Majestic 500 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Majestic 500 is characterized by its significant displacement—approximately 33,000 to 35,000 lbs depending on the load—which provides a dampened, "big boat" feel in offshore conditions. Unlike performance-oriented catamarans that utilize daggerboards and slim hulls, the 500 uses a high-volume hull form and fixed keels. This design choice sacrifices some upwind pointing ability (typically tacking through 100-110 degrees) but results in a stable platform that does not "hobby-horse" in a choppy seaway.

The sail plan, often featuring a fractional sloop rig with a large overlapping genoa, is designed to move this mass reliably. While it requires a true wind speed of at least 10–12 knots to wake up, once moving, the boat tracks with exceptional linear stability. The helm is typically positioned at a raised bulkhead station, providing excellent visibility over the coachroof. Because the boat was built for long-range cruising, many units are equipped with electric winches to manage the high loads of the mainsail, making it manageable for a couple despite its 50-foot length.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Majestic 500 is where the model truly distinguishes itself from Mediterranean production cats. The "galley-up" layout is standard, but because Royal Cape Catamarans is a boutique yard, many interiors feature high levels of customization in woodwork—often utilizing semi-gloss maple or teak finishes. The headroom is notable, often exceeding 6 feet 5 inches in the saloon, creating an airy environment that avoids the "tunneled" feeling of narrower multihulls.

Accommodation variants are extensive. While the "Owner’s Version" typically dedicates the entire port hull to a master suite—complete with a walk-around queen bed, a dedicated office nook, and a large en-suite head with a separate dry shower—the 500 was also a popular choice for high-end charters. In these configurations, the boat can be found with up to six en-suite cabins. Technical specifications noted by Multihulls World highlight the massive tankage (264 gallons each for fuel and water), reinforcing its identity as a self-sufficient floating home.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Majestic 500 gained significant attention in the American market through its regular appearances at the Annapolis United States Sailboat Show, where its successor, the 530, was later nominated for "Boat of the Year" honors. The model is frequently cited in cruising literature as a benchmark for "load-carrying" catamarans, capable of maintaining its trim even when loaded with heavy cruisers' gear like dive compressors, large tenders, and extensive battery banks.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Balsa Core Integrity: Like many South African cats of this era, the 500 uses a balsa-cored sandwich construction above the waterline. Buyers should commission a professional moisture meter test around deck fittings and stanchion bases to ensure no water ingress has compromised the core.
• Weight Management: The boat is naturally heavy; previous owners often added heavy aftermarket equipment (arch-mounted solar, massive anchors). It is essential to check the bridge deck clearance when the boat is fully loaded; a low-riding boat will suffer from "slapping" in following seas.
• Steering Linkage: Given the nearly 29-foot beam, the steering cables or hydraulic lines are exceptionally long. Periodic inspection of the quadrants and sheaves is necessary to ensure there is no excessive play or fraying.
• Stainless Steel Quality: While the build is robust, some early 2000s South African hardware was prone to "tea-staining" (surface rust) if not polished regularly. Check the welds on the pulpit and the targa bar for any signs of crevice corrosion.

Community & Resources

Owners and prospective buyers primarily interface through the Royal Cape Catamarans Owners Group, a semi-formal network of cruisers often based in the Caribbean or South Africa. Technical support is frequently handled directly through the shipyard in Durban, which maintains a reputation for supporting older hulls with original build drawings and parts sourcing.

The Verdict

The Majestic 500 is a specialized tool for the sailor who views a yacht as a primary residence first and a sailing machine second. It trades nimbleness for an uncompromising amount of living space and a hull that can take a beating in the Southern Ocean.

Pros:

• Exceptional internal volume and "owner’s suite" layouts.
• High bridge deck clearance compared to older French production models.
• Massive tankage and payload capacity for long-term off-grid cruising.
• Solid, "small ship" feel in heavy weather.

Cons:

• Heavy displacement results in sluggish performance in light winds (under 8 knots).
• Wide beam can make finding slips in older marinas challenging and expensive.
• Upwind performance is limited by fixed keels and high windage.