Remarks :
The Oyster 406 is a highly regarded bluewater cruising yacht, designed by Holman & Pye and built by Oyster Yachts between 1986 and 1990. With only 35 units produced, it is the smallest deck saloon yacht Oyster ever built, offering many of the luxuries and ocean-going features of larger models in a more manageable package.
Selkie Dancer is a fine example of this rare model, featuring the desirable centre cockpit deck saloon version that offers panoramic visibility, excellent headroom, and a bright, airy interior. Her robust construction, encapsulated ballast, and skeg-hung rudder make her exceptionally well-suited to offshore passages, while modern upgrades — including a bow thruster, new rigging (2018), and a hydrovane auxiliary rudder — make her ready for extended cruising.
Highlights Listed below but included in Full Specs:
Only 35 Oyster 406s built — rare and sought-after
Deck saloon layout for light-filled, spacious interior
Centre Cockpit for privacy in dock and security at sea
Bow thruster
Standing rigging replaced (2018)
Coppercoat antifouling 2014, renewed 2024
EU VAT Paid

REMARKS
Selkie Dancer combines the solid offshore credentials expected from Oyster with practical comfort for long-distance cruising. She has been in careful private ownership and has received regular upgrades and professional maintenance. Her long keel and skeg-hung rudder give confidence at sea, while features such as the bow thruster and electric winch aid handling in close quarters. A rare opportunity to acquire one of the most compact yet capable yachts in Oyster’s pedigree range.

Accommodation :
Sleeps 6 across 2 cabins and saloon
Forward cabin with double V-berth and hanging locker
Aft owner’s cabin with large double berth and ensuite heads
Two heads with Lavac marine toilets
L-shaped saloon seating with folding dining table
Full-size chart table/nav station
LAYOUT:
Centre cockpit design offers excellent privacy and space below. The bright deck saloon layout features large windows for natural light and forward opening window hatches for ventilation. The galley to port and aft heads to starboard, lead to the aft cabin, which is separated from the main saloon for owner privacy. Forward cabin and heads provide ideal guest accommodation.
DOMESTIC:
Galley includes a three-burner gas hob with oven and grill, top-loading fridge/freezer, and twin stainless-steel sinks. The water system is pressurised with hot and cold water with filtered drinking water. Both heads are equipped with marine toilets, sinks, and shower facilities.
CANVAS
Sprayhood
Extended bimini & side screens
Mainsail cover/stackpack
Tender cover
Cockpit cushions

TENDER
Two metre RIB with 3 chambers and heavy duty Hypalon
Torqeedo long shaft electric outboard & 2 x batteries

MISCELLANEOUS
Fenders and warps
Boathooks and winch handles
Crockery and cutlery
Various engine and maintenance spares
Tool kit
Owners’ manuals and log
Imray Charts
EXTRA DETAILS
Feathering propeller
Forward looking sonar
Water filter system (filter requires replacement)
Extensive documentation
TITLE DOCUMENTS AND TAX
Listed below are the documents/or copies which we have seen on listing this yacht:
Original Oyster Marine VAT invoice (dated 14th April 1987)
British Part 1 Registration – No. 4070148
EU VAT paid (documented)
Chain of ownership and Bills of Sale
Insurance history and maintenance files
No CE mark required (pre-1998 construction)
KNOWN DEFECTS
Wind speed sensor defective – new B&G Triton sensors and display on board but not fitted
B&G Auto pilot hand held remote – missing
B&G FFD Cockpit display defective
Water filter system needs new filter
Anchor control – needs rationalization with both hand held remote and extended cable
HISTORY
Commissioned in 1987 for a British couple and professionally built by Oyster Marine Ltd, Selkie Dancer has enjoyed 3 x long-term private ownerships with a strong maintenance record. She has cruised UK and European waters extensively and has benefitted from regular refits and upgrades including new engine (2007), standing rigging (2018), and bow thruster. Her careful custodians have kept her in excellent working order. Her last owners have adapted her for the Mediterranean with extra shade and swim platform offering her next owner a capable and proven offshore yacht for warm climes.

Inventory :
RIGGING
Sloop with furling headsail. Forestay and furler replaced 2025
Detachable inner forestay and working jib
Aluminium mast and spars
Standing rigging replaced (2018)
Keel stepped mast
Slab reefed mainsail with lazy jacks
Electric halyard winch
SAILS
Mainsail (2020)
Furling genoa, 140% (2017)
Furling #2 genoa
Working jib
Riding or anchor sail

NAVIGATION
Raymarine Axiom 7 chartplotter
Raymarine Quantum radar
B&G Hydra autopilot
B&G Hydra 2000 log, depth, wind and speed instruments
AIS receiver
ICOM VHF radio
ICOM handheld radio
Compass at helm
Navtex
Garmin 128 GPS
DECK
Centre cockpit with teak seating
Electric anchor windlass
20kg Rocna anchor with chain and cable
20kg Delta anchor – spare
Aluminium Fortress anchor – with chain and cable
Spare kedge anchor
Extended stainless steel pulpit, pushpit, and guardrails
Coachroof grabrails
2 x Lewmar #52 primary winches
6 x Lewmar #40 secondary winches
Electric Harken coachroof winch
Swim platform and ladder
SAFETY
EPIRB
Liferaft (serviced 2023)
Manual and electric bilge pumps
Edson manual portable pump
Fire extinguishers and fire blanket
Carbon Monoxide detectors
Emergency tiller

Mechanical :
CONSTRUCTION
• Designed by Holman & Pye
• Built by Oyster Marine Ltd, UK (1987)
• GRP hull and deck construction
• White topsides with blue cove line
• Teak-laid cockpit and decks
• Long (full) keel with encapsulated ballast
• Skeg-hung rudder for protection and control

DIMENSIONS
• LOA: 12.34m (40’6″)
• LWL: 10.59m (34’9″)
• Beam: 3.89m (12’9″)
• Draft: 1.75m (5’9″)
• Displacement: 9,299kg (20,500 lbs)

MECHANICAL
• Beta 1505 engine (installed 2007)
• Approx. engine hours: 3,500
• Vetus 50 kgf bow thruster (2002)
• Rope cutter fitted
• Regularly serviced
PERFORMANCE
• Theoretical hull speed: 7.9 knots, reality 7.3 kts, cruise at 6 kts.
• Displacement/Length Ratio: 217 (offshore capable)
• Bermuda rigged sloop, manageable by two

TANKAGE
• Fuel: approx. 400 litres
• Water: approx. 700 litres
• Holding tank fitted

ELECTRICAL
100 amp alternator with smart charger control
12V DC domestic system
240V AC shore power
Xantrex battery charger
4 x 100Ah domestic batteries (2022)
1 x 105 Ah engine start battery (2022)
1 x 100 Ah bow thruster battery (2022)
2 x PV panels with regulators
2 x Shore power cables
Battery monitor