Privilège 495 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Privilège 495 is widely characterized as a "gentleman’s cruiser"—a vessel that prioritizes sea-kindliness and comfort over raw, light-wind speed. With a displacement that can exceed 15 tons when fully loaded for cruising, it possesses significant inertia, which translates into a remarkably stable ride in heavy seas. This stability is enhanced by the yacht's high bridgedeck clearance, a design choice intended to minimize the "slamming" effect common in catamarans with lower profiles. Marc Lombard’s influence is seen in the hull's fine entries, which allow the boat to slice through chop rather than hobby-horsing over it.

Under sail, the 495 typically utilizes a high-aspect-ratio rig with a large fully-battened mainsail and an overlapping genoa. According to editorial testing by Sail Magazine, the boat performs best in a breeze, finding its "groove" once the wind exceeds 12 to 15 knots. While it may not point as high as a performance-oriented catamaran with daggerboards, its fixed keels provide reliable tracking and a shallow draft that is ideal for tropical cruising. The steering is typically described as heavy but predictable, providing the helm with a sense of the vessel's substantial grip on the water. For long-distance passages, the 495 is frequently cited by owners for its ability to maintain high average speeds over 24-hour periods without taxing the crew, largely due to its forgiving motion.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Privilège 495 is where the builder's philosophy of "luxury beyond coastal borders" is most evident. The standout feature is the owner’s suite, which is situated forward and extends into the central nacelle between the hulls. This layout allows for a king-sized berth that is accessible from three sides, a feature that was revolutionary at the time of the boat's launch. The use of high-quality joinery—often cherry or maple—and the abundance of natural light through the signature wrap-around salon windows create an ambiance more akin to a custom yacht than a production boat.

Several variations of the 495 were produced to cater to different markets. The "Owner’s Version" typically features the massive forward suite and two guest cabins in the aft sections of the hulls, each with ensuite heads. Conversely, a four-cabin "Charter Version" was also available, which redistributed the space in the forward hulls to accommodate two separate double cabins, though these are often considered less desirable on the secondhand market due to the sacrifice of the iconic central suite. Headroom is generous throughout, often exceeding 6'6" in the salon, and the galley-down configuration (standard on many units) allows for a massive, unobstructed social area in the main salon.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Privilège 495 should focus their inspections on the specific engineering complexities inherent in a boat of this age and size.

1. Bulkhead and Grid Bonding: While Privilège is known for robust construction, some hulls from the Alliaura Marine era have shown signs of tabbing separation in the forward lockers or under the floorboards in the aft cabins. A surveyor should check for any "creaking" or movement in the bulkheads while the boat is under sail.
2. Escape Hatch Seals: The emergency escape hatches located in the hulls near the waterline are a known point of concern. Over time, the seals can perish or the acrylic can craze. Many owners choose to replace these with upgraded, modern versions or permanently seal them if local regulations allow.
3. Saildrive Diaphragms: The 495 is typically powered by twin Volvo Penta or Yanmar engines with saildrives. The rubber diaphragms have a recommended replacement interval (usually 7 years); given the age of most 495s, if there is no documentation of recent replacement, this should be a priority.
4. Balsa Core in Decks: While the hulls are generally solid, the decks utilize a balsa core for weight saving. Areas around stanchion bases, windlasses, and cleat attachments should be checked with a moisture meter to ensure no water ingress has compromised the core.
5. Rigging and Chainplates: The 495 carries a powerful rig. Buyers should inspect the stainless steel chainplates and the forestay attachment point for signs of stress or crevice corrosion, particularly on boats that have spent significant time in the tropics.

Community & Resources

Owners of the 495 benefit from a dedicated community that spans the entire Privilège range. The Privilège Owners Club is the primary hub for technical exchange, offering a repository of manuals and historical build data that can be invaluable for refit projects. Additionally, because many 495s were built to high specifications for world cruising, technical insights are often shared through the World Cruising Club (ARC) archives, as the model has been a frequent participant in transoceanic rallies.

The Verdict

The Privilège 495 remains one of the most respected luxury cruising catamarans of its era. It is a vessel designed for the owner who values safety, craftsmanship, and a "big boat" feel over the agility of lighter, more modern performance cats.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Superior interior finishes and a robust hull that inspires confidence in blue water.
• The "Nacelle" Suite: The central owner's cabin provides a level of comfort and space rarely matched in the 50-foot class.
• Seaworthiness: A high bridgedeck and balanced hull design result in a comfortable motion and minimal slamming.

Cons:

• Weight: Its heavy displacement makes it sluggish in light winds (under 10 knots).
• Complexity: Systems-heavy design requires more rigorous maintenance than simpler cruising cats.
• Limited Visibility: The low-profile coachroof and forward-facing salon windows can make visibility from the helm more challenging during docking compared to modern "flybridge" or "high-helm" designs.