Privilège 515 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

At sea, the Privilège 515 is defined by its substantial displacement and sea-kindly motion rather than raw sprinting speed. With a light ship displacement hovering around 18 tons, it is considerably heavier than performance-oriented catamarans like those from Outremer, yet this mass contributes to a stable platform in a seaway. According to technical assessments by Multihulls World, the 515 utilizes a fixed keel design rather than daggerboards, which simplifies handling for shorthanded crews but limits pointing ability to roughly 45 to 50 degrees off the true wind.

The sail plan is centered around a powerful fully-battened mainsail and an overlapping genoa. The 515’s rig is designed to be manageable from the safety of the cockpit, which features a raised helm station on the port side, offering excellent visibility over the coachroof. While the boat is not a "light air flier," it excels in tradewind conditions (15–25 knots), where its momentum allows it to power through chop without the hobby-horsing often associated with lighter, shorter-bridge-deck designs. Owners typically report that the 515 feels more like a "monohull on two hulls" due to its predictable tracking and lack of twitchiness in gusty conditions.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Privilège 515 is where the shipyard’s "haute couture" philosophy is most evident. The standout feature is the owner’s suite, which occupies the central forward section of the bridge deck. This layout allows for a king-sized island berth positioned on the centerline, a rarity in catamarans of this size, providing a sense of space more akin to a 60-foot vessel. Franck Darnet’s interior design utilized light maple or cherry woods combined with leather accents, moving away from the darker, more traditional aesthetics of previous Jeantot Marine models.

The 515 was offered in several configurations, most commonly the "Owner’s Version," which features the grand master suite and two large VIP cabins in the aft sections of the hulls. A four-cabin version was also produced, which divides the hulls more traditionally while still maintaining the spacious salon. The galley-up configuration is standard, integrating the chef into the social flow of the salon. Sibling models built on the same evolution of this hull include the Privilège Serie 5, which updated the window lines and rig to more contemporary standards, though the fundamental hull form remained largely consistent until the introduction of the Signature series.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Privilège 515 gained significant international recognition when it was nominated for and won "Cruising World’s Boat of the Year" in the Import Multihull category shortly after its debut. The judges noted its exceptional build quality and the "vault-like" feel of its construction. It has since become a staple of high-end blue-water cruising YouTube channels and blogs, often cited by experienced cruisers as a benchmark for safety. The model is frequently discussed in editorial retrospectives by Yachting World as one of the quintessential "luxury-heavy" cruisers that defined the pre-2010 market.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Privilège 515 should focus their inspections on the complex systems integrated into these vessels, as they were often loaded with heavy power-generation equipment.

• Bridge Deck Clearance: While the 515 has a respectable bridge deck clearance, the heavy displacement means that if the boat is overloaded with gear (dive compressors, large tenders, extra fuel), it can be prone to "slapping" in head seas. Verify the waterline to ensure the boat hasn't been weighed down beyond design specs.
• Constant-Running Systems: Many 515s were equipped with extensive 24V systems and large generators to run air conditioning and watermakers. A thorough survey of the electrical harness and battery bank health is critical, as rewiring the bridge deck channels can be labor-intensive.
• Rudder Bearings: Like many large cats of this era, the rudder bearings can experience wear if the boat has spent significant time in the tropics. Check for play in the steering linkage at the helm station.
• Acrylic Crazing: The large, wrap-around coachroof windows are a signature design element but are susceptible to UV crazing over time. Replacing these custom-curved panels is a significant expense.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Privilège 515 benefit from a dedicated community of long-distance cruisers. The Privilège Owners Association is the primary hub for technical data, though much of their detailed documentation is reserved for registered owners. For technical support regarding the Marc Lombard design elements, his architectural firm, Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group, maintains archives on the hull’s performance characteristics and stability curves.

The Verdict

The Privilège 515 is a formidable bluewater cruiser that prioritizes safety and luxury over regatta trophies. It remains one of the few catamarans in the 50-foot range that offers a true "superyacht" master cabin experience.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality with vacuum-infused hulls and high-grade joinery.
• The nacelle master suite offers unparalleled comfort for liveaboard couples.
• Extremely stable and predictable motion in heavy offshore conditions.

Cons:

• Heavy displacement limits light-wind sailing performance.
• Large sail areas and high freeboard require a powerful windlass and winches for handling.
• Higher maintenance costs due to the complexity of onboard luxury systems.