Reflections on Fort Lauderdale: The 505 Shadow at FLIBS 2025 

Every October, Fort Lauderdale reminds the industry why it’s dubbed ‘The Yachting Capital of the world’. The docks of Bahia Mar and Pier Sixty-Six come alive with movement, conversation, and inspiration — and this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show was no exception. Against a backdrop of bustling waterways and sunlit skies, ECLIPSE Yachts took center stage with two 505 Shadows on display, capturing the attention of onlookers, enthusiasts, and industry leaders alike. 

Two 505 Shadows, One Vision 

The debut of the Flag Blue 505 Shadow stood as a highlight of this year’s show — a vivid expression of ECLIPSE’s forward-thinking approach to yacht design. Built on customer feedback and real-world experience, this model represents the next evolution of the 505 platform: refined, balanced, and performance driven. Its deep, lustrous blue hull reflected the South Florida sun in a way that stopped attendees as they either disembarked in the water taxi or made their way to the southwest end of the in-water display. While subtle refinements throughout the layout underscored ECLIPSE’s reputation for listening, adapting, and improving. 

Alongside her, the Island Turquoise 505 Shadow offered a contrasting take on the same DNA — spirited, elegant, and unmistakably ECLIPSE. Together, the two hulls told a story of versatility and craftsmanship, each designed to fit the lifestyles of discerning boaters who demand more than beauty alone. 

Conversations, Craftsmanship, and Connection 

Throughout the weekend, the ECLIPSE booth became a meeting point for those who share a passion for performance and precision. Owners, brokers, and captains stepped aboard, exploring the 505’s thoughtful details — from her seamless indoor-outdoor flow to her triple Mercury V12 engines that deliver an effortless combination of speed and stability. 

These weren’t just passing visits. They were conversations — about design, innovation, and what defines the next generation of express cruisers. Visitors spoke about how the 505 feels both familiar and new: a yacht rooted in classic craftsmanship yet driven by a distinctly modern spirit. 

A Proactive Builder 

At ECLIPSE, evolution is not a marketing phrase — it’s a philosophy. Every refinement on display at FLIBS 2025 was the result of feedback, testing, and an unrelenting drive to improve. The new Flag Blue hull stands as proof of this approach — a visual symbol of ECLIPSE’s commitment to building yachts that evolve alongside their owners. 

It’s this proactive mindset that continues to set ECLIPSE apart: the willingness to listen, refine, and lead with intention. 

Fort Lauderdale: The Perfect Setting 

Few places in the world mirror the ECLIPSE ethos quite like Fort Lauderdale. The city’s winding canals, world-class marinas, and endless coastline form a stage where water and lifestyle intertwine. As day turned to night during the show, the reflections of yacht lights danced across the water — and the 505 Shadow’s open cockpit became the perfect place to take it all in. 

It’s here, in the calm after the show, that the connection between the city and the sea feels undeniable. Fort Lauderdale doesn’t just host the ECLIPSE 505 Shadow — it belongs to it. Both embody the same spirit: bold, refined, and designed for those who live by the tides. 

The Journey Ahead 

The 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show may be behind us, but for ECLIPSE, this is only the beginning. With new builds underway and growing interest from across the industry, the 505 Shadow continues to define what performance luxury truly means. 

Experience it for yourself. 
📞 Call an ECLIPSE Product Specialist at 561-448-8500 to schedule your private showing.