A problem many boaters have is the unequal interests of their spouses in their real or imagined cruising adventures and, most specifically in "sailing" cruising adventures. Along came an East Coast customer who wished to spend the second half of his life with his wife continuing as his partner. It's always a ticklish design issue, attempting to make a boat comfortable and unique enough to hold the interest of a less-than-eager spouse, yet capable and challenging enough to hold the interest and enthusiasm of the more experienced partner.

The Oysta 42 was specified to be a "motor sailer." And not just a sailboat with an auxiliary engine. The Oysta 42 is a true 50/50 motor sailer capable of motoring through any sea condition; with the sail-assist it's capable of doubling its useful cruising range from 1500 miles under power alone to better-than-3,000 miles with sail. And keeping an engine running affords a lot of comfort and luxury on board, while sail alone might work against the less willing crew member's enthusiasm. An inboard low aspect ratio ketch rig was chosen to work within the design framework. Both masts are on tabernacles so that the rig can be easily lowered for canal passages. The aft pilot house design was selected allowing a large shaded (with boom canvas) outside deck area for carefree warm weather anchorages.

Looking at the accommodations, one can see a large, forward master cabin as a private refuge. The head is clear up in the bows of the boat with a separate shower and enough room to dress in leisurely comfort. There are bureaus and hanging lockers for clothing and stowage for a long cruise, and a reading seat to allow some private moments away from other crew members. Just aft of the master's cabin is a separate cabin with its own access from a large 3 x 3' deck hatch (which also functions as a mid-deck table). With port and starboard berths, this cabin functions as a crew's quarters or the guest cabin for visiting family members or friends. Access to the large engine room is through the aft bulkhead of the guest cabin.

Power can be either twin small diesels of 50 hp each, or with one large single diesel of 100-120 hp. My own choice would be twin 4 cylinder 50 hp diesels as the maneuvering edge gained by twin engine installation more than justifies the small additional cost. And while motor-sailing, the lee sided engine can be left running which helps keep the shipboard electrics in shape.

In effect the two diesels function like a built-in generator providing 12 volt and 110 AC power through high-output alternators and generous battery bank storage capabilities. Fuel tankage allows a range of 1,500 nautical miles under power alone.

Moving aft past the large mid cockpit, the pilot house is entered through port and starboard sliding doors, and features a centerline mounted helm with inside-or-outside steering, chart table to starboard, galley to port, and a real bridge to work the boat from. Stepping aft and down is a huge settee with a large table and enough room to accommodate 6 adults. A small head is off to port for quick access from the pilothouse and salon.

With tabernacle rigs, a displacement of 24,000 lbs., modest draft of 5'0" and room enough for a long cruise, I can just imagine leaving the snow behind for warm Caribbean winds, with good ripe local fruit and pungent island rum - and best of all with my favorite mate to enthusiastically share my adventure.