Oyster LD43, AURORA

Broker’s Comments

Oyster Yachts are regarded by many as the pinnacle of British boat building. They are synonymous with high-end build quality and superlative seakeeping. Luxurious fit and finish, combined with an exuberant attention to detail, has kept Oyster at the top for well over 30 years, in an industry where, sadly, many great builders have been consigned to history. Oyster owners naturally yearned for a gentleman’s motor yacht, cut from the same cloth, offering comfortable accommodation, seakeeping ability, and outright style. In 2005, the Oyster LD43 was born—and boy, was it different!

Jet drives were selected for ease of manoeuvring and shallow-water capability, allowing one to get close to the beach in a calm and relaxed fashion. To accommodate the performance of the jets, the hull needed to be strong, so carbon and Kevlar composites were moulded into the high-load areas. The hull features a deep-V forward to break the first wave, while the flared topsides and spray rails push water aside. The aft section transitions to a flatter, rounded shape for maximum efficiency of the jets.

An enormous cockpit and accommodating saloon reflect the meaning of LD (“Lunch and Dinner”), with options for both alfresco and indoor dining. A single double berth and head mean that this is not a multi-couple accommodation yacht. Guests are welcome—but should leave after dinner! The galley is well equipped, and there is ample storage to extend your cruising.

The Oyster LD43, AURORA, first splashed in 2006, has been well maintained and comes highly recommended. This 2006 example runs on twin Yanmar 6LY2A 440hp diesels, offering a cruising speed in the mid-twenties, while the autopilot ensures effortless long-distance passages. The twin Hamilton waterjet propulsion system is computer-controlled—affectionately named “Mouseboat”—and, with fingertip berthing control, you will be the envy of your fellow yachtsmen.

This experienced owner has evidently cherished his time with AURORA and has kept her meticulously maintained. She underwent a comprehensive overhaul of her jets by Hamilton Jet in 2023 and has been consistently upgraded, including a new 2025 Raymarine Axiom Pro S suite with Quantum Doppler radar, among other enhancements. She is now ready and waiting to take new owners on her next adventure!

Owner’s Comments

We recently cruised the Brittany coast and the Channel Islands over six weeks, covering some 650 miles, and found her to be a comfortable and easy boat to manage. Her jet drives and control systems made docking straightforward, even in very tight berths (usually in French marinas!), and the ability to pin the boat to a pontoon made berthing completely stress-free.

She is admired wherever we go and simply “looks right” on the water. We upgraded and improved her for the long cruise, yet she remains equally at home as a day boat or weekender, and was perfect for the extended family outings we also enjoyed. She gave us a taste of longer-term cruising, which is why we have reluctantly decided to put her on the market, confident that her next custodian will derive as much enjoyment from her as we did.

Manufacturer Description

The Oyster LD43 combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design and technology to create a unique blend of performance, seakeeping, and comfort. The LD43 is all about good times afloat, whether dining alfresco in the cockpit, enjoying a candlelit dinner in the enclosed saloon, or cruising with family and friends. Modern composite construction, incorporating carbon fibre and Kevlar, creates a strong, lightweight hull, optimised for use by Levi Designs and tank-tested at the Wolfson Unit. While conventional drives may be chosen, her twin water jets allow the LD43 to top out at over 30 knots—eliminating worries about fouled props and providing the ability to navigate shallow waters or even dry out. Exceptional build quality and design flair, combined with excellent after-sales support, result in a boat that truly embodies what good times afloat are all about.