Privilège 47 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Privilège 47 is a heavy-displacement cruiser, typically weighing in at approximately 12 tons (26,000 lbs) depending on the load. This mass, while limiting performance in light airs, provides a sense of "sea-kindliness" and momentum that many lighter, modern production catamarans lack. According to design notes from the Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group, the hull form was optimized for stability and blue-water passage-making. The boat features relatively narrow hulls below the waterline to reduce drag, which flare out significantly above the water to create interior volume.

Under sail, the 47 is a steady performer that tracks exceptionally well, thanks to its fixed low-aspect keels. While it does not point as high as a daggerboard-equipped catamaran, it is remarkably stable in a blow. Owners often report that the boat feels "locked in" when reaching in 20-25 knots of wind. The bridge deck clearance is moderate; while some slapping occurs in short, steep head seas, the weight and hull shape generally dampen the motion. The sail plan is manageable for a couple, though the large mainsail and substantial displacement mean that high-quality winches—often electric on the secondary market—are essential for short-handed operation.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Privilège 47 set a new standard for luxury in the 1990s, moving away from the "plastic" feel of early production cats toward a high-end, ship-like aesthetic. The hallmark of this model is the "Owner’s Version" layout, which utilizes the forward central nacelle. By placing the master berth in this center pod, the designer freed up the hulls for expansive heads and storage, creating a master suite that feels more like a land-based bedroom than a traditional nautical cabin.

Common variations include:

• The 4-Cabin Layout: Often found in private ownership, featuring two cabins in the aft sections and the split master suite forward.
• The 5-Cabin Layout: More common in the era's luxury charter fleets, which often converted the forward sections into smaller, symmetrical double cabins.

The cabinetry is typically finished in high-quality cherry or beech wood, a testament to the shipyard's commitment to joinery. The galley is located "down" in the port hull in many versions, which allows for a massive, unobstructed bridge deck saloon, though some later iterations experimented with "galley-up" configurations. The headroom throughout the vessel is generous, rarely dropping below 6'4", making it an ideal choice for taller sailors.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Privilège 47 earned significant acclaim upon its release, notably being recognized by the American sailing press. The model was named "Boat of the Year" by Cruising World magazine in 1991, a distinction that helped solidify the brand's reputation in the North American market as the premier builder of luxury multihulls. This accolade was largely due to its innovative use of space and its success in proving that a catamaran could be as elegant as a high-end monohull. The 47's legacy is also tied to its siblings; it was the direct predecessor to the Privilège 482, which utilized the same hull molds but featured extended transoms for improved sugar-scoop access and slightly better hull speed.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Privilège 47 should focus their inspections on the specific aging characteristics of 1990s composite construction:

• Bulkhead Attachment: In some early models, the secondary bonding where the structural bulkheads meet the hulls should be inspected for any signs of movement or tabbing detachment, particularly if the boat has been driven hard in heavy seas.
• Window Seals: The large, iconic wrap-around windows of the saloon are prone to leaking if the original seals have perished. Re-bedding these is a labor-intensive task due to the curvature of the plexiglass.
• Osmosis: While Jeantot Marine used high-quality resins, any boat of this vintage requires a moisture survey of the hulls below the waterline.
• Nacelle Integrity: The central forward pod (the "nose") takes significant pressure from waves. Ensure there is no evidence of stress cracking or moisture ingress in the core material of this structural projection.
• Original Systems: Many 47s came equipped with complex 24V electrical systems and older plumbing. Buyers should check for "legacy" wiring that may need updating to accommodate modern lithium battery banks and solar arrays.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Privilège 47 are supported by a dedicated international community. The Privilège Owners Association is a prominent group that provides technical archives, including original wiring diagrams and plumbing schematics that are often difficult to source elsewhere. Additionally, the Privilège Marine official history page provides context on the brand's evolution and the specific design philosophy that governed the 47's production period.

The Verdict

The Privilège 47 is a "gentleman’s catamaran," offering a level of build quality and offshore security that is often sacrificed in newer, lighter production models. While it may not win races in light air, it provides a safe, luxurious, and immensely comfortable platform for long-term liveaboards.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Superior joinery and structural stiffness compared to many modern equivalents.
• Unique Master Suite: The central nacelle layout provides a private, spacious owner's area.
• Sea-Kindliness: Heavy displacement and narrow entry hulls result in a comfortable motion in open water.

Cons:

• Light Wind Performance: Requires significant breeze or engine assistance to move in under 10 knots of wind.
• Maintenance Access: The "galley-down" and complex interior molding can make accessing certain through-hulls and pumps difficult.
• Aging Systems: Most examples will require significant electrical and navigational refits to meet modern cruising standards.