Eclipse Yachts is a South African-built brand that aims to produce fast cruising boats powered by outboard engines. The idea is also to combine elegant styling with cutting-edge technology. The range includes six models from 40 to 60 feet, with a design reminiscent of lobster boats, but with a much more modern approach and performance worthy of the 21st century.
A design by Michael Peters Yacht Design
The Eclipse 505 Shadow, introduced at the end of 2024, is an express cruiser with a style that blends tradition and modernity. The boat was designed by Michael Peters Yacht Design and built by Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing in South Africa,
The boat's design is centered on the patented Stepped Vee Ventilated Tunnel (SVVT) hull. This hull design reduces the wetted surface, cutting drag and improving both speed and fuel efficiency.
In addition to its elegant exterior styling, the Eclipse 505 Shadow offers a large aft cockpit that can be arranged to suit the customer's wishes.
This space also benefits from a tilting bulwark to enlarge the cockpit area and an attractive aft bench seat. Another good point is the side door, which makes it much easier to board or haul in your catch if you want to fish. The wall between the cockpit and the interior saloon can be transformed into a bar thanks to a retractable window, and above all, the exterior and interior are on the same level, with no steps.
The interior features simple, elegant forms, with a functional galley to port, followed by a dining area for five to six people. The starboard side features storage space and a helm station. All this is bathed in light thanks to the large bay windows and opening glass roof.
The sleeping quarters feature two cabins and two bathrooms in a cosy atmosphere. The craftsmanship is clearly of the highest quality, and the equipment is at the owner's discretion, since this is a semi-custom boat.
The forward cabin boasts generous headroom, plenty of storage space and a private bathroom. The aft cabin offers a different atmosphere, with a lower headroom, but more generous space for a sofa on port side, for example.
1800 hp and 60 mph
In terms of dynamics, the Eclipse 505 Shadow is based on a Stepped Vee Ventilated Tunnel (SVVT) hull, a performance-oriented hull. The boat is powered by three 600 hp Mercury V12 Verado outboard engines, enabling it to reach 60 mph (52 knots). If that's not enough, the shipyard offers an optional Performance Package including four Mercury 600hp engines, so buckle up!
From $2.3 to $2.8 million
Then there's the price, and quite frankly, given the quality of construction, on-board comfort, luxurious equipment and performance, the price might almost seem "reasonable".
What's more, this is a semi-custom boat, meaning that the fittings and equipment can be modified to suit the customer's wishes. On this basis, the boat starts at around $2.3 million and goes up to around $2.8 million, the price for sailing a unique, stylish boat that combines performance and comfort.
