At ECLIPSE Yachts, the journey from concept to creation is a meticulous process where craftsmanship and innovation intersect at every stage. One of the most pivotal moments in that journey is the demolding and assembly of our flagship model—the ECLIPSE 605. From raw materials to a fully formed structure, the build process is a masterclass in precision, patience, and expertise. Today, we take you inside the critical stage where the 605 takes shape and steps closer to becoming the ultimate expression of luxury performance.
From Concept to Construction
Every journey begins with a meticulously developed design, crafted in close collaboration with our naval architects. Once the design is signed off, we move into tooling—essentially creating the molds that will shape each component of the yacht. For the 605, these tools were produced by specialists in Brazil before being shipped to our build site in South Africa.
For a closer look at this milestone, watch our video of the molds arriving in South Africa.
Upon arrival, we commission and prepare the molds for the next phase: lamination. This involves layering fiberglass, foam, and other composite materials into the mold according to precise engineering plans. Through a carefully controlled resin process, we form the durable outer shell of the hull.
Strength from Within
With the hull complete, the next step is about structural integrity. A pre-tooled structural frame is installed and bonded into place, followed by the addition of the internal bulkheads. These components give the yacht its strength, allowing it to be lifted from the mold and placed on a cradle—freeing the mold for the next hull in the production line.
The entire process for the first ECLIPSE 605 Shadow took around six months, in part due to the development of new tooling and iterative communication with our naval architects. While the shape of the hull may seem straightforward, it’s the small, intricate details—like the running strakes and window contours—that demand time, focus, and an obsessive attention to detail.
Next Steps: Systems and Finishing
Now that the hull is out of the mold, the real transformation begins. Next, we install all internal systems—wiring, plumbing, and tank mounts—alongside structural and aesthetic components like cabin internals and machinery. Then, the deck, which is molded using the same precision process, is bonded to the hull. This marriage marks a major milestone: the creation of a closed, structurally complete yacht.
From there, the interior fit-out begins—transforming the shell with the finishes, features, and comforts that create a luxurious home on the water.
For more information about ECLIPSE Yachts and the 605 Shadow, please visit www.ECLIPSE-yachts.com or contact the dealer, HMY Yacht Sales, at (561) 448-8500.
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