Privilège 650 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Privilège 650 is a formidable blue-water cruiser characterized by its significant displacement—often exceeding 30 tons when fully loaded for a voyage. This mass provides a remarkably stable and "ship-like" feel, drastically reducing the snappy motion often associated with lighter multihulls. Marc Lombard’s hull design features a fine entry to minimize slapping in a head sea, while the flared topsides provide the buoyancy necessary to carry extensive cruising payloads.

Under sail, the 650 relies on a powerful fractional rig. While it is not a light-air specialist, it excels in a breeze. In 15–20 knots of wind, the 650 finds its stride, easily maintaining 9–11 knots on a reach with a high degree of directional stability. The vessel is typically steered from a raised flybridge, which offers excellent visibility of all four corners of the boat—a necessity for a vessel with a beam approaching 35 feet. However, the height of the boom and the windage of the tall hulls mean that close-hauled performance is limited compared to daggerboard-equipped catamarans; the 650 is happiest at an apparent wind angle of 50 degrees or greater. Owners frequently report that the boat’s handling is predictable, though the sheer scale of the sail plan necessitates heavy-duty hydraulic or electric winches for all sail-handling tasks.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Privilège 650 is its defining feature, specifically the signature "Owner’s Suite" located forward in the central nacelle. Unlike most catamarans where cabins are relegated to the hulls, the 650 utilizes the space between the hulls to create a full-beam master stateroom that rivals many 80-foot monohulls. This cabin often includes a king-sized berth, a dedicated office area, and expansive views through forward-facing ports.

The layout was typically offered in two primary configurations: an owner-centric version with 4 cabins and a "charter" or "large family" version with 5 or even 6 cabins. The build quality reflects the brand's heritage, utilizing high-gloss cherry or maple joinery and heavy stainless-steel fittings. The galley is often located "down" in the port hull to maximize the salon’s social space, though "galley up" configurations exist for those who prefer a more integrated social environment. Ventilation is a high priority, with numerous Lewmar hatches and high-capacity air conditioning systems standard on most hulls. The transition from the 615 to the 650 also saw an increase in headroom, with most areas of the yacht offering over 6'8" of vertical clearance.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Privilège 650 requires a rigorous assessment of its complex onboard systems. Given the age and size of these vessels, specific areas of concern have been noted by surveyors and owners:

• Hydraulic Systems: The 650 relies heavily on hydraulics for the windlass, winches, and often the furling gear. Any signs of "milky" hydraulic fluid or weeping at the seals indicate a need for a full system overhaul, which can be expensive on a boat of this scale.
• Balsa Core Integrity: While Privilège uses high-quality infusion processes, the decks are balsa-cored. Buyers should use a moisture meter around stanchion bases and the flybridge mounting points, as any water ingress can lead to delamination over time.
• Rigging Tension: Due to the wide beam, the standing rigging on the 650 is under immense tension. Check the chainplates and the mast step for any signs of compression or stress cracking in the gelcoat.
• Electrical Complexity: These boats were often fitted with complex 24V DC and 230V AC systems with multiple chargers and inverters. Professional inspection of the wiring behind the main panels is essential to ensure no "owner-added" modifications have compromised the original electrical schematics.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Privilège Owners Association, a global group of owners who share maintenance logs and technical drawings. Because Privilège builds in relatively low volumes compared to mass-market manufacturers like Lagoon or Fountaine Pajot, the community is tight-knit, and many boats are well-known within the circle. Technical support is also available through the shipyard in Les Sables-d'Olonne, France, which maintains many of the original molds and build records for the 600-series hulls.

The Verdict

The Privilège 650 is an exceptional choice for the experienced sailor who views their yacht as a true home. It sacrifices the "surfing" potential of carbon-fiber catamarans for a level of luxury, silence, and safety that few other builders can match. It is a vessel designed not for the weekend, but for the decade.

Pros:

• Exceptional Volume: The central nacelle master suite is arguably the best in its class.
• Build Quality: Over-engineered hulls and high-end cabinetry provide a sense of permanence and luxury.
• Blue-water Stability: High displacement and Marc Lombard’s hull shapes offer a very comfortable motion in offshore conditions.

Cons:

• Operating Costs: The complexity of the systems and the size of the rig require a significant annual maintenance budget.
• Light Air Performance: The boat is heavy and requires a substantial breeze to move efficiently without the engines.
• Draft and Beam: With a massive beam and a draft of nearly 6 feet, finding dockage and haul-out facilities can be challenging in certain regions.