There’s something about a beautifully executed, modern-classic express cruiser that makes the heart swoon.
Maybe it’s the way the house shape reminds us of the hardiest lobster boats, with all the go-to-sea romance that lifestyle embodies along the coast of Maine. Or maybe it’s the sweep in the sheerline with the proud bow that practically begs to let loose from the dock and head out for a long weekend of exploration off the coast. Hull-paint colors on modern classics are downright soothing. It’s as if a yacht designer put pen to paper and created a vision for inducing a sense of calm.
But then there’s also the good kind of heart pounding that a true modern classic also inspires. Take all of that sensuous style, then add a pair or a trio of 600 hp Mercury V-12 outboards along with a proven performance hull shape, and the boat has everything we need to feel the thrill of tearing across the open water at speeds not seen in this segment. It’s total control and absolute exhilaration, for as little or as long a time as we desire.
These are just some of the qualities embodied in the all-new ECLIPSE 505 and ECLIPSE 605, now for sale through HMY Yachts. The first ECLIPSE 505 is expected to arrive in the United States this fall, with its premiere planned for the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in Florida. The first ECLIPSE 605 is expected to premiere at the 2025 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Both the ECLIPSE 505 and the ECLIPSE 605 are built on the patented Stepped Vee Ventilated Tunnel hull by Sarasota, Florida-based designer Michael Peters. He’s a designer who cites legendary V-hull designer C. Raymond Hunt among his major influences, and who has helped to shape some of the best-performing powerboats of the past few decades.
In a nutshell, Peters’ SVVT hull design reduces the wetted surface, meaning the boat has less drag. In turn, this allows for quicker acceleration, faster speeds, better fuel economy and more. Both the ECLIPSE 505 and 605 can be ordered with the upgraded Shadow Performance Package, which consists of not just exclusive interior appointments, but also more features and an additional Mercury 600 hp engine. This additional power mated to the SVVT hull design will enable faster speeds with reliable handling and allow these express cruisers to stand out in their class.
The ECLIPSE 505 and 605 are built in South Africa by Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing, the same yard that turns out the Two Oceans Power Catamarans in the HMY Yachts stable of offerings. Dave Jirikovic, brand manager of both lines for HMY Yachts, says the plan is to build about 20 of the ECLIPSE 505 and 15 ECLIPSE 605 boats each year, focusing on high-end finishes and components inside and out—as well as on the type of upscale, concierge-level service that owners in this quality range expect.
“The ECLIPSE 505 and 605 are built for the most discerning yachtsmen,” Jirikovic says. “In July of 2022, HMY bought the former Whiticar Boatworks fully functional yard—now called HMY Willoughby Creek—in Stuart, Florida, to be the dedicated service and delivery center for the ECLIPSE owner. Renovations commenced immediately in preparation for the future arrival of ECLIPSE 505s and 605s. Our goal is to create a totally different experience for the customer—from on-site factory-certified Mercury 600 V-12 technicians, to delivery of your new ECLIPSE being out of the elements and under brand-new covered dockage. We are going the extra mile to ensure ECLIPSE customers receive a next-level experience.”
The ECLIPSE 505 is a two-stateroom, two-head design, while the ECLIPSE 605 has a three-stateroom, three-head layout. The boats are ideal for long weekends or weeklong getaways with family and friends. They have American components for ease of service anywhere, and they’re built with features that allow in fresh air and natural light to enhance the cruising experience, such as a retractable moonroof and an opening portside balcony in the cockpit.
Other things to look for in the ECLIPSE models, Jirikovic says, are innovative design elements that make boating easier—the kinds of touches that experienced yachtsmen appreciate. As just one example, the aft door leading from the main-deck salon into the cockpit can slide inboard or outboard on centerline to open, instead of requiring a battle of wills on days when there’s wind to contend with in a harbor.
“We have eliminated pinch points like those created by bi-fold doors,” he says. “Just open the center of the door on a bad day to go in and out of the boat without issue.”
Another advancement is the boarding door to starboard, which, unlike on other boats, doesn’t hinge in or out at all. It’s designed to make life easier for boaters whose hands are full and, well, to look darn cool at any dock as it disappears completely out of view and out of the way.
“It retracts into the cockpit sole,” Jirikovic says. “It’s unlike anything anyone has seen on the docks.”
Interiors on the ECLIPSE 505 and 605 are by Mark Tucker’s renowned team at Design Unlimited in the United Kingdom. He has more than 30 years of experience in the business, with the company’s work including not just higher-end production brands like the ECLIPSE, but also custom superyachts for top yards.
All of that experience will combine with the sales and service power of HMY Yachts, which is the exclusive worldwide dealer for all ECLIPSE models. The partnership means boaters will be able to get aboard these boats at major boat shows, touch and feel the fabrics and components to see the high quality of each model’s construction, and schedule sea trials with experienced captains and brokers who can answer any questions about handling, options and more.
“The worldwide debut will be powered by the HMY team, which has been delivering results since 1979,” says Steve Moynihan, founder and owner of HMY Yachts. “Our commitment to service our customers is unrivaled in the industry.”
Take the next step: Visit in person at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
