The Privilege 495 is a multihull catamaran that has achieved great success

The Privilege 495 is larger than her predecessor, the 48 from which much of this boats detail has been distilled. The view is reinforced by the spacious cockpit. Marc Lombard, the designer, and Alliaura Marine have definitely put much care and attention to detail in this area. All sails controls are led external to the cockpit with substantial Lewmar tracks and cars for all sheets and harken winches providing the power. The electric genoa sheet winches are on the coachroof. The helm position is to port and has good visibility through the solid Bimini that covers the cockpit. The control line of the Privilege 495 is by the helm position.

DECK: The deck of the Privilege 495 is easy to move around with wide side decks and few obstructions. At the mast, there is a good handhold and good access to the various winches. Whilst the main halyard is 2:1, you are grateful of the ability to lead the halyard to the electric anchor windlass. Mast and boom of the Privilege 495 are aluminum with a single diamond. The gennaker, mainsail and jib are all standard and well made.

TEST: on our sail in light winds up to 6.5kts true we sailed at around 70% true wind speed when off the wind and made 80% true wind speed on the wind. Indeed for the little and variable wind we had I thought the Privilege 495 sailed well and tackled easily and through just over 80 degrees. Under power, the Privilege 495 is pretty majestic. With 7.3m beam and two 54 HP engines with fixed propellers, in flat water the boat comfortably made over 9.5 knots at maximum power, 8 knots at 2000 rpm (cruising speed) and nearly 7 knots under one engine at 2000 rpm. The Privilege 495 was very maneuverable and with good visibility from the helm position, easy to get into and out of a tight berth with the tide doing its best to ruin the exit! Engines were well insulated with very acceptable levels of noise, and they are sat under the aft cabin bunks.

INTERIORS: There are three interior layout available: 5 cabins, 4 cabins, and Owners that has a large owner’s suite forward of the saloon area. The cabins are generous in each layout of the privilege 495. The ergonomics of the interior work well: lots of handholds, plenty of light below and lots of ventilation. The saloon of the Privilege 495 is delightful, with the ability to have a lounge as well as a dining area. The navigation area is to port as you enter through the sliding doors of the privilege 495. The woodwork is well finished; joinery is excellent and detailing superb.

CONCLUSION: the Privilege 495 is a big yacht built with attention to detail. It is ideal for the cruising owner and the charter guest will love it too. It is a powerful boat and requires work to sail it hence the addition of the electric winches. The standard equipment of the Privilege 495 is really comprehensive.

Source: “Multihull Review“.