Privilège 42 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Unlike modern "floating condominiums" designed primarily for the charter market, the Privilège 42 was designed by Marc Lombard with an emphasis on sea-kindliness and offshore stability. The hull features a moderate-to-high displacement of approximately 16,500 to 18,000 lbs, which, combined with a fractional sloop rig, provides a predictable and comfortable motion in a seaway. While it lacks the raw acceleration of a daggerboard-equipped performance cat, its deep fixed keels and refined hull form ensure it tracks exceptionally well on long offshore legs.

According to historical design data from the Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group, the boat was engineered to handle significant payloads without the hobby-horsing common in shorter, lighter multihulls. In practical conditions, owners report that the boat begins to truly perform in 10–12 knots of true wind, comfortably maintaining 7–9 knots on a reach. The steering is generally described as heavy but reliable, often utilizing a direct-linkage system rather than cables, which provides a more robust feel during heavy-weather handling.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Privilège 42 is where the brand’s "semi-custom" philosophy became evident, featuring high-grade cherry or beech woodwork and a finish level far superior to mass-market contemporaries. The most iconic layout is the three-cabin "Owner’s Version," which utilizes the central nacelle to create a massive king-sized berth located on the centerline forward of the saloon. This layout provides an unparalleled sense of space for a 42-foot vessel, effectively moving the master sleeping quarters out of the narrower hull sections.

Alternatively, a four-cabin charter version was produced, which splits the forward space into two separate double cabins. In both configurations, the "galley-down" design is common, located in the starboard hull. This arrangement keeps the "work" of the kitchen separate from the social lounging area in the saloon, though it maintains a visual connection to the bridge deck. The headroom is generous throughout, typically exceeding 6'4", and the use of large panoramic windows—while requiring maintenance as they age—creates a bright, airy environment that was revolutionary for the time.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Privilège 42 must account for the vessel's age, as most units were built between 1994 and 1999. Technical inspections found in professional surveys, such as those conducted by The Marine Surveyors, highlight several recurring areas of concern:

• Deck Locker Delamination: The bottoms of the large foredeck lockers are known to develop soft spots or delamination over time due to water ingress or structural stress. Percussion testing (sounding) of these areas is essential.
• Window Crazing and Leaks: The large, curved acrylic windows in the saloon are prone to crazing and seal failure after three decades of UV exposure. Replacing these is a labor-intensive and costly refit item.
• Keel and Hull Joint: Because Privilège hulls are built as a robust sandwich with a foam core, any history of grounding must be scrutinized to ensure the integrity of the fixed keels and the surrounding lamination.
• Engine Access and Shaft Drives: Many 42s were equipped with shaft drives rather than saildrives—a preference for many blue-water sailors for their reliability. However, buyers should check the stern glands and shaft alignment, as well as the age of the twin Yanmar or Volvo Penta units.

Community & Resources

Owners of these vessels often congregate through the Privilège Owners Association, a dedicated resource for technical drawings, refit logs, and manufacturer history. For modern parts and factory support, the brand is currently represented globally by The Multihull Company, which maintains deep archives on the Jeantot-era models and provides a marketplace for specialized hardware unique to the Marc Lombard designs.

The Verdict

The Privilège 42 remains a premier choice for couples seeking a proven, safe, and luxurious blue-water cruiser on the brokerage market. It sacrifices the high-end speed of a Catana or Outremer for the sake of interior volume and structural "over-engineering."

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality and interior joinery that holds up over decades.
• The central nacelle owner’s suite provides a master cabin experience usually found on 50+ foot boats.
• Superior safety features, including multiple watertight bulkheads and foam-filled crash zones.
• Shaft drive propulsion (in many units) offers easier long-term maintenance than saildrives.

Cons:

• Significant weight makes it sluggish in light winds (under 8 knots).
• High maintenance requirements for aged acrylic windows and deck seals.
• Older electrical systems and plumbing usually require a full modern refit for live-aboard use.