Galeon 485 HTS

Midship is the full-beam master stateroom. Two items to note are the portside sofa, long enough to stretch out on, and the squared hullside windows. There are two fixed windows on each side and a third opening port for cross ventilation. The queen berth is centerline with storage underneath and a decorative, padded headboard. To starboard is a full-length credenza with storage within. Interesting is the ceiling — not flat all the way across but with varying tiers due to the main deck configuration. You may have to duck a little when transiting the room, but I would rather have that in a full-beam master than cutting the room in half. You may not even sense it thanks to the openness afforded by the windows and headroom along the port side and through the stairway.

A hanging locker, 32-inch flat-screen TV, sconce/reading lights and end tables with drawers fit out the area. An air conditioning plenum runs along the ceiling, distributing the coolness across the room.

The master’s private head features a hullside window and opening porthole, skylight with blinds, glass basin sink, Corian countertop and mirrored cabinets. A separate stall shower with hinged glass door includes a mirrored cabinet (not often seen) for shaving in the shower.

Forward is the guest VIP stateroom, and it’s as well-appointed as the master. An island queen berth is centerline with four-drawer storage below. Hullside windows with ports and a grand overhead skylight bring in ambient light. A beautiful wood lattice frame converts the skylight into a piece of art.

The VIP has a private entrance to the day head, which has all the same features as the master head and doubles as a shower with a protective curtain.
Galeon utilizes the design expertise of U.K.-based Tony Castro Yacht Design, a group that has more than 500 production, superyachts and sailing yacht designs completed. With that kind of experience, you understand Galeon’s desire to build the best yachts from one of the best designers.

The magic doesn’t end there, as Galeon has done an exceptional job with the layout of the main deck, from stem to stern.

At the aft end, there is a 4-foot hydraulic swim platform for water access for the toys or as a beach to chill. A staircase extends from a built-in position for access back to the deck. The platform also acts as a tender lift, as there is a garage in the transom.

Twin staircases from the platform do different jobs. The port side takes you straight up to the portside deck. The starboard stairs offer access to the side deck and aft cockpit. Surprising is the large U-shaped aft deck seating — it’s huge! There’s a dual pedestal table that makes this a great dining destination. Or drop the table and add the filler cushions for one party-sized sunpad. Opt for the SureShade aft deck electric awning that extends from the hardtop.

Galeon got it right again with the aft bulkhead. To enter the salon, the glass door slides to port in front of the framed glass window. For that open feel, press a button and the window/door combination recesses into the bulkhead to give a clean changeover from two distinct areas into one large social area.

Inside, there’s a large portside dining area with U-shaped settee and wood pedestal table. Thanks to the sizable side windows, single-pane forward windshield and recessed aft door/window, visibility is excellent in all directions; this is perfect for guests and the operator alike.

Even though there is a galley below, Galeon created a wetbar/galley unit across from the dining area. A flip-up top reveals a stainless sink and Corian counter. A fridge/freezer is below the counter, as is storage. This is a smart area for serving afternoon cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, or for plating and cleaning up dinner.

Forward of the wetbar is the helm station. Multi-tiered yet with a sleek, low-profile look, the console houses a 12-inch Raymarine multifunction touch-screen display, a Volvo Penta engine monitoring display, rocker switches and a fixed steering wheel. Throttle controls and joystick are on the right-side console. Ergonomically, the twin helm seat has a flip-up bolster, a built-in footrest and a drop-down platform for elevated line-of-sight visibility. A side power window is a nice touch for fresh air or speaking to a dock attendant. Overhead are skylight panels, with the forward section opening as a sunroof.

Horsepower is compliments of twin Volvo Penta IPS600 drive trains, offering 435 hp each. Access the engine room via a hatch in the aft deck. It’s a little tight for a guy like me but is workable. With a cruising speed of 25 knots, the hull design knows how to manage the speed and the seas if caught out in the snot. It’s a sure-footed ride, and with the tabs set right, the bow will maintain an upright angle and slice through as expected. Top speed is just over 30 knots.

Keeping to strict quality and build standards, Galeon sources just about every component in-house from a skilled and multi-generation workforce. There are divisions and departments for every component, like the steel and aluminum division that is responsible for all metals and glass parts, the furniture department for all finish materials like beds and sofas, and the laminates division, which ensures each hull and part mold is exact. There’s even a pool for performance tests that can simulate heavy rains to check door and window seals.

Get familiar with the Galeon name and make sure the 485 HTS is on your short-list to purchase. Comparatively speaking, this could be the best boat you have never heard of.