International 500 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The International 500 is characterized by its deep-V sections and a traditional full keel with a gracefully raked transom. With a displacement of approximately 11,000 lbs and a ballast-to-displacement ratio exceeding 30%, the boat is a quintessential "heavy" cruiser. On the water, this translates to a motion that is remarkably sea-kindly; it lacks the jerky acceleration of modern light-displacement hulls but maintains momentum through a chop that would stall smaller vessels.

Observers and owners often note its exceptional tracking ability. Due to the long keel, the International 500 "sails itself" once the sheets are trimmed, making it a favorite for solo sailors or those navigating long coastal passages. However, the trade-off for this stability is felt in light air. With a modest sail area-to-displacement ratio, the boat requires a dedicated reaching jib or a larger genoa to stay competitive in whispers. When the wind picks up, the hull's stability shines; it is known to stand up well to its canvas and remains balanced even when pressed. In tight quarters under power, the full keel requires a practiced hand, as the boat has a large turning circle and responds slowly in reverse, a common trait for its era.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the International 500 reflects the high standards of German shipwrights from the 1960s. Most hulls were finished in rich African mahogany with white overheads, providing a warm, traditional aesthetic. The layout is a classic four-berth configuration: a forward V-berth followed by a head and hanging locker, and a main salon with two settee berths. The galley is typically split across the aft section, placing the stove and sink near the companionway for optimal ventilation.

Headroom is approximately 6' 1", which was generous for a 31-footer of that period. Design variations are rare as the "500" was a strict series, but its larger sibling, the International 600, was built on the same design philosophy. The 600 is a 36-foot version that offers significantly more volume and often featured a yawl rig, whereas the 500 is almost exclusively a sloop. A few rare "custom" versions of the 500 may exist with modified galley layouts, but the structural bulkhead placement remains consistent across the fleet.

Popular Mentions & Media

The International 500 has maintained a "cult classic" status among traditionalists. While it lacks the mass-market fame of contemporary fiberglass boats, it has been a frequent subject of editorial praise in WoodenBoat Magazine, where the craftsmanship of the de Dood yard is often cited as a benchmark for wooden production boats. The design is also documented in the archives of the Mystic Seaport Museum, which holds many of Robert Henry’s original plans and technical drawings.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must approach the International 500 with the understanding that these are primarily wooden vessels, though some later fiberglass versions may exist under different branding.

• Fastener Fatigue: The original hulls utilized silicon bronze screws. Over sixty years, these can undergo "zinkification" or simply wear. A surveyor should pull several fasteners below the waterline to check for shank thickness.
• Iron Floors: Some builds utilized iron floor timbers (the structural members across the keel). These are prone to rust and expansion, which can crack the wood of the frames or the planking nearby.
• Deck Leaks: The original decks were often plywood with a fiberglass or Dynel overlay. If the chainplates or stanchion bases were not re-bedded regularly, water can migrate into the plywood core, leading to soft spots.
• Mast Step: Check for compression at the mast step. On older wooden boats, moisture can collect at the base of the mast, rotting the step or the supporting floor timbers.

Community & Resources

While there is no formal "International 500 Class Association," the community is deeply embedded in the broader classic boat world. Technical support and owner discussions are frequently hosted by the Classic Yacht Owners Association and various wooden boat forums. Technical documentation, including original sail plans and scantlings, is often sourced through the design collection at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, as Robert Henry was a resident of the Eastern Shore.

The Verdict

The International 500 is an "aristocrat" of the 31-foot class, offering a level of build quality and aesthetic beauty that is impossible to find in modern production boats.

Pros:

• Superb sea-keeping and heavy-weather stability.
• Exquisite interior joinery and classic lines.
• Highly respected pedigree and provenance.

Cons:

• High maintenance requirements associated with wooden hull ownership.
• Limited maneuverability in tight marinas due to the full keel.
• Sluggish performance in light air (under 8 knots of wind).