Privilège 51 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Privilège 51 is fundamentally a "heavy displacement" catamaran, a design choice that dictates its behavior at sea. Unlike modern performance-oriented cats that utilize thin hulls and daggerboards, the 51 features fixed keels and a substantial bridge deck clearance to minimize slamming in heavy seas. With a displacement that often exceeds 15 tons fully loaded, the boat possesses significant inertia. This translates to a dampened, sea-kindly motion that reduces crew fatigue during long passages. According to historical technical insights from the Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group, the hull forms of this era were optimized for stability and volume, ensuring the vessel remains "stiff" even when pressed under a large genoa.

Under sail, the 51 is not a light-air specialist. Its sail area-to-displacement ratio is conservative, meaning it typically requires 10 to 12 knots of true wind to find its groove. However, once established, it tracks exceptionally well due to the long fixed keels. Handling is centralized in the cockpit, which is deep and well-protected, though visibility to the opposite bow can be a challenge—a common trait of early 90s multihull designs. Owners frequently report that the boat feels most at home on a reach or a run, where the weight provides a sense of security that lighter vessels lack.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Privilège 51 is where the "Privilège Philosophy" is most evident. The hallmark of this model is the innovative use of the forward nacelle—the "bump" between the hulls—to house a massive owner’s suite. This configuration, often referred to as the "Owner’s Version," allows for a centerline king-sized berth that spans the bridgedeck, a feature that remains rare even in modern 50-footers. The woodwork is typically high-gloss cherry or maple, reflecting the artisanal craftsmanship that Privilège Marine became known for during the Alliaura Marine years.

Variations of the 51 were tailored to both the private and charter markets. The "Club" version often featured a five-cabin layout (four in the hulls and one in the nacelle), each with its own head, making it a favorite for high-end crewed charters in the Caribbean. Because the 51 shares significant DNA with its predecessor, the Privilège 48, and its successor, the 510 (which utilized an updated deck mold), the interior underwent several iterative refinements. Later models benefited from larger fixed portlights in the hulls, which mitigated the "cave-like" feeling sometimes associated with early 90s multihulls.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Privilège 51 has earned a reputation as a "circumnavigator’s workhorse." It is frequently mentioned in long-term cruising chronicles and has been a staple in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) for decades. While it may not have the cinematic presence of a racing trimaran, its reliability has made it a favorite for YouTube voyagers focusing on the liveaboard lifestyle, often cited as a "forever boat" for families transitioning to life at sea.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Privilège 51, a prospective buyer must account for the age of the vessel and the complexity of its systems. While the hulls are robustly built using vacuum-bagging techniques, several areas require specific scrutiny:

• Rudder Bearings and Stocks: Reports from long-term owners on technical forums indicate that the rudder bearings can develop play over time, leading to a "heavy" feeling at the helm. Inspect the stainless steel stocks for any signs of crevice corrosion.
• Balsa Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the decks are balsa-cored. While Privilège's construction quality was high, hardware that was added post-factory (solar racks, davit upgrades) may not have been properly bedded, leading to localized moisture intrusion.
• The Nacelle Joint: The structural "V" of the forward nacelle takes significant stress when heading into a chop. Check for any spider-webbing or stress cracking in the gelcoat where the nacelle meets the hulls.
• Propulsion System: Many 51s were fitted with Volvo Penta or Yanmar sail-drives. Given the boat's weight, the engines often work hard; verify service records for diaphragm replacements and heat exchanger descaling.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Privilège 51 are supported by a dedicated community. The Privilège Owners Association remains the primary hub for technical exchange, offering a repository of original wiring diagrams and plumbing schematics that are invaluable for refitting these vintage yachts. Additionally, the shipyard in Les Sables-d'Olonne maintains a "Heritage" department that can occasionally provide historical documentation for specific hull numbers.

The Verdict

The Privilège 51 is a "gentleman’s catamaran"—a stout, luxurious, and immensely capable platform that favors comfort over speed. It is an ideal choice for a couple or family looking to cross oceans with a level of interior finish that contemporary production cats often struggle to match.

Pros:

• Unrivaled Owner's Suite: The nacelle cabin offers a level of luxury and space usually reserved for 60-foot+ yachts.
• Heavy-Weather Capability: The high displacement and robust layup provide a secure feeling in offshore conditions.
• Timeless Aesthetics: The sleek, low-profile lines of the Marc Lombard design have aged better than the "caravan-style" multihulls of today.

Cons:

• Light Air Performance: The boat is heavy and requires a significant breeze to perform without engine assistance.
• Maintenance Intensity: With older high-gloss woodwork and complex plumbing for multiple heads, the "upkeep" labor is higher than simpler modern designs.
• Draft and Weight: The fixed keels and heavy displacement limit performance in shallow-water "gunkholing" compared to daggerboard-equipped rivals.