging architecture suitable for extended independent cruising.

·      Dual 12 V / 24 V electrical system, substantially renewed - 2024

·      8,000 W Victron Quattro inverter/charger capable of running air conditioning

·      Victron Smart BMS 500 with Cerbo GX / GX Touch 70 control screen

·      Victron Orion-Tr Smart 24 V to 12 V charger

·      25.6 V / 600 Ah lithium house bank with 3 x Victron LiFePO4 Smart 25.6 V / 200 Ah batteries

·      12 V 95 Ah engine battery - 2024

·      12 V 95 Ah generator battery - 2024

·      Victron Smart BatteryProtect

·      Victron SmartSolar MPPT 150/85 charge controller - solar ready

·      Victron Lithium SuperPack 12.8 V / 200 Ah for SSB and Raymarine

·      Wakespeed WS500 alternator regulator with spare

·      ProSafe FS galvanic isolator

·      Mastervolt 24 V 110 A alternator

·      Updated interior lighting - 2023/2024

AUDIO/VISUAL AND ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT

·      42 in Sony TV

·      Fusion stereo - Wi-Fi and SiriusXM compatible

·      Starlink Mini

·      PredictWind DataHub wireless router

·      Peplink mobile data router and Pepwave MAX Dome

·      Viking RescYou Pro 8-person life raft - 2018

·      Six Spinlock DeckVest 6D PFDs with Ocean Signal MOB1 AIS/DSC personal locators - 2024

·      McMurdo G8 EPIRB

·      Engine-room fire suppression system

·      Exhaust high-temperature alarm

·      Firdell Blipper radar reflector on mast

·      Webbing jackstays

·      Emergency tiller

·      Four fire extinguishers

·      Fire blanket at galley

·      Domestic smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors in engine room and elsewhere

·      Steiner 7x50 Navigator Pro binoculars

·      Para-anchor / sea anchor

·      Cat 0 Ready - inspected early 2024 prior to World ARC

·      Two full sets of scuba gear and Bauer compressor included

·      Highfield CL340 aluminum and Hypalon RIB - 2018

·      Yamaha 15 HP two-stroke outboard - 2020

·      Tender hull ID: CN-HFM05965D819

·      Tender lock included

·      Whitehall davits with Dyneema lift lines

·      Novalift outboard crane mounted on starboard aft quarter

BROKER’S COMMENTS

KUMA is exactly the kind of Oyster 53 buyers hope to find: a respected bluewater model with pedigree, documented use, major recent upgrades, and the confidence that comes from an active owner who has actually used the boat offshore. Many yachts are advertised as passagemakers; KUMA has lived that role with more than 25,000 offshore miles under current ownership and a World ARC-proven systems profile.

The 2024 Victron lithium/inverter refit, Raymarine Axiom electronics package, communications suite, updated air conditioning, drivetrain work, bow-thruster service, renewed rig and sails, replaced teak decks, upgraded safety gear, tender package, watermaker, and extensive spares make KUMA stand apart from typical listings. She is a serious Oyster, thoughtfully modernized without losing the character and quality that made the 53 such a benchmark design.

For buyers considering the Caribbean, Atlantic, Pacific, World ARC, or long-term liveaboard cruising, KUMA offers the rare combination of brand pedigree, current equipment, genuine offshore history, and owner confidence.

·      Highly desirable Oyster 53 with serious bluewater pedigree

·      Major recent investment in power, electronics, communications, comfort, drivetrain, safety, and systems

·      World ARC-proven ownership history with routine 180-200+ mile days reported

·      Four-cabin layout with owner’s aft stateroom and flexible crew/workshop cabin

·      Excellent choice for Caribbean, Atlantic, Pacific, and long-term liveaboard cruising

OWNER’S COMMENTS

KUMA has been our home, our passport, and our sanctuary for over 25,000 offshore miles, including 16,000 miles in one year alone, and she has not once let us down. Additionally, the Oyster support team has treated us as if she were newly out of the yard with incredible technical support since we purchased her. It is one of the benefits of second-hand Oyster ownership that is never mentioned.

We joined the World ARC with KUMA in Indonesia, sailing the circuit in company with some of the finest cruising yachts afloat. Passage after passage, she confirmed what the Oyster 53 reputation promises: a yacht equally at ease punching upwind in a steep chop as she is reaching away under full sail with the trades on her beam. 180-200+ mile days became routine.

What sets KUMA apart, and what no specification sheet can fully capture, is how she behaves when conditions turn serious. In 35 knots of true wind with 7-metre seas on the quarter, while the fleet radio buzzed with reports of slamming, sleepless crews, and seasick passengers, we sat down to dinner at the saloon table. The motion was purposeful, never violent. The Oyster 53’s long waterline, deep-forefoot hull, and center-cockpit layout simply absorb what the ocean throws at her in a way that smaller, lighter yachts cannot. Passage-making aboard KUMA is not an endurance event; it is a pleasure.

In twelve months of continuous ocean sailing, we experienced zero mechanical failures that stopped us reaching our destination. Engine, watermaker, electronics, and rig all performed as they should, passage after passage, ocean after ocean.

We are selling KUMA only because our circumstances have changed, not because she has given us any reason to. She is ready to take her next owners around the world, and we are confident she will look after them just as well as she looked after us.

REVIEWS

Robert Perry described the Oyster 53 as an attractively detailed, well-laid-out center-cockpit cruiser and noted the combined design input of Rob Humphreys, Holman & Pye, and Oyster’s cockpit ergonomics work.

The Oyster 53’s raised saloon, center cockpit, powerful rig with staysail capability, skeg-hung rudder, moderate-displacement profile, and excellent detailing continue to make the model a benchmark for serious cruising sailors.

The company 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.

Listing MLS by Yachtr.com