The ECLIPSE 505 Shadow has earned its reputation as one of the most capable and distinctive luxury express cruisers in its class—defined by aggressive styling, confident performance, and a layout designed for real-world use.
The latest Flag Blue 505 Shadow continues that progression, introducing thoughtful updates shaped by owner-operator feedback.
To take a deeper look at what’s new and why these refinements matter, John from HMY Yacht Sales sits down with Yachting Magazine to discuss the design philosophy, performance, and feature updates that define the newest 505 Shadow.
Features Shaped by Experience
The Flag Blue 505 Shadow reflects ECLIPSE’s commitment to purposeful evolution. Rather than reworking the platform, the focus has been on enhancing how the yacht is used day to day—both underway and at rest.
Updates include improved flow at the cockpit entry, added convenience features that support entertaining, and smarter use of space throughout the interior. Storage has been refined in the salon and staterooms, guest accommodations have been subtly reconfigured for greater comfort, and the master stateroom benefits from additional hanging storage—small changes that make a meaningful difference over time.
Every one of these refinements comes straight from the people who know the 505 Shadow best—owners, captains, and seasoned operators who put real hours on the water and push this boat in real conditions.
Performance That Defines the Platform
While the layout and features continue to evolve, performance remains a cornerstone of the 505 Shadow.
Powered by triple Mercury 600hp V12 Verados, the Flag Blue 505 Shadow delivers exceptional real-world performance—comfortably cruising in the 40-knot range with top speeds exceeding 50 knots. As discussed in the Yachting Magazine interview, the experience is immediate, controlled, and confidence-inspiring.
That performance starts with the Michael Peters stepped-V hull, engineered to lift the boat onto plane quickly and efficiently, unlocking higher speeds, better stability, and improved fuel economy. Weight-conscious construction delivers top-tier performance without sacrificing the premium fit and finish the brand is known for.
A solid structural grid with double-tabbed framing gives the hull exceptional rigidity, preventing flex and eliminating creaks or vibration even when running hard or pushing through rough conditions.
Designed to Entertain—and Cruise
One of the standout qualities of the 505 Shadow—emphasized throughout this interview—is its effortless ability to shift between entertaining and cruising.
The cockpit, salon, and galley connect into a single unified space thanks to wide openings, drop-down windows, and a full sunroof, creating an open-air environment that stays remarkably comfortable even at speed. Close everything up, and the boat’s aerodynamic design goes to work, eliminating wind turbulence and salt blowback to avoid the “station wagon effect” that challenges most enclosed sport cruisers.
Below deck, the 505 Shadow continues to impress. Two generously sized heads with separate showers—virtually unheard of in this class—make extended cruising feel natural, while expanded storage throughout enhances day-to-day livability for owners and guests.
Watch the Full Yachting Magazine Interview
This blog is just the highlight reel. For the full story, be sure to watch the complete Yachting Magazine interview on YouTube. It’s an in-depth, candid look at how the 505 Shadow came to life and why it’s redefining the modern express cruiser segment.
Watch the full ECLIPSE 505 Shadow interview with Yachting Magazine on YouTube to see the yacht in action and hear the insights firsthand.