Privilège 39 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Privilège 39 is characterized by its significant displacement and robust construction, which dictates its behavior at sea. Unlike modern "performance" catamarans that utilize daggerboards, the 39 features fixed low-aspect-ratio keels. These keels provide excellent protection for the sail drives and rudders, allowing the boat to take the ground safely, but they result in a compromise in upwind tacking angles. Owners often report that the boat feels most at home on a reach, where its weight provides a momentum that carries it through a choppy sea state with a much softer motion than lighter, more flighty catamarans.

According to technical retrospectives by Multihulls World, the 39 is not a "light air" boat; it typically requires 10 to 12 knots of true wind to wake up. However, once moving, its tracking is exceptional. The relatively high bridge deck clearance for its era helps to minimize "slamming" in head seas, a common complaint among older catamarans with lower nacelles. The sail plan is manageable for a couple, usually featuring a large roached mainsail and a modest genoa. Because the hulls are relatively narrow compared to modern "condo-marans," the 39 maintains a respectable speed-to-length ratio when properly loaded, though it remains a "cruising" rather than a "racing" multihull.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Privilège 39 was revolutionary for the late 1980s, primarily because of the nacelle-forward layout. By extending the bridge deck forward of the mast, the designers were able to place a large, transverse double berth in the center of the boat, accessible from either hull. This "Owner’s Version" was the most popular, providing a level of privacy and space usually reserved for much larger yachts.

In the hulls, the boat typically offers two additional double cabins and two heads. The galley is almost always "down" in the starboard hull, which creates a massive, unobstructed saloon and navigation station on the main deck. This separation of the "working" area (the galley) from the living area (the saloon) is a hallmark of early French catamaran design. High-quality cherry or mahogany veneers were standard, and the fit and finish are notably superior to the mass-produced charter cats of the same era. Sibling models include the smaller Privilège 37, which utilized a similar hull form but with less volume in the nacelle, and the Privilège 42, which expanded the concept to include four en-suite cabins.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Privilège 39 should focus on the following technical areas, which are common discussion points among the owner community on platforms such as CruisersForum:

• Osmosis: Early hulls from the late 80s were built before the widespread use of vinylester resins. While Privilège had a good reputation for layup quality, some hulls have shown signs of osmotic blistering below the waterline and should be surveyed carefully.
• Balsa Core Integrity: The decks and portions of the topsides are balsa-cored. Any improperly bedded deck hardware (cleats, stanchions, or hatches) can lead to water ingress and core rot. A moisture meter and percussion "tap" test are essential during inspection.
• Headliner Sagging: Like many French boats of this vintage, the foam backing on the vinyl headliners tends to degrade over 20-30 years, leading to sagging. Replacing this is a labor-intensive cosmetic project.
• Standing Rigging and Chainplates: Many 39s still carry their original or very old standing rigging. Given the high righting moment of a catamaran, the stress on the rig is significant; a professional rigging inspection is mandatory for offshore work.
• Engine Access: While the engine rooms are separate from the living spaces (accessed through aft deck hatches), they can be cramped. Check for signs of corrosion on the sail drive seals and exhaust elbows, as maintenance in these tight spaces is often deferred.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Privilège 39 are supported by a dedicated international community. The Privilège Owners Association remains the primary hub for technical documentation, including original wiring diagrams and plumbing schematics that are no longer available from the factory. Additionally, the manufacturer maintains a heritage section on their official website, offering support for older models to ensure the brand's reputation for longevity is upheld.

The Verdict

The Privilège 39 is a "seaman’s catamaran" that prioritizes safety and luxury over raw speed. It is an ideal choice for a couple or small family looking for a proven bluewater cruiser that can be purchased for a fraction of the price of a modern equivalent.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality and interior joinery.
• The innovative central owner's cabin provides superior comfort.
• Solid, predictable heavy-weather performance.
• High bridge deck clearance reduces slamming.

Cons:

• Relatively heavy, leading to sluggish performance in light winds.
• Fixed keels limit upwind pointing ability compared to daggerboard models.
• Aging systems (wiring and plumbing) often require a significant refit.
• Engine access can be challenging for DIY maintenance.