South African builder Knysna Yacht Company offers the 500SE for owners seeking a configurable bluewater catamaran. The yacht's 15.24-metre length falls within LYG's scope, while twin hulls create very different accommodation and berthing requirements from a monohull.
An offshore cruising footprint
The yard lists 7.96m beam, 1.44m draft and about 16 tonnes displacement. Separate hulls can give a family distinct cabin zones, with a central shared saloon for meals and conversation.
A wide catamaran may need a designated multi-hull berth even when its draft is modest. The skipper should confirm actual beam and available dock services before travel.
Customisable interior choices
Knysna presents the 500SE as an owner-focused platform with different finishes and equipment selections. That lets a family prioritise practical stowage, a working navigation area or more private space according to its preferred use.
The actual hull's cabin count and installed systems must come from the build documents. A generic catalogue image cannot prove what a specific boat carries.
Sailing and auxiliary power
The published specification lists twin 57hp engines, a 75-square-metre mainsail, about 50 square metres of genoa and a 20-metre mast height. That mast dimension is a material route constraint near overhead obstacles.
A yacht intended for long passages also needs clear information about charging, freshwater supply and the actual sail inventory. Any advertised self-sufficiency depends on real loading and consumption.
Part of a continuing range
The 500SE is an existing model, while the separate Knysna 550 is due for its first public showing at Annapolis in October. Those are different products and the 500SE is not portrayed here as a new launch.
The facts and correct model photograph are from Knysna Yacht Company's own materials. This LYG overview is independently written.
Official primary source: builder specification. Independently written by Luxury Yacht Guide.
