Privilège 37 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

At sea, the Privilège 37 is defined by its predictable, "sea-kindly" motion rather than blistering speed. With a displacement of approximately 6.5 to 7 tons, it carries more mass than many modern "performance" cats, which translates to a reduced tendency to hobby-horse in choppy conditions. The Marc Lombard hull design features relatively slim underwater sections that widen significantly above the waterline to provide reserve buoyancy and interior volume. This design choice ensures that the boat remains dry in most conditions, though the low bridgedeck clearance—a common trait of 1990s catamarans—can lead to occasional slamming when heading directly into a significant chop.

The rig is a conservative fractional setup, typically featuring a large fully-battened mainsail and a modest overlapping genoa. According to editorial reviews in Cruising World, the boat performs best on a reach, where the hull’s tracking stability and the efficiency of its fixed low-aspect keels allow for comfortable 7-to-8 knot averages in a moderate breeze. While it lacks the pointing ability of a daggerboard catamaran, the 37 is praised for its balance; it is a boat that can be easily handled by a couple, with all primary control lines led back to the cockpit.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Privilège 37 is where the shipyard’s "luxury first" philosophy is most evident. The woodworking, often finished in cherry or maple, reflects a level of joinery rarely seen in 37-foot production catamarans. The model was offered in two primary configurations: the "Owner’s Version" and the "Club" (4-cabin) version. The Owner’s Version is particularly noteworthy for its use of the forward nacelle—the "pod" between the hulls—to house a transverse king-sized berth, a signature Privilège feature that provides an expansive master suite usually reserved for much larger vessels.

In the 4-cabin variant, the layout is symmetrical, with two cabins in each hull sharing a central head and shower. The salon offers 360-degree visibility through the characteristic wrap-around windows, which were quite revolutionary at the time of the boat's launch. Ventilation is a strong point, with multiple opening hatches strategically placed to catch the breeze at anchor. While the galley is located "down" in the port hull in some variations, many 37s feature a linear galley in the salon, maximizing social interaction between the cook and the crew.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Privilège 37 has maintained a quiet but steady reputation in the bluewater community. It is frequently cited in "Best Used Boat" roundups by publications like Yachting Monthly and is often the subject of detailed refit blogs by long-term circumnavigators. Its cultural footprint is defined by its status as a "benchmark" for small bluewater catamarans, often used as the standard against which newer, lighter boats are measured for build quality.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the following high-signal areas:

• Window Seals: The large, curved plexiglass windows in the salon are prone to crazing and seal failure over time. Replacing these is a labor-intensive process and often requires custom-cut acrylic.
• Saildrive Diaphragms: Most 37s were equipped with Volvo Penta or Yanmar saildrives. It is critical to verify the age of the rubber hull seals, as these require replacement every 7-10 years to maintain insurance compliance.
• Balsa Core in Decks: While the hulls use foam, some localized areas of the deck may use balsa core. Owners have reported moisture ingress around stanchion bases and windlass mounts; a thorough percussion test or moisture meter reading is essential.
• Rudder Bearings: The rudder stock bushings can develop play after years of offshore use. If the steering feels heavy or there is a visible "thunk" when the boat is out of the water, the bushings likely need replacement.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Privilège 37 often find technical support through the Privilège Owners Association, a dedicated group that shares maintenance tips and historical documentation. Technical drawings and original brochures are occasionally made available through the Privilège Marine official archive, which maintains a record of legacy models to support their reputation for high resale value.

The Verdict

The Privilège 37 remains one of the few catamarans under 40 feet that can legitimately claim true bluewater pedigree. It sacrifices outright speed for safety, comfort, and a level of finish that has aged significantly better than its more "economical" contemporaries.

Pros:

• Build Quality: Exceptional hull stiffness and high-end interior joinery.
• Layout: The innovative "pod" berth in the owner’s version provides a class-leading master cabin.
• Safety: Conservative rig and stable hull form make it an ideal choice for short-handed offshore passages.

Cons:

• Bridgedeck Clearance: Prone to slamming in certain sea states.
• Weight: Heavier than modern equivalents, leading to sluggish performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
• Engine Access: Access to the engines in the aft sugar scoops can be cramped for major maintenance tasks.