Voyage 520 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Voyage 520 is frequently cited by owners and delivery skippers as one of the better-performing cruising catamarans in its class, largely due to its underwater profile and bridge deck clearance. Unlike many modern "condo-marans," the 520 maintains a significant gap between the water and the bridge deck, which dramatically reduces the "slamming" effect in choppy head seas. This design choice, while sacrificing some interior volume, pays dividends in sea-kindliness and structural longevity.

With a generous sail plan—typically featuring a large, fully-battened mainsail and a high-aspect-ratio jib—the 520 is capable of maintaining high average speeds even in moderate air. The boat’s tracking is aided by fixed fins that provide a compromise between the shallow draft required for Caribbean cruising and the lateral resistance needed for upwind performance. According to technical specifications provided by Voyage Yachts, the vessel’s displacement is carefully managed to keep the hulls narrow below the waterline, which facilitates a cleaner exit and less drag. Handling is centralized at a raised helm station that provides excellent visibility over the coachroof, a feature that was refined from the earlier 440 and 500 models to better integrate the skipper into the social flow of the cockpit.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Designed with a "one-level living" philosophy, the interior of the Voyage 520 emphasizes the seamless transition between the cockpit and the saloon. The interior is characterized by its light, airy feel, achieved through large panoramic windows and the use of blonde woods or white laminates. Because many 520s were built specifically for the VOYAGE Charters fleet, the most common configuration is a five-cabin, five-head layout. In this arrangement, four identical queen-sized cabins occupy the corners of the hulls, each with an ensuite head, while a fifth cabin (often used for crew or extra guests) is nestled into the midships or port-bow section.

Sibling variations of the hull include the earlier Voyage 500, which shares the same DNA but features a slightly different transom and cockpit arrangement. The Voyage 520 was later succeeded in the lineup by the larger 580 and the award-winning 590, though the 520 remains a favorite for owner-operators who find the 60-foot range too taxing for short-handed sailing. The materials used in the 520 are industrial-grade; Corian countertops and heavy-duty upholstery are standard, reflecting the builder’s experience in maintaining boats that see 20+ weeks of charter use per year.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Voyage 520 has earned a prominent place in nautical media primarily through its dominance in the luxury charter sector. It has been a perennial feature in Cruising World’s coverage of the BVI sailing scene, often highlighted for its balance of performance and guest amenities. The model also gained recognition as part of the VOYAGE "Electric" initiative, where certain hulls were used as testbeds for hybrid propulsion systems in the Caribbean, though the majority of the fleet remains powered by traditional Yanmar or Volvo Penta diesel engines.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Voyage 520 should focus their due diligence on the vessel's history, as many units have spent a decade or more in high-use charter environments.

• Escape Hatch Integrity: Like many South African catamarans of this era, the 520 features escape hatches located near the waterline in the hulls. These are prone to seal failure or frame crazing over time; surveyors recommend checking for any signs of salt crystallization or previous "glassing over" repairs.
• Balsa Core Moisture: The use of balsa coring in the decks and topsides requires a meticulous inspection of all through-hull fittings and deck hardware. If stanchions or cleats were not properly bedded, moisture ingress can lead to localized delamination.
• Rigging Loads: Due to the high-performance sail plan, the standing rigging and chainplates on a 520 undergo significant stress. Buyers should verify the age of the stainless-steel shrouds, as many insurance companies require replacement every 10 years regardless of visual condition.
• Systems Wear: In charter-configured boats, the hours on the generator and air conditioning units are often disproportionately high. Check the service logs for the Northern Lights generators, which are standard on many Voyage builds.

Community & Resources

Owners and enthusiasts of the Voyage 520 benefit from a tight-knit community centered around the brand's Cape Town roots. The most significant resource is the Voyage Owners Association, which operates informally through various owner-led forums and the manufacturer’s direct support channels. Because Voyage Yachts remains an active builder and charter operator, technical drawings and replacement parts—such as specific saloon window gaskets or proprietary stainless work—are generally more accessible than they are for "orphan" brands from the same era.

The Verdict

The Voyage 520 is a sophisticated multihull that appeals to sailors who refuse to sacrifice performance for living space. While it lacks the massive flybridge and "front porch" of newer French designs, it offers a faster, safer, and more offshore-capable platform.

Pros:

• Superior Bridge Deck Clearance: Significantly reduces slamming and improves comfort at sea.
• Performance Heritage: Designed by Simonis Voogd to actually sail, rather than just motor-sail.
• Proven Durability: Built to withstand the rigors of the BVI charter industry.

Cons:

• Charter Wear: Finding a "private-only" version can be difficult on the used market.
• Complex Systems: Often loaded with high-maintenance amenities like watermakers, generators, and multiple AC units.
• Lower Interior Volume: The narrow hulls that provide speed result in slightly tighter cabin spaces compared to modern competitors.