Some boats are built for speed, and some are built for comfort. The ECLIPSE 505 Shadow doesn’t make you choose. Pairing Michael Peters’ legendary design expertise with triple Mercury Verado 600s, this 50-footer delivers thrilling performance in real-world conditions without sacrificing the kind of comfort and finish serious boaters expect.
From the dock, the Shadow makes her intentions clear. Sleek lines hint at her speed, while wide beam and thoughtful layout promise livability. This is a yacht for the owner who wants to cover serious miles, enjoy every minute aboard, and turn heads at every marina along the way.
If you’d like a closer look at these sleek lines, you can view the latest 505 Shadow walkthrough video here.
Built to Run
The Shadow’s performance numbers speak for themselves. During April 2025 sea trials on Florida’s St. Lucie River, she topped out at 58.1 mph at 6,300 rpm. Ease back, and she’ll cruise all day at her sweet spot—around 41.6 mph at 4,600 rpm—delivering a range of roughly six hours. That’s plenty to cover serious water between fuel stops.
Full performance data from trials:
- 32.3 mph at 4,000 rpm
- 41.6 mph at 4,600 rpm (optimal cruise)
- 48.2 mph at 5,200 rpm
- 53.9 mph at 5,800 rpm
Numbers only tell part of the story. When the first Shadow launched in Cape Town, the “calm” day still brought 6- to 8-foot seas. Even then, she held close to 60 mph while keeping everyone on board comfortable, according to HMY Yachts Director of Sales Tim Derrico.
The Shadow’s performance that day was a clear nod to the hull design’s capability. That kind of stability at speed isn’t just about horsepower, it’s the result of hull geometry, balance and fine-tuned engineering that works with the water, not against it.
Dimensions and Details
At 50’10” overall (including motors) with a 15’1” beam, the 505 Shadow has presence without feeling unmanageable. Her lightship displacement and smart weight distribution keep her planted in a range of conditions. Two staterooms and two heads mean you can spend up to a week aboard without compromise.
The draft of just 35” (motors up) opens up a range of cruising grounds, from shallow sandbars to deeper offshore runs.
Standard gear includes Starlink connectivity and a full Garmin electronics suite, delivering navigation, communication and system monitoring at your fingertips. While the Shadow’s design means she’s steady even without stabilization, buyers can opt for a Seakeeper system. The system can either be installed at purchase or added later thanks to built-in accommodations for the unit.
Michael Peters Yacht Design is known for hulls that combine speed, seakeeping and efficiency. The 505 Shadow is a case study in that approach. The triple Mercury setup isn’t just about headline speeds—it’s about matching power to hull for balance, quick acceleration and responsiveness at all throttle positions.
In practice, that means running offshore without maintaining higher speeds in a chop and enjoying a more comfortable ride in the kind of real conditions that look different from the flat calm of brochure photos. This focus on the real-world experience is part of why the Shadow has gained such quick attention in the performance yacht space.
Meet Her at FLIBS
Feedback from the first boats led to several subtle but meaningful updates already in place on Hull #3, all future boats set to be on display at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS). Changes address everything from storage and ergonomics to minor performance optimizations—proof that this builder is listening to owners and fine-tuning accordingly.
If you’ve seen a 505 Shadow before, it’s worth a second look to spot the improvements. If you haven’t, FLIBS will be your chance to see the evolution in person.
Exclusive ECLIPSE dealer HMY Yachts will have two 505 Shadows on display this year, making it easier for interested buyers to get aboard without a long wait. Qualified prospects can even arrange sea trials during the show. Just look for the unmistakable lines of the Shadow. As Derrico said, “You can’t miss it.”
In a crowded luxury performance market, the ECLIPSE 505 Shadow stands apart for one big reason: No one else has built a boat that runs quite like this. She’s fast, efficient, comfortable and ready for whatever the weather or pleasure cruise brings.
For buyers who want to cruise at 40+ mph in style, with the confidence to take on a little sea when needed, the Shadow delivers. For cruisers that want the ability to do so at higher speeds with confidence and comfort, the 505 Shadow fits the bill.
Click here to learn more about the ECLIPSE 505 Shadow.
