Voyage 590 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Despite its significant volume and 60,000-pound displacement, the VOYAGE 590 is a surprisingly active performer. It carries a potent sail area to displacement (SA/D) ratio of 22.7, which places it ahead of many comparable "condo-marans" in terms of light-wind efficiency. The hull design by Phil Southwell incorporates a distinctive sloped bridge deck and a central wave deflector—features specifically designed to minimize slamming in the choppy waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. In editorial sea trials conducted by Cruising World, the yacht demonstrated its ability to reach speeds of over 7 knots in just 10 knots of breeze, maintaining a steady, comfortable motion.

The helm is located on a massive flybridge, where all running rigging is led to three electric Andersen winches. This "command center" layout allows a single professional skipper to manage the nearly 2,200 square feet of sail area while maintaining 360-degree visibility. While the wire-driven Lewmar steering system is noted for being reliable rather than highly sensitive, the boat tracks exceptionally well, benefited by the 57' 9" waterline and fixed low-aspect keels.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the 590 is defined by a "one-level" living philosophy that bridges the gap between the aft cockpit, the main saloon, and a forward cockpit lounge. The galley is positioned forward in the saloon, featuring a pass-through window to the forward seating area, which facilitates dual-zone entertaining. A hallmark of the Voyage design is its massive refrigeration capacity; according to technical reviews from Multihulls World, the boat can be equipped with up to seven separate refrigeration units and an icemaker to service a full complement of 12 to 14 passengers.

In its primary "Charter Layout," the 590 offers six identical en-suite cabins. Unlike many competitors that relegate guest cabins to cramped corners of the hull, Voyage designed the 590 so that every guest suite is equally sumptuous, featuring walk-around queen beds and private "dry heads" (separate showers). While the charter version is the most common, the builder has introduced an "Owner’s Layout" variant. In this configuration, the starboard hull is dedicated to a massive primary suite with a private saloon and office, while the port hull retains two guest cabins and adds a laundry/workshop area to support long-range cruising.

Popular Mentions & Media

The VOYAGE 590 gained significant industry attention during the 2022 awards season, where it was lauded for its "techie" approach to power management. Judges from the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) specifically praised the integration of a 43-kilowatt lithium battery bank and Frigomar variable-speed air conditioning, which allows the yacht to run climate control all night without the noise of a generator—a rare feat for a vessel of this scale.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

As a relatively new model, the VOYAGE 590 does not yet have a long history of documented structural failures, but its specific use case and construction methods suggest several areas for focused inspection:

• Deck Core & Fitting Areas: While the hulls are vacuum-infused with vinylester resin to prevent osmosis, the decks are hand-laid to accommodate the complex curves and sharp corners of the flybridge. Buyers should check for any signs of delamination or stress cracking around the heavily loaded electric winch bases.
• Electrical Complexity: The 590 relies on a highly sophisticated 24V/240V Victron and lithium-ion power grid. Any second-hand purchase should include a full diagnostic of the BMS (Battery Management System) and inverter-charger health, especially if the boat has been heavily utilized in a charter fleet.
• Rigging Tension: Given the massive mainsail and the force generated by electric winches, the standing rigging and chainplates deserve close scrutiny. The 5,000-mile delivery trip from South Africa to the Caribbean serves as a rigorous initial sea trial, but it also means even "new" delivery boats have significant initial wear.
• Steering Linkage: The Lewmar wire steering system should be checked for cable tension and quadrant wear, as the physical forces on a 59-foot catamaran’s rudders are substantial.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for this model is VOYAGE Charters, headquartered at Soper’s Hole, Tortola. This organization acts as both the sole dealer and the primary technical support center for the fleet. Because most 590s are managed within this ecosystem, the technical data and maintenance logs for the model are often centralized with the builder’s own service yard in the British Virgin Islands.

The Verdict

The VOYAGE 590 is a masterclass in purpose-built marine architecture, succeeding where "generalist" catamarans often compromise.

Pros:

• Excellent power management allowing for silent nights with full A/C.
• Genuine blue-water capability, proven by a 5,000-mile trans-Atlantic delivery under its own power.
• Unrivaled "equality" in cabin layouts for large groups or charter parties.
• Strong performance-to-volume ratio compared to other luxury cruisers.

Cons:

• High level of system complexity requires specialized technical knowledge to maintain.
• Heavy reliance on electrical systems for primary operations (winches, refrigeration).
• Standard "Charter" layout may feel overly compartmentalized for a private couple.