Privilège 585 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

At approximately 22 tons light displacement, the Privilège 585 is a substantial vessel that prioritizes a "big boat" feel over raw light-wind speed. However, its Marc Lombard-designed hulls feature fine entries and a relatively high bridge deck clearance, which significantly reduces "slamming" in head seas—a common complaint in lesser catamarans. When the wind picks up beyond 12 knots, the 585 finds its stride, utilizing its high righting moment to carry significant sail area. Owners often report that the boat tracks exceptionally well on a reach, providing a stable, level platform that minimizes fatigue during long ocean passages.

The steering is typically a hydraulic system, which, while offering less "feel" than a cable system, provides the power necessary to manage a vessel of this scale. The 585 is generally rigged with a powerful fully-battened mainsail and a large genoa, often supplemented by a staysail for heavier weather. Because of its weight and hull volume, the boat carries its momentum through tacks better than lighter, flatter-bottomed performance cats, making it a predictable and sea-kindly handler in the open ocean.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Privilège 585 is where the brand’s "luxury first" philosophy is most evident. The hallmark of the design is the massive owner’s suite, which is situated forward in the central nacelle rather than being confined to one of the hulls. This configuration allows for a "king-size" berth and a level of floor space usually reserved for much larger motor yachts. The woodwork is typically finished in high-gloss cherry or beech, reflecting the shipyard’s commitment to traditional cabinetry and joinery.

While the "Owner’s Version" is the most coveted on the secondary market, the 585 was also available in five-cabin and six-cabin layouts to accommodate larger families or crewed charter operations. Each cabin typically features its own en-suite head with separate stall showers. The salon is expansive, offering 360-degree visibility and a seamless transition to the cockpit. Because the 585 shares its DNA with the later 615, many 585 owners have retrofitted their interiors to match the modern aesthetics found in the current Privilège Marine lineup, though the original builds are noted for their timeless, albeit heavy, nautical elegance.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Privilège 585 gained significant modern recognition through the YouTube channel "Sailing Zatara," where a family of six circumnavigated the globe aboard their 585, named Zatara. Their extensive documentation of the boat’s performance in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans served as a real-world testament to the model’s durability and suitability as a long-term family home. The vessel was frequently highlighted for its ability to carry massive amounts of equipment—including dive compressors and multiple tenders—without significantly compromising its sailing characteristics.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Privilège 585 requires a rigorous survey, as these boats are complex systems-heavy machines.

• Balsa Core Integrity: While the hulls are robust, the deck is balsa-cored. Buyers should check for delamination or moisture ingress around stanchion bases, cleats, and the massive windows, which can be prone to leaking if the original sealant has aged.
• Electrical Systems: These boats were often fitted with sophisticated 24V systems and complex AC/DC panels. Many 585s are now at the age where original wiring, chargers, and inverters may need replacement or upgrading to modern lithium standards.
• Engine Access: While the engine rooms are large, the placement of generators, watermakers, and air conditioning units can make servicing the primary Volvo or Yanmar engines a "contortionist’s task" depending on the specific aftermarket layout.
• Rudder Bearings: Given the displacement and the loads on the steering system, rudder bearings should be inspected for play. Replacing these is a significant undertaking that requires hauling the boat.

Community & Resources

The most active hub for owners and prospective buyers is the Privilège Owners Association, a dedicated group that shares technical manuals and maintenance advice specifically for the Alliaura-era boats. Additionally, because Marc Lombard continues to be a prominent figure in French naval architecture, technical drawings and hull data are often still accessible through his design office for refit purposes.

The Verdict

The Privilège 585 is a "heavyweight champion" of the cruising world, offering a level of security and comfort that is increasingly rare in an era of lightweight, cost-optimized production catamarans.

Pros:

• Exceptional structural build quality and offshore safety.
• The nacelle-mounted owner’s suite provides a world-class living experience.
• Superior motion in a seaway compared to lighter, wider-hulled competitors.

Cons:

• Significant displacement makes it sluggish in winds under 10 knots.
• High maintenance costs due to the complexity of onboard systems.
• The aesthetic of the early 2000s interior may feel dated to some modern buyers.