Privilege 37 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Privilege 37 begins with its launch in 1995, marking it as one of the early and successful offerings from Jeantot Marine, the precursor to Privilege Catamarans. Production continued until 2003, with over 50 units built, cementing its place in the brand's legacy. Philippe Jeantot, a celebrated French single-handed sailor and founder of the Vendée Globe race, brought a deeply personal motivation to the design table, aiming to create a cruising catamaran for his own family that prioritized comfort, strength, and security for living aboard and extended travels. This foundational philosophy permeated the design of the Privilege 37, which was specifically designed by Marc Lombard. The builder's ethos during this era, under Jeantot Marine, focused on robust construction and high-quality materials, setting a benchmark for cruising catamarans, particularly in the American market 3, 13, Builder Article. While the Privilege 37 itself was a successful design, its tooling also allowed for evolution, leading to later iterations like the Privilege 395, which featured a longer mast and enhanced sail plan. A notable variation during its production run included a popular "owner's version," designed for enhanced comfort and spaciousness.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a catamaran with a twin keel hull and masthead sloop rig, the Privilege 37 is engineered for stable and comfortable bluewater cruising [5,. Its design prioritizes seaworthiness and ease of handling for long-distance voyages. With a reported hull speed of 7.81 knots, the Privilege 37 offers respectable performance for a cruising catamaran of its size. Owners consistently describe it as a solid and easily handled vessel, capable of undertaking significant offshore passages comfortably. Its inherent stability, a hallmark of Privilege catamarans, contributes to a comfortable motion even in challenging sea states, a crucial factor for extended cruising. Powering the vessel is a 54 HP Volvo Penta diesel engine, ensuring reliable auxiliary propulsion [5,. The sail plan, often adaptable to varying wind conditions, contributes to its reputation as a capable and safe cruising platform.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Privilege 37 is designed to maximize living space and comfort, reflecting its designation as a true bluewater cruising catamaran. While specific headroom figures are not always readily available, reviews describe the salon as open and airy, providing ample room for relaxation and socializing. The "owner's version" is particularly sought after, featuring a thoughtfully appointed three-cabin layout. This configuration typically includes a spacious owner's cabin located forward in the nacelle, often equipped with a queen-sized bed. The galley is commonly situated in the port hull, efficiently utilizing space within the catamaran's twin-hull design. The general finish quality is often praised, with high-quality materials and a robust structure contributing to the overall feel of the interior. Storage is typically generous, reflecting the boat's design for extended cruising, where provisions and gear need to be stowed securely.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Privilege 37 consistently laud its build quality and robust construction, often highlighting its ability to withstand demanding offshore conditions. Many appreciate the catamaran's solid superstructure, which is noted for eliminating flex and contributing to a secure feel at sea. The comfort offered for extended cruising is a frequently cited strength, with numerous owners having undertaken significant voyages, such as sailing from England to Tahiti, attesting to its capabilities. The mechanical and electrical systems are generally regarded as well-organized and of good quality, contributing to a reliable ownership experience. While the Privilege 37 is praised for its many attributes, one aspect occasionally noted is the original design featuring a single starter battery for both engines, a detail some owners choose to modify for redundancy. Overall, the Privilege 37 is celebrated as a dependable, comfortable, and well-built catamaran, perfectly suited for those aspiring to bluewater adventures.