The Galeon 510 Skydeck takes us into new territory, unseen before in a boat of this size. Innovation is a word that is often used too freely to describe something revolutionary or original, but when used in reference to the 510 Skydeck, it is perhaps understated.
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The Galeon 510 Skydeck combines the advantages of a flybridge with the sporty looks and style of a coupe. What makes the boat so unique and innovative is it has a glass sunroof over the helm station as well as an open top deck with sunpads and a second helm station. Covered by a soft roof, the ‘hidden’ open bridge can be very quickly transformed from a coupe into an open-skydeck. But that’s not where the innovation ends. Galeon has taken a massive leap above its competitors by incorporating fold-out side balconies, such as you find on superyachts. A rare feature on a boat of this size.
But wait there’s more! Not content with offering the balconies, which increase the beam from 4.46m to a staggering 6.0m, the 510 has large sliding side doors which add a whole new meaning to open living. Innovative yes, but also extremely practical.
Galeon is a new brand to Australasia, which is distribute through Ocean Alexander Australia and Todd Holzapfel (director). and Built in Poland, Galeon Yachts offer twenty seven models ranging from 30 to 78ft and produce around 100 boats annually. The first two into Australia are the 460 Fly and the 510 Skydeck, both of which will be on display at the SCIBS 2019.
“Overwhelmingly I saw the Galeon as something unique that no one else was offering and along with the European distinctive design flair, build quality and stand out features I could see it being ideally suited to the local market”, says Todd.
He added that one of the reasons he chose to bring in the 510 Skydeck was to show people this unique concept of effectively having a flybridge when you are not having a flybridge. A soft cover slides over the open flybridge seating (enough for 6-8 people) and hides it from sight. When you want to close it, you fold down the backrests, and once the dash has lowered electrically, to provide the necessary clearance, the fabric cover slides back to put your 510 Skydeck into coupe mode.
I agree with Todd when he says that the 510 Skydeck will have a huge appeal in our market and along with all the other exclusive features on the boat will show what can be achieved with some unconventional thinking that offers a new perspective.Â
 out of the box thinking.
For anyone who is saying they are over a flybridge boat, don’t want to be fully enclosed or have the worry of a high maintenance soft bimini with clears, the 510 Skydeck is undoubtedly going to make you think again. It is such an easy way to enjoy a flybridge on that perfect day or have that low profile sleek looking coupe the next. Galeon has nailed it!
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
When I stepped aboard for the first time, my initial impression is the saloon layout was reasonably contemporary with the customary aft galley, with forward lounger/dinette and helm. In side profile parked outside Marina Mirage on the Gold Coast, it looked not a lot, unlike any other European coupe design. Not so different to other boats of a similar size I thought. Wrong! Todd was keen to show me why the 510 Skydeck is so very different from everything else on the market.
The first thing was to transform the boat into beach mode, with the fold-down balconies dropped into position. Controlled by an electro-hydraulic ram, these are not designed to be used when the boat is in high-speed mode and restricted to slow off the plane cruising. Stanchions and safety rails are stowed away and manually fitted when required.
Next was the super size sliding doors that expose the galley and starboard side lounge spaces. The galley bench was transformed into a breakfast bar with a fold-up leaf and a couple of stools added to the port balcony, with the starboard side sofa backrest reversed to look outboard. An amazing transformation that maximises space in a most practical and straightforward way. Why has no one done this before on a boat of this size? Well maybe they have, but I have never seen it.
Another very cool feature is the way the helm seat swings back to form an extension of the starboard side inline lounger and adds another dimension to your entertaining space on the main deck. The way the helm has been configured you might expect it to be the only steering station, with area for a trio of MFDs (your choice) and enough room for all the extra switches, instruments and controls. The one-piece forward screen provides unimpeded visibility forward. Opposite is the U shape lounge with a high/low table that can be set up for coffee, dining or dropped down to form an extra berth.
Another impressive feature of the Galeon 510 Skydeck is its glazing feature, with extreme use of glass all around. From the vast sunroof to the full opening side and aft doors, the boat radiates a sense of openness and ventilation. Natural light impregnates every space, even downstairs.
The attention to detail and styling is to a very high standard with world-class joinery that would be acceptable on a small superyacht. Timber’s throughout are Walnut, with leather and suede used for all the soft furnishings and fabrics. The bathroom’s configuration, with their mosaic tiles and attention to detail, is another standout of the 510 Skydeck. There are so many small details throughout the boat that draw your attention that it is hard to remember them all.
THREE CABIN TWO BATHROOMS
The 510 Skydeck is a three cabin, two head arrangement with each cabin supplied with air con and entertainment systems. The forward VIP with a large island berth and the guest cabin with twin singles both have plenty of storage with hanging lockers or drawers. I loved the fact you can lay on the VIP bed and look through the large skylight to the stars, or conversely close it off for privacy. Fixed picture windows and opening ports help radiate the light and ventilation through the cabins, plus there is also a frosted internal skylight above the guest cabin. While they share the same bathroom which is also used as the day head, the VIP does have private access.
The owner’s full beam master with island berth offers excellent space and a clever arrangement. Like the rest of the 510 Skydeck, it is finished to an extremely high standard and befitting the brands quality image. There is an en-suite to port with full separate shower, composite vanity top and full-length mirror. Aft is a chaise lounge with a make-up cabinet and huge hull side windows. While our boat came with a full bureau on the starboard side, you have the option of replacing this with a lounger.
OUTSIDE
Galeon has also taken their innovative flair to the bow area where there is a forward entertaining area complete with fold away backrests (so they are out of your line of sight when driving), overhead sun shade on carbon fibre poles and skylight panels above the forward VIP cabin.
Down the other end, the cockpit is available with another exclusive feature that has a rotating aft seat arrangement which allows you to swing the rear seat in any direction. Unfortunately, this option wasn’t on our boat, but it is available if you want it. I would certainly have it. Again a simple idea that brings something new to an area of a boat that is rarely very different.
There is a utility room under the teak laid cockpit which can also be used as a crew cabin. This has a single bunk and wet head/shower, so it is an excellent place for your guests to freshen up after a swim. However, if you go for the tender garage option all that goes. The high/low platform is capable of handling up to 500kg so is more than suitable to stow the tender outside.
Standard power is a pair of Volvo Penta D11-725 @ 725hp which returns a maximum speed of 33.5 knots. You also have the option of a couple of Volvo Penta IPS 950s.
AWARD WINNER
Released three years ago, the 510 Skydeck reviewed was hull #62 and is unquestionably the most exciting and inventive new boat I have seen in years. The functionality and utility of the boat far exceed anything else on the market and sets a new benchmark for both European and local builders. But don’t just take my word for it, in 2016 the 510 Skydeck received the World Yacht Trophy award for Innovative Design at the Cannes Yachting Festival against some very tough competition. It’s easy to see why.Â
SPECS
- Boat Design Name: Galeon 510 Skydeck             Â
- Year Launched: 2019Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- Builder: Galeon Yachts
- Designer: Tony Castro
- LOA: 16.20m
- LOH: 14.44m
- Beam: 4.40m              Â
- Displ (Dry): 22250 kg
- Max Speed: 33.5 knots                  Â
- Construction: GRP
- Fuel Cap: 1800 litres          Â
- Water Cap: 650 litres                   Â
- Engine Make: 2 x Volvo Penta D11-725 @ 725hpÂ
- Drive Train: Shaft              Â
- Generator: Onan 17kW              Â
- Lighting: ??
- Underwater Lights: ??        Â
- Entertainment: Fusion/Bose/Samsung
- Sunroof: ??                     Â
- Thrusters: SidePower
- Interceptors: ??             Â
- Anchor Winches: ??
- Aircon: Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â MFD: Raymarine Axiom 12
Galeon 510 Skydeck | ||||
Fuel capacity:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 1800Â Â Â litres | ||||
RPM   | Knots | L/h | L/NM | Range (NM) |
800 | 7.0 | 17 | 2.500 | 640 |
1000Â Â Â | 8.0 | 31 | 3.900 | 410 |
1200 | 9.2 | 53 | 5.800 | 270 |
1400 | 10.0 | 82 | 8.200 | 190 |
1600 | 12.5 | 116 | 9.300 | 170 |
1800 | 17.0 | 137 | 8.100 | 200 |
2000 | 20.5 | 166 | 8.100 | 200 |
2200 | 24.0 | 200 | 8.400 | 190 |
2400 | 28.5 | 244 | 8.600 | 180 |
2550 | 33.5 | 270 | 8.100 | 200 |
