Privilège 395 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Privilège 395 is characterized by a conservative but efficient sail plan and a hull shape that prioritizes sea-kindliness over raw speed. Unlike many of its lighter contemporaries, the 395 carries a displacement of approximately 8.5 tons, which provides a dampened, secure motion in offshore conditions. The Marc Lombard-designed hulls feature a fine entry that widens significantly above the waterline to provide buoyancy and minimize pitching.

In terms of handling, the 395 is known for its predictable tracking, aided by fixed keels that provide a draft of roughly 3 feet 11 inches. While it is not a "pointing machine" due to its fixed keels and windage, it performs admirably on a reach. An editorial review by Multihulls World noted that the boat feels "stiff and reassuring," handling a breeze with more composure than lighter, wider-beamed competitors. The standard fractional sloop rig, typically paired with a fully battened mainsail and a slightly overlapping genoa, allows for easy shorthanded management from the cockpit. The high bridgedeck clearance is a critical design element, significantly reducing "slamming" in choppy head seas—a common complaint in smaller catamarans.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Privilège 395 is where the builder truly distinguished itself from the "condo-maran" trend. The hallmark of the model is the "Owner’s Version," which utilizes a unique central nacelle layout. In this configuration, the master suite is located forward, with the bed positioned on the centerline bridging the two hulls. This creates a vast, open sleeping area that feels much larger than a standard 40-foot catamaran cabin.

The 395 was offered in two primary layouts:

1. The Owner’s Version (3 Cabin): Features the expansive master suite forward with a private head in the port hull and two guest cabins aft.
2. The 4-Cabin Version: Primarily utilized for high-end charter or large families, splitting the forward section into two separate cabins, though this compromises the signature "open" feel of the nacelle.

The joinery typically consists of high-quality cherry wood or Alpi veneers, which Privilège Marine highlights as a core part of their heritage in luxury finishing. Headroom is generous throughout, usually exceeding 6 feet 4 inches in the salon, and the wrap-around windows provide 180-degree visibility, a luxury that was ahead of its time for a 2004 model.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the 395 has not been featured in major cinematic productions, it is a staple of the "bluewater vlogger" and circumnavigator community. It is frequently cited in long-range cruising literature as a benchmark for the "couple's catamaran." The model gained visibility through the voyages of various owners who documented the boat's ability to withstand tropical storms and ocean crossings, reinforcing the brand's reputation for safety over flashiness.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several technical areas specific to the 395’s age and construction methods:

• Balsa Core Inspection: While the hulls are foam-cored, some deck hardware was occasionally mounted through balsa-cored sections in the coachroof. It is vital to check for moisture ingress around the stanchion bases and the oversized salon windows.
• Saildrive Diaphragms: Most 395s are powered by Volvo Penta or Yanmar engines with saildrives. The rubber seals (diaphragms) have a recommended replacement interval of 7 years; on a vessel of this vintage, documentation of this service is mandatory.
• Bulkhead Tabbing: As with many early-2000s Alliaura builds, buyers should inspect the secondary bonding where the internal bulkheads meet the hull. While the 395 is structurally sound, decades of blue-water pounding can lead to "creaking" or minor separation in the furniture-to-hull joints.
• Rigging and Chainplates: The 395 uses a substantial rig, but the chainplates are recessed. Inspection for stainless steel crevice corrosion is recommended, especially if the boat has spent its life in tropical climates.

Community & Resources

Owners of the 395 are supported by the broader Privilège Owners Association, a global network of owners who share technical manuals and refit advice. Technical support can often still be sourced directly through Privilège Marine, which maintains archives for the Marc Lombard era boats, including original wiring diagrams and plumbing schematics.

The Verdict

The Privilège 395 remains one of the most respected 40-foot catamarans ever built, offering a level of interior craftsmanship and structural integrity that modern mass-production boats rarely match.

Pros:

• Superior bridgedeck clearance reduces slamming in heavy seas.
• The central nacelle master suite offers unparalleled comfort for a boat of this length.
• High-quality interior finishes that age significantly better than cheaper veneers.
• Predictable, stable motion in offshore conditions.

Cons:

• Heavier than contemporary "performance" catamarans, leading to slower light-wind speeds.
• Fixed keels limit performance to windward compared to daggerboard models.
• The aging electrical systems of the early 2000s often require a full modern refit (Lithium/Solar).