Galeon 500 Fly Review (2022 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The Galeon 500 is 15.24m (50ft) long with impressive deck features. At the stern, there’s a bathing platform with a hi-lo function that can lift up to 500kg (1,102.3lbs), strong enough for a Williams 325 tender. When lowered, steps unfold, making a safe, beach-like access into the water. A passerelle extends for Med-style docking, and powered winches and lockers for warps are built into the deck.

Aft deck seating has a clever pivoting mechanism, allowing you to face out towards the view or back towards the cockpit. Two freestanding seats can be repositioned, helping to create flexible seating around the table. A barbecue is tucked into the aft area alongside an icemaker.

The boat also has drop-down balconies on either side, greatly expanding usable deck space. Balconies, settees and a folding table create a sheltered waterside lounge when deployed.

Moving forward, the foredeck hosts an entertaining area with adjustable sunbeds. The backrests fold flat or can be lifted for better visibility underway. Some sections even extend electrically to widen the lounging area. A foldable table creates an intimate conversation space. The anchor handling gear is forward, with thick rails around the bow for security.

Up top, the flybridge has a large social area. The hardtop is carbon fibre, painted metallic silver-grey, and includes a one-touch opening roof. The helm area on the flybridge includes repeaters for navigation and engine data. A large sunbathing area, lounge seating, folding tables, and another bar with sink, barbecue and fridge are all colour-coded to match the smart grey theme. All antennas, domes and radars are also colour-matched.

Stepping inside through three-piece doors that open wide, the main saloon feels completely open, helped by the side balconies and sliding windows. One side has a fold-back seat for an alfresco experience under the shelter of the cabin roof.

The galley sits aft and includes a fridge, dishwasher, combination microwave and oven, hob, drawers for cutlery and storage, and a wine cooler. Opposite is more storage and a Fusion audio system.

The dining area features a height-adjustable table that drops down to create a large lounging area, with an infill cushion to convert it to extra sleeping space for two. Together with the three cabins, the boat sleeps up to eight people.

The helm station includes touchscreen navigation, radar, cameras, autopilot, and proportional bow and stern thrusters with a remote control. The port and starboard windows drop electrically, helping flood the saloon with fresh air. The helm seat swivels to add seating to the saloon when docked.

Décor options include 16 woodwork finishes, with dark walnut high gloss shown. Lighting is both natural and artificial, with concealed ambient lighting behind panels and furniture, and all lights on dimmers. There’s a 40in pop-up TV connected to the sound system.

Owner's Cabin

Aft on the lower deck, the full-beam owner’s cabin sits amidships. It has large hull windows and a beautifully illuminated headboard. Lighting is dimmable for better control at night. Storage is abundant, including a near walk-in wardrobe, bedside tables, and drawers everywhere.

A cosy seating area with a dressing table and mirror sits under one of the big windows. The window features a venetian blind for privacy. The cabin includes a washing machine and a TV.

The ensuite bathroom has a large shower area, sink, storage, and another large window with a blind. Access to engineering spaces is built into the floor through discrete panels.

Guest Accommodation

The first guest cabin is spacious and filled with natural light from skylights and large windows. There’s storage tucked around the cabin, a dressing area, wardrobes, and drawers under the bed. It connects directly to the day heads, which include a separate shower, sink, storage, and an opening window.

The third cabin has bunk beds, although an office layout can be specified. It also features wardrobes, storage areas, an opaque skylight for privacy, and soft lighting. Like the others, it has TV and AV equipment installed.

The Galeon 500 is powered by twin Volvo Penta D11-725 engines, each delivering 725 horsepower through V-drives. This setup moves the engines further aft, freeing up interior volume without losing the efficiency of shaft drives.

Fuel tanks are 900 litres (198 gallons) each. Despite the boat’s size, the engine room is large enough to move around easily. Exhaust silencers, extraction fans, hot water tanks, and tender garage infrastructure are installed neatly. Sound deadening covers the engine room bulkheads.

Access to systems is excellent, with panels leading to the bow thruster batteries, stern thruster, sump systems for showers, and all circuit breakers. An extra layer of floor above the engines helps reduce noise and adds insulation.

The Galeon 500 makes full use of its 15.24m (50ft) length, with clever design touches throughout. Drop-down balconies, flexible seating, and a full-beam owner’s cabin give it the feel of a much larger yacht. The open-plan interior stays bright and sociable, and storage is tucked away neatly at every turn. Practical details like the tender garage and easy engineering access set it apart from more traditional flybridge models.

A smart choice for owner-operators who want something a bit special without stepping up in size.