Privilège 48 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Privilège 48 is a heavy-displacement cruiser, typically weighing in at approximately 12 to 13 tons (26,000 lbs). While modern performance catamarans prioritize daggerboards and light carbon laminates, the 48 was built with solid fiberglass hulls and low-aspect fixed keels, prioritizing tracking and stability over raw speed. Its sail area-to-displacement ratio suggests a boat that requires a steady breeze to truly come alive; in light air, the heavy hull and significant wetted surface area can be sluggish. However, in offshore conditions, the 48 is renowned for its sea-kindliness. Owners often report that the vessel feels "planted" in a seaway, with the wide 26.4-foot beam providing a stable platform that minimizes the quick, jerky motion common in smaller, lighter multihulls.

Handling is characterized by predictability, though the low bridge deck clearance—a common trait of late-80s designs—can lead to significant slamming when heading into short, choppy seas. The rigging is typically a fractional sloop with a large genoa, and while many have been retrofitted with electric winches, the original units often relied on manual power. According to technical overviews by Multihulls World, these boats were designed for "the pale continentals" looking to cross oceans in comfort rather than race, making them ideal for long-range trade-wind sailing.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Privilège 48 was revolutionary for its era, utilizing the volume of the central nacelle to create an "owner’s version" before that term became a marketing staple. The signature layout features a massive forward master cabin located centrally between the hulls, often accessed via its own dedicated companionway. This "pod" design allows for a large bed and panoramic views through forward-facing windows, though it does contribute to the lower bridge deck clearance mentioned above.

High-quality cabinetry, typically in cherry or mahogany, was a standard feature of the Jeantot Marine yard. The salon is expansive, offering 360-degree visibility and a forward-facing navigation station. Most hulls were configured with a "galley down" arrangement in the starboard hull, which separates food preparation from the social living area and allows for a larger lounge space on the bridge deck. In 1992, the model evolved into the Privilège 482, which maintained the same basic hull lines but introduced sleeker styling and further refined the interior joinery. Sibling models include the smaller Privilège 42 and 45, which shared similar construction techniques but lacked the sheer volume and fifth "hobbit hole" cabin often found in the 48-foot versions.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Privilège 48 and its direct successor, the 482, have a significant footprint in the cruising community as proven circumnavigators. The 1992 Privilège 482 Scout has gained a modern following through the "Sailing Scout" YouTube channel and podcast, documenting a family of four as they voyage through the Pacific and beyond. Their journey highlights the model's durability, with the vessel having completed a prior circumnavigation under a previous owner. The brand’s heritage is also intrinsically linked to the Vendée Globe, as Philippe Jeantot founded the race while concurrently building these cruising catamarans, a fact noted in the Privilège Marine history.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Privilège 48 with a focus on age-related structural maintenance, as most of these hulls are now over 30 years old.

• Bridge Deck Slamming: Due to the low clearance, the bridge deck is subject to high stresses in heavy seas. Inspect for stress crazing or bulkhead movement in the forward sections of the bridge deck.
• Signature Skylights: The large windows and skylights on the coachroof were a design signature but are prone to leaks and UV crazing. Replacing these is a complex, custom task due to their curved geometry.
• Deck Core: While the hulls are robust, the decks are balsa-cored. Any poorly bedded hardware (stanchions, cleats) can lead to moisture ingress and core rot.
• Rudder Bearings: The large, deep rudders can develop play in the bearings. Inspect for excessive movement or "thumping" while under autopilot or hand-steering.
• Engine Access: Engines are typically located under the aft berths. While this keeps weight centered, it makes routine maintenance more difficult than in modern cats with dedicated aft engine rooms.

Community & Resources

The most prominent technical resource for owners is the Privilège Owners Association, which maintains a database of technical manuals and refit guides. General multihull technical discussions regarding the Jeantot era are also frequent on CruisersForum, where long-term owners discuss specific modifications for the 482 series. The designer’s legacy continues through the Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group, which still provides high-level architectural context for the brand’s evolution.

The Verdict

The Privilège 48 remains a gold standard for sailors who value build quality and safety over contemporary aesthetics and light-air speed. It is a true "little ship," capable of carrying a family around the world with a sense of security that few modern production cats can match.

Pros:

• Exceptional "vault-like" build quality and robust hull construction.
• The forward nacelle cabin offers a unique and private owner’s suite.
• Excellent stability and predictable handling in heavy offshore conditions.
• High-end interior joinery that ages better than many modern counterparts.

Cons:

• Significant bridge deck slamming in short-period head seas.
• Low sail area-to-displacement ratio makes it slow in light winds.
• Maintenance of the signature curved skylights is difficult and expensive.
• Engine access requires moving bedding and cabin furniture.