Vista 515 (Passport) Information, Review, Specs

Designed by the celebrated naval architect Robert H. Perry in collaboration with the Passport Design Group, the Vista 515 embodies Passport's philosophy of building durable and easy-to-sail yachts.

History and Design

The Passport Vista 515 began its production run in 2007, marking a contemporary evolution in Passport Yachts' esteemed line of cruisers. The design, spearheaded by Robert H. Perry, aimed to create an elegant, functional, and exceptionally durable yacht that was easy to sail in all conditions. During this era, Passport Yachts had transitioned its production to Xiamen Hansheng Yacht Building Co., LTD in China, a partnership that upheld the brand's commitment to high construction standards while integrating modern building techniques. Passport's design philosophy for the Vista series emphasizes a blend of modern innovation with traditional features, focusing on quality of construction, ease of handling, and customizability.

The Vista 515 was offered with notable variations to suit different cruising preferences, including the choice of an aft or center cockpit configuration. Additionally, a shoal draft keel of 5.58 feet (1.7m) was available, providing greater access to shallower anchorages and waterways, alongside the standard 6.5-foot deep draft keel. These options allowed owners to tailor the vessel to their specific cruising grounds and lifestyle.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Passport Vista 515 is engineered for robust offshore performance, a hallmark of Passport Yachts. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.12, she is well-balanced, indicating a good blend of power for light air performance while remaining manageable in stronger winds. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 36.8% contributes to a solid and stable feel on the water, suggesting a boat that can stand up to a breeze and offer a comfortable motion offshore, though perhaps not as stiff as some dedicated performance cruisers.

Her displacement to length ratio of roughly 199.1 categorizes her as a moderate displacement vessel. This ratio, combined with a waterline length of 44 feet, implies a design capable of respectable speeds and an easy motion through the water, without sacrificing the comfort and carrying capacity expected of a blue-water cruiser. Owners and reviewers often praise the Vista 515 for being "exceptionally fast both under sail and while under engine," highlighting its efficient hull design and powerful Yanmar 110 HP diesel engine. The easily handled solent rig further contributes to its reputation for effortless sailing in varying conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Passport Vista 515 is designed with spaciousness and luxury in mind, offering impressive headroom throughout. A key aspect of Passport Yachts' approach is semi-customization, meaning each Vista 515 often features an interior designed to meet the owner's specific requirements. Common interior finishes include high-quality American cherry or Burmese teak veneers and solid wood accents for lockers and doors.

Standard layouts typically feature two staterooms and two heads, while optional three-stateroom configurations are also available upon request. The layout generally includes a comfortable V-berth forward, a spacious main salon, a well-appointed galley, and a master cabin, often aft in the center cockpit versions. One unique interior design feature noted by reviewers is the flexible use of the area outboard of the companionway steps on the port side. Storage is ample, with large lockers under the aft deck providing significant space for cruising gear. Practical features like poured foam insulated refrigerator and freezer compartments, a signature of Passport's design, enhance liveability and efficiency for extended voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Passport Vista 515 consistently commend its high-quality construction and robust build. Many highlight the meticulous joinery, excellent glasswork, and superior systems installation, describing the yachts as being "built to the highest standards." The customizability of the interior is a frequently lauded feature, allowing owners to create a truly personalized cruising platform.

The Vista 515 is often regarded as a sound investment, known for retaining its value over time. Owners appreciate its capability as a serious offshore cruiser, finding it easy to handle and stable in various sea states, a testament to its durable design and construction. The yacht's performance, particularly its ability to be "exceptionally fast" under both sail and power, also receives positive feedback, making it a highly recommended choice for cruising couples.