Privilège 510 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Designed for transoceanic passages rather than coastal sprinting, the Privilège 510 is a heavy-displacement cruiser that prioritizes "sea-kindliness" and stability. With a lightship displacement of approximately 16.8 tons and a full-load capacity reaching nearly 23 tons, the boat is engineered to carry significant cruising stores—up to six tons—without a catastrophic loss in performance. According to technical tests conducted by Multihulls World, the 510 maintains a comfortable 8 to 12-knot average in moderate breezes, with peaks of 13 knots achievable under optimal conditions.

The sail plan features a square-top mainsail of 88 square meters and a raked mast, which helps drive the vessel through choppy seas with a gentle, balanced motion. However, its high displacement means light-air performance can be sluggish without the deployment of a Code 0 or gennaker from the standard bowsprit. Handling is centralized at an elevated mid-height helm station on the port side, which provides an excellent 360-degree view of the four corners of the boat—a rarity for a 51-foot catamaran. While seasoned racing sailors might find the steering somewhat "numb" due to its hydraulic setup and weight, the Yachting World review notes that the clarity of maneuvers and the efficiency of the autopilot make it an ideal platform for short-handed couples.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The defining characteristic of any Privilège is the "central rostrum"—a structural pod forward of the mast that allows for a full-beam master suite. On the 510, this stateroom is arguably the largest in its class, spanning the entire 26-foot beam. In the owner’s version, this space is connected to the saloon via a private corridor and often includes a dressing area and a large en-suite bathroom located in the starboard hull. The use of high-end materials, such as oak or maple joinery and leather finishes, reflects the brand’s commitment to a superyacht-level aesthetic.

The saloon has been redesigned with slimmer mullions to maximize natural light, offering a near-seamless transition to the cockpit. Variations in layout are a hallmark of the 510’s semi-custom nature; while the three-cabin "Owner" version is the most popular, a four-cabin layout is available for larger groups. Each guest cabin features its own dedicated head and shower. However, critics have noted that while the master suite is visually stunning, its location forward in the nacelle can result in more motion while underway compared to midship cabins, and headroom is slightly reduced in certain areas to accommodate the deck profile.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Privilège 510 "Rogue" became a well-known example of the model’s capabilities after being featured extensively by the shipyard at the Annapolis Sailboat Show. "Rogue" was highly publicized for its advanced off-grid systems, including a massive 12,200 amp-hour lithium battery bank and integrated hydro-generators, showcasing the 510 as a premier platform for modern, sustainable circumnavigation.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Electronics Complexity: The 510 utilizes sophisticated digital switching and Canbus systems. Buyers should ensure the software is updated and that they have a clear understanding of the manual overrides for critical systems like lighting and bilge pumps.
• Ventilation at Anchor: In warmer climates, ventilation in the aft guest cabins has been cited as a potential "niggle," as some configurations only provide two opening hatches. Prospective buyers should check if the optional air conditioning system and generator are properly sized for tropical cruising.
• Engine Access: Access to the engine bays in the transoms can be tight depending on the installed options (such as watermakers or additional generators). Inspect these areas for ease of maintenance and clear labeling of plumbing.
• Light Air Performance: Given the boat's weight, the presence of a high-quality "downwind package" (Code 0, gennaker, and associated winches) is essential. If a used model lacks these, the buyer should factor in the cost of adding them to avoid motoring in sub-10 knot winds.

Community & Resources

The Privilège Owners Association is the primary hub for technical exchange, offering a wealth of knowledge on legacy models and current builds. Owners often share "hacks" for the digital switching systems and advice on long-term maintenance of the high-end interior finishes.

The Verdict

The Privilège 510 Signature is a purposefully built ocean crosser that trades the raw speed of a performance cat for unrivaled comfort and structural integrity. It is a "statement" vessel for the sailor who values artisanal craftsmanship over production-line efficiency.

Pros

• The Master Suite: Unmatched full-beam forward cabin provides a level of luxury usually found on much larger yachts.
• Build Quality: Exceptional joinery and structural integrity, utilizing vacuum infusion and foam-core bulkheads.
• Short-handed Capability: All lines lead to a protected helm, making it manageable for a couple.
• Customization: High degree of flexibility in materials and technical layouts.

Cons

• Heavy Displacement: Slow in light air without specialized reaching sails.
• Price Point: Significantly higher entry cost compared to mainstream production catamarans.
• Complexity: Extensive onboard systems require a higher level of technical oversight from the owner.