Knysna 500 Information, Review, Specs

This 50-foot catamaran emerged from the drawing board of renowned naval architect Angelo Lavranos, a key collaborator with Knysna Yacht Company, and is a testament to the builder's philosophy of meticulous craftsmanship and individual owner satisfaction.

History and Design

The Knysna 500's production began in 2014, following the success of its predecessor, the Knysna 480. Knysna Yacht Company, founded around 2007 by Kevin and Rika Fouché in Knysna, South Africa, has always prioritized quality over mass production, building a limited number of yachts each year to ensure exceptional attention to detail. The company's ethos during the development and production of the 500 model centered on crafting bespoke blue-water catamarans that excel in both luxury and seakeeping. Angelo Lavranos, known for his expertise, contributed significantly to the sleek profiles and efficient hull forms that define Knysna catamarans, ensuring they are well-suited for extended ocean voyages. The Knysna 500 SE (Special Edition) is noted as a flagship model, sharing the same hull as the 480 but refined with a sporty profile, striking aesthetics, and brilliant finishes.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Knysna 500 is a performance-oriented cruising catamaran, designed to move swiftly and comfortably across oceans. With a length overall of 50 feet and a waterline length of just over 45 feet, she maintains competitive performance for her size. The reported sail area of 1237 square feet, comprising a 75m² (800 sq ft) mainsail and a 50m² (538 sq ft) genoa, provides ample power to propel her substantial displacement of nearly 30,000 pounds.

Owners and reviewers often praise the Knysna 500 for its ability to handle challenging conditions. It is described as light, quick, and robust, capable of standing up to significant wind and seas. Its twin-keel design contributes to stability and allows for a shallow maximum draft of just under 4 feet, making it suitable for exploring shallower anchorages. The catamaran's dual Yanmar engines, each providing 108 horsepower, offer reliable auxiliary power and excellent maneuverability, complementing its sailing capabilities. The design allows the Knysna 500 SE to be handled by just two people, highlighting its ease of operation for a vessel of its size.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Knysna 500 is designed for luxurious and comfortable extended cruising, offering generous living spaces characteristic of a 50-foot catamaran. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, reviews suggest ample space throughout the living areas. The layout typically features a well-appointed owner's hull, often located on the port side, which includes a custom-fitted double berth aft, comfortable bench seating, and sometimes even a dedicated office setup midship. This arrangement allows for privacy and expansive living quarters for the owners.

The main salon is spacious and bright, often boasting excellent visibility, and typically includes a galley, dining area, and lounge seating. The quality of finish is consistently described as high, utilizing premium materials and often featuring detailed wood trim, contributing to a "custom yacht grade" feel. Cabins generally offer comfortable sleeping arrangements for guests, with two double cabins common in addition to the owner's suite, accommodating up to eight people. Ample storage is usually integrated throughout the vessel, essential for liveaboard or extended cruising. Ventilation is well-addressed through numerous opening ports and hatches, ensuring a comfortable environment in various climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently commend the Knysna 500 for its solid construction and the overall build quality, often noting its robustness for blue-water passages. The ability to semi-customize the interior during the build process is a significant strength, allowing owners to tailor the yacht to their specific needs and preferences. Many appreciate the balance between performance under sail and the high level of comfort and luxury provided onboard, making it a desirable liveaboard or long-distance cruiser. The ease of handling, even with a smaller crew, is frequently highlighted as a major advantage.

While specific recurring weaknesses or common problems are not widely detailed in public forums, discussions among owners on platforms like the Knysna Yacht Owners Forum touch upon general maintenance topics such as water tank issues, sail drives, and window replacements, suggesting routine upkeep typical of any complex vessel. The overall sentiment points to a highly regarded catamaran that delivers on its promise of luxurious, capable, and personalized blue-water sailing.