When Prestige launched the M48, the European builder best known for its monohull motoryachts dove headlong into uncharted waters. The vessel was the first in Prestige’s M-Line series of power catamarans and announced the brand’s entry into the multihull cruising market. The result is a yacht with considerable interior volume for its length, combined with the cruising efficiency and inherent stability of twin hulls.
At 48 feet 6 inches length overall, the M48 is designed with comfort in mind. The catamaran platform allows for a beam of more than 19 feet and a nearly level open-plan interior with sole-to-ceiling windows.
Stepping into the salon from the aft deck, I could see the builder’s emphasis on maximizing usable space and natural light. Glass sliding doors connect the salon to the cockpit. Open them, and the hinged window to starboard, and it’s easy to picture yourself breezing easily from the aft deck to the interior while at anchor in a quiet cove.
Inside, the layout is straightforward and sensible, with the galley to starboard opposite a U-shape entertainment lounge with a table. The hidden 50-inch TV is a nice touch that’s unobtrusive yet easily accessible, rising electrically at the touch of a remote.
The two en suite guest staterooms are located to port and starboard, six steps down into the hull sponsons. The 65-inch hullside windows offer expansive views of the natural world just outside, while the nearly 6½ feet of headroom means even the tallest of guests can feel at home. On the starboard side is an island queen, while to port are twin berths. Each berth is situated athwartships so guests can enjoy those views through the builder’s signature hullside windows. Stowage is substantial for long-range cruising.
Forward on the main deck, the lower helm is offset to starboard with a single skipper’s chair abaft the engine controls and two 16-inch Garmin multifunction displays in custom mounts. Visibility in any direction from the helm is clear, even when looking directly aft.
Moving forward, the full-beam master stateroom has an island queen berth with a couch to port and an en suite head with his-and-hers sinks and a separate shower. The stateroom is situated above the M48’s waterline, a nice touch to reduce wave slap noise significantly at anchor.
The finish throughout the M48 is contemporary but not overstated, with walnut cabinetry, a mix of matte and gloss surfaces, and a subdued color palette that keeps the focus on the surroundings rather than the décor. The builder calls it Art de Vivre. It works well.
Moving fore and aft along the vessel’s sides is safe and secure with 18-inch-wide walkways and beefy bowrails. There’s a pantograph door just abaft the lower helm. Forward is an open-air lounge at the bow with U-shape seating. Since this lounge is situated a bit higher above the water’s surface, it gives the illusion of gliding above the sea rather than cruising on it while underway.
Heading up the seven teak steps from the cockpit to the flybridge, I found the prime spot for entertaining. The flybridge has plenty of room for sunpads, a grill and wet bar, a dining table with seating for 10 people, and the upper helm station, all shaded by a lightweight fiberglass hardtop (a Bimini top is an option). There’s room for two at the upper helm station, which has two additional Garmin displays within easy reach.
A pair of 320 hp Volvo Penta D4 engines with V-drives provide the propulsion. While top-end speed isn’t the M48’s focus, the boat cruises efficiently with the reduced drag and increased fuel economy that are inherent to multihull designs, and it has a shallow-water-friendly draft of 3 feet, 7 inches.
During our sea trial on Florida’s Tampa Bay, we faced breezy but comfortable conditions and a 2-foot wind chop. We had a crew of three and a full load of 317 gallons of fuel, and the M48 cruised comfortably at 15 knots at 75 percent engine load while the diesels burned 19 gallons of fuel per hour. However, the real sweet spot for this multihull was when we slowed to an eco-cruise of 8.5 knots. We achieved a fuel efficiency of 5.5 gallons per hour, good for a range of 440 miles with a 10 percent reserve. Pushing the throttles forward to the stops produced a top hop of 20 knots, handy for outrunning any squalls on the horizon.
Maneuverability was excellent thanks to the widely spaced wheels, with the M48 able to spin within its own boat length using just the engines. And, as expected, the multihull design provided a stable platform that ate up the seas without the need for additional stabilization. Handling was smooth and predictable, with enough steering feedback at the helm to reduce overcorrecting. And for close-quarters work, the joystick control offers skippers a confidence boost, even in gusty conditions at the dock.
While Prestige is known for its monohulls, the M48 is a deliberate, well-researched entry into multihull design. The layout, systems and overall value are consistent with the brand’s standards, while the catamaran hull form adds a new layer of comfort and roominess.
For owners seeking a spacious, fuel-efficient yacht that’s equally outfitted for long-range cruising with family or weekend entertaining with a good number of friends, the M48 delivers.
Tender Time
The Prestige M48’s hydraulic aft deck facilitates launching a personal watercraft or tender up to 11 feet in length. It also makes easy work of swim calls with the kids, as well as retrieving snorkelers and scuba divers from the water. There’s a roomy aft trunk for stowing standup paddleboards and water toys, too.
Cruise Control
The 320 hp Volvo Penta D4 is a 3.7-liter, inline four-cylinder engine with common-rail fuel injection, double overhead camshafts and a turbocharger with a charge air cooler for reliability. These engines also are known for fuel efficiency, durability and ease of maintenance.
A Memorable Milestone
In late 2024, Prestige Yachts celebrated a milestone for the brand: 5,000 yachts delivered. Design and innovation have driven the brand for more than 35 years, from its founding in Les Herbiers, France, to its expansion to Monfalcone, Italy. Prestige currently produces 15 models across four lines, including three power catamarans.
Take the next step: prestige-yachts.com
