With a 30-foot 4-inch beam, a 55-foot waterline, and a displacement of 39,200 pounds, the 585 reads as a serious bluewater liveaboard rather than a lightweight charter sled—equally at home circumnavigating with ease or serving as a luxurious long-term residence afloat.
Design and Construction
The 585’s hulls and deck are solid fiberglass, and the model holds a respected market position for its construction quality, finish, and use. Lombard’s layout centers on an expansive bridge deck. Together with the roomy cabins, it makes the yacht an ideal charter platform while also suiting private bluewater cruising.
The helm sits high on the port side, providing excellent visibility underway and direct communication with the crew on deck. This safety-minded arrangement lets the driver manage maneuvers without losing sight of the working forebody. An oversized double pilot chair allows the navigator to share the passage with others at the helm.
Below the steering station, behind the port-side helm bulkhead, is a more than adequate navigation station with access to the electrical panels and instrumentation. The arrangement keeps the skipper’s command post compact but complete.
Rig and Deck Handling
The fractional sloop rig carries 2,110 square feet of sail, and the mast rises 88.9 feet above the waterline. Electric winches handle all sailing loads, making the 585 easy to manage even with a short crew.
A large bimini shades the cockpit and is also sized to carry solar panels, supporting the boat’s self-sufficiency. At the stern, very large steps on the sugar scoops provide easy access to the water, with swim ladders alongside for getting in and out. A large bottom transom platform offers space to bring aboard a day’s catch or stage watersports gear between sessions. Two hot-and-cold deck showers make it easy to rinse off after a long swim.
Forward, a vast deck spans two trampolines. Pulpits and four teak seats provide a place for sundowners.
Cockpit and Interior
An oversized aluminum sliding door leads three steps down from the cockpit into the saloon, connecting the bright interior with the outdoor living area. The cockpit has a teak table on stainless steel supports, seating for six, and three cushioned benches for lounging.
Inside, light beech timber gives the vast saloon a bright, welcoming character. Large windows provide exceptional panoramic views. Furnishings include two leather sofas, a round dining table with generously cushioned seats, and an additional L-shaped lounging area with footrests and a coffee table. A bar up top on the bridge deck suits evening gatherings.
Galley and Accommodations
The walk-through galley is on the starboard side. A large hatch above the double sink provides ventilation, while several hatches bring in natural light. Equipment includes two working benchtops, a double stainless steel sink, a mixed electric and steam oven, a dishwasher, and a microwave.
The 585 sleeps eight in total comfort, plus as many as three crew. It was offered in charter and owner versions: either four double cabins with three single crew quarters, or five double cabins and one single.
Each king-size double cabin has a private head, a large and comfortable reading seat, ample storage, and excellent counter space. Multiple hatches keep all the cabins bright.
Machinery, Energy, and Storage
All equipment aboard, from the nav station to the chef’s galley, is of high quality. Twin well-sized Yanmar or Volvo main diesels, rated from 100 to 150 hp each, work with gensets and solar to provide speed and power. Tankage consists of 370 gallons of fuel and 317 gallons of water.
Storage lockers beneath the floor contain a rack for scuba-diving cylinders and secure space for a diving compressor, further emphasizing the boat’s extended-cruising intent.
Ownership Context
With only 24 built, the 585 occupies a respected place in the catamaran market as a low-volume, high-specification design. Some examples are currently in charter around the world, confirming the model’s dual role as both a luxury private cruiser and a premium charter yacht.
The standard of living aboard rivals many an opulent apartment ashore. The well-equipped galley, private heads, and lounging areas spread throughout the bridge deck and hulls support that assessment.
The Verdict
The Privilège 585 is a low-production, Lombard-designed catamaran that combines serious bluewater capability with apartment-grade comfort. Its 24-unit production run makes it a comparatively scarce find. Its expansive bridge deck, electric-winch handling, thoroughly equipped galley, and comfortable cabins help explain its reputation as a refined liveaboard and circumnavigator.
Pros
- Strong, comfortable, and powerful Alliaura Marine construction, with solid fiberglass hulls and deck
- Expansive bridge deck and roomy, beech-finished cabins with private heads
- Electric winches and excellent helm visibility make handling manageable with a short crew
- Twin diesel engines, gensets, solar, 370 gal of fuel, and 317 gal of water support extended autonomy
- Walk-through galley with steam oven, dishwasher, and microwave
- Large saloon with panoramic windows
Cons
- Only 24 were built between 2002 and 2006, so available examples are scarce
