Csy 505 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The CSY 505 entered production in 1987, a period following the initial operational years of the original Caribbean Sailing Yachts company. Designed by Charles Morgan, a prominent figure in yacht design, the 505 reflects a philosophy aimed at creating a sturdy and capable cruiser. While specific details on Morgan's precise design goals for this model are not extensively documented in available public records, the boat's specifications suggest an emphasis on seaworthiness and comfort for long-distance sailing.

Constructed with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, the CSY 505 features a long keel, contributing to its inherent stability and tracking ability in various sea conditions. This construction method aligns with the "overbuilt" ethos often associated with the CSY name, prioritizing structural integrity for the demanding marine environment. The powerful 66-horsepower Yanmar diesel engine further underscores its design as a self-sufficient cruising vessel, capable of reliable auxiliary propulsion.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a reported sail area of 1078 square feet and a displacement of 31,500 pounds, the CSY 505 exhibits a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.26. This places the vessel squarely in the cruiser-racer category, suggesting moderate performance. While not designed as a light-air flyer, this ratio indicates that the 505 possesses sufficient sail power to move efficiently in a good breeze, offering a balanced blend of speed and cruising comfort.

Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 186.26, suggests that for a vessel of its impressive length, the CSY 505 is relatively lighter and more performance-oriented than much heavier, more traditional cruisers. This characteristic, combined with its long keel, contributes to its "reasonably stable / stiff" nature and good righting capability. The long keel design generally provides excellent directional stability and a comfortable motion in a seaway, making it well-suited for extended ocean passages. The theoretical hull speed for the CSY 505 is calculated at 8.71 knots.

It is important to note that a specific ballast weight for the CSY 505 is not consistently available in the provided data or search results, with some databases listing it as 0 lbs. However, as a stable monohull with a long keel, the vessel inherently relies on the substantial weight of its keel for stability, meaning a significant ballast component is integrated into its design. Consequently, a precise Ballast to Displacement ratio cannot be accurately calculated from the available information.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior layouts and diagrams for the CSY 505 yacht are not widely available through grounded search, its generous dimensions—a length overall of 50.5 feet and a beam of 15.25 feet—indicate a spacious interior well-suited for comfortable cruising. Given its large size and purpose as a serious cruiser, owners can expect ample living space, typically featuring multiple private cabins, a dedicated head and shower compartment, a well-equipped galley, and a substantial main salon for dining and relaxation. Though specific headroom figures are not provided, the overall volume would likely support comfortable standing throughout much of the interior. The robust construction ethos of CSY would also suggest a durable and functional interior finish, consistent with a vessel designed for long-term offshore living.