Recall the DNA of a motoryacht and the Prestige brand
At the end of 2021, we learned that the manufacturer Prestige Yachts, whose 40 to 70 foot motor boats are built in France, was launching a multihull. For 30 years, Prestige has built a reputation in the luxury production motor yacht market with 3 ranges, the S-Line, the F-Line and more recently the X-Line. The shipyard diversifies its program with the M-48, a 14.79 m long catamaran, the first model of the new M-Line range.
The design by Garroni Design euros, the father of the design of all Prestige euros, had to preserve the spirit of the motoryacht and the DNA of the Prestige brand. In profile, the M48 retains the lines of a monohull motoryacht, as required by the specifications. The M48 benefits from the Bénéteau Group's experience in the catamaran sector as well as from the Flybridge experience with the Prestige.
A brand new shell design
In the specifications of the M-Line range, three main characteristics tipped the scales for a catamaran hull shape:
- More space inside and outside
- Better efficiency
- Stability
Moreover, the shipyard started from a blank page for the creation of the structure, whose hull design was entrusted to Philippe Briand. These are quite thin and should give the boat a good seaworthy behavior with a reasonable consumption. The beam is quite small compared to the competition, with the M48 having a width of 5.98 m. This is a desire on the part of the shipyard to gain more room in the harbor. The boat is also higher on the water than the market, with an air draft of between 4.80 and 7.60 m (with the hard-top). In total, the M48 offers a surface area of 130 m2.
A cockpit with a multi-position bathing platform
The cockpit is accessible from the two skirts, between which there is a removable platform. This platform can be used as a swimming platform, to accommodate the 3.50 m dinghy or to form a balcony over the water in elevated mode. There is also a 3m storage area on the transom 3 for toys.
The cockpit offers a beautiful relaxation and dining area, with the possibility of accommodating up to 8 people around a large table (with an extension connecting the two tables), a bench facing the sea and a bar. The front deck is accessible from 45 cm wide gangways and is dedicated to relaxation with a large sunbathing area and a bow lounge. The starboard side access to the superstructure is one of Prestige's characteristics.
An interior design that links with the unibody range
Inside, the layout with 3 living areas is also a reminder of the brand. A fully equipped galley at the stern, linked to the cockpit, a lounge/dining room on the port side and an additional steering position on the starboard side.
Three separate downpipes for three separate cabins
Below deck, to increase the volume of the cabins, Prestige has created a steerage deck, between the tunnel and the floor of the saloon, hence the imposing height of the freeboards. The layout can also correspond to the charter with 3 independent companionways for access to the 3 cabins of the M48. The owner's cabin located at the front is huge with a width equal to the total beam. There is a central double bed, storage space, a sofa, a shower and a toilet. There are two guest cabins with twin beds that can be combined into a double bed. Each cabin has its own bathroom with separate shower. A 4 cabin / 4 bathroom version is also available.
A classic flybridge
The flybridge is classic in its layout with 20 m 2 of space offering an L-shaped saloon, a sunbathing area, a main cockpit and an optional hard-top.
Return to the shaft line for reduced speed
Concerning the propulsion, the manufacturer opted for two Volvo D4 320 hp V-Drive engines coupled with a joystick. The objective here is not the power since the maximum speed is capped at 20 knots and the cruising speed between 8 and 18 knots. The shipyard announces a consumption of 80l/hour at 17 knots and a range of 600 miles at 8 knots. The M48 also marks the return to the shaft line, a legitimate and reliable choice for boats with limited speed.
The manufacturer did not communicate on the prices which will be revealed in the weeks to come.
