Moorings 500 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Moorings 500 was designed during an era when the balance between weight and sail area was calculated for consistent performance rather than maximum interior volume. Built with a vacuum-bonded balsa core for stiffness and weight reduction, the hull exhibits a surprising degree of agility for a 50-foot cruising platform. According to technical archives from Simonis Voogd Design, the boat was optimized for reaching and downwind performance, making it an ideal candidate for trade-wind sailing.

Handling is characterized by a high degree of predictability. The helm station is typically located on the bridge deck level, protected by the coachroof, which provides excellent visibility of the four corners of the boat—a critical feature for docking a vessel of this beam. Under sail, the boat feels stiff; the relatively low center of effort compared to modern flybridge models reduces the "hobby-horsing" effect in choppy seas. While it is not a light-wind specialist, the Moorings 500 maintains momentum well in a swell, provided the sails are trimmed to account for its substantial displacement.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Moorings 500 was revolutionary at its launch, prioritizing a "four-cabin, four-head" layout that became the industry standard for large charter groups. Each cabin is an ensuite sanctuary, offering a level of privacy that was rare in the late 1990s. The salon is characterized by a massive wraparound settee and a galley-up configuration that ensures the cook remains part of the social activity.

Materials typically include cherry or ash veneers, which provide a warmer, more traditional nautical aesthetic compared to the stark "condo-style" laminates found in contemporary vessels. Ventilation is a high point of the design; the forward-facing salon windows and overhead hatches are positioned to create a chimney effect, drawing air through the hulls. Variations of this hull include the Leopard 47, which shares much of the same tooling but features a slightly shorter stern, and the later 510 models, which introduced minor refinements to the transom steps and cockpit ergonomics.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a former charter vessel with a rigorous inspection protocol. While the hulls are overbuilt, the following areas require specific scrutiny:

• Rudder Bearings and Stocks: Given the high mileage of these vessels, the rudder bearings often exhibit play. Inspect the rudder stocks for any signs of electrolysis or bending, which can occur if the boat has experienced a grounding.
• Bulkhead Tabbing: In older models that have seen heavy offshore use, the tabbing connecting the internal bulkheads to the hull can sometimes hairline crack or "pop." Check the areas under the forward berths and behind the salon seating.
• Saildrive Diaphragms: If equipped with Volvo or Yanmar saildrives, ensure the rubber seals have been replaced within the manufacturer's recommended timeframe (usually every 7 years).
• Deck Delamination: While the balsa core is generally well-protected, poorly bedded aftermarket hardware (solar arches, davits) can lead to localized moisture ingress. A percussion "tap test" across the bridge deck is essential.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Moorings 500 benefit from a robust global infrastructure. Because these boats were part of the Moorings and Sunsail fleets, parts and technical knowledge are widely available through the Leopard Catamarans network. The Leopard Catamaran Owners group is the primary technical hub, providing access to original wiring diagrams and plumbing schematics that are often missing from older vessels.

The Verdict

The Moorings 500 is a "blue-collar" blue-water cruiser—unpretentious, structurally sound, and capable of carrying a family around the world in comfort. While it lacks the modern "open-concept" cockpit-to-salon flow of 2020s designs, it offers superior sea-kindliness and a more connected sailing experience.

Pros:

• Proven blue-water pedigree with numerous ocean crossings.
• Robust construction by Robertson & Caine.
• Excellent ventilation and natural light for a vintage design.
• Significant value-for-money on the secondary market.

Cons:

• Older interior finishes may feel dated by modern standards.
• Most examples have high engine hours from charter service.
• Large beam can make finding slip space in older marinas difficult.