Privilège 435/445

The Privilege 435, launched in 1999 replaced the 42. The Privilège touch? The famous central ‘spur’, a kind of third hull which doesn’t touch the water. It is clearly visible from the deck, significantly reducing the area of the trampolines. A clever device which allows one or two cabins to be fitted, with much more convincing comfort than on the classic cats. And this remains Privilege’s ‘signature’: the latest models – the Serie 5, 6 and 7 – still offer an incredible owner’s cabin in their central ‘spur’. At the dawning of the 2000s, the Les Sables d’Olonne-based builder was still working closely with the charter companies, but was taking great pains to provide comfort and a level of finishing noticeably superior to that being offered by its competitors. The owner’s version of this Privilège is therefore worth a visit!

The 445, direct descendant of the 435, got longer sugar scoops as standard – they were already available, but only as an option, on the Easy Cruise model. Although this Privilège has become the smallest in the range, it is nevertheless big enough for a nice trip in the Tropics, or a round the world voyage via the trade winds.

  

Hulls which are still up to date

Marc Lombard was no novice when it came to cruising catamarans, as the La Rochelle-based architect had already been working with the builder for around ten years at the time of the 435’s launch. He took great pains to design hulls which are rather slim at the waterline, combined with a high freeboard and a nacelle perched high above the water. A rather skilful compromise between high average speed, generous load-carrying capacity and safe, comfortable handling in big seas. The Performance version – two or three examples of which were built, according to the company - is equipped with daggerboards and a carbon mast. For the ‘A la Carte’ and ‘Easy Cruise’ versions, we find robust keels suited to beaching.On the water, the 435/445 puts up with a fairly heavy displacement…but it is boosted by a generous sail area. Finally, it has a rather favourable sail area/weight ratio – around 13m2/t, whilst most of its competitors make 10. Yet the Privilège 435 is not very fast in light weather. On the other hand, from force 3 upward, it definitely comes to life.The architect’s polars don’t predict a miracle to windward – in any case, for the models equipped with keels: 6.5 knots in 15 knots of wind, and 7.5 with 5 more knots of wind. But with a force 5 wind on the beam, the 435/445 speeds along at 12 knots.

 

A functional deck plan, but exposed portlights

Wide side decks, fluid movement around the boat, numerous flat surfaces for relaxing – and manoeuvres on the foredeck -, the Privilège 435’s deck plan is a success. Visibility from the raised steering position against the coachroof is satisfactory, as is the access to the control lines. Moreover this catamaran is easy to sail shorthanded, an obvious ‘plus’ for family cruises. Although the exterior design is very classical, with an aerodynamic coachroof, the forward portlights will quickly have to be protected from the sun. Almost horizontal, the Perspex quickly turns the nacelle into an oven, once the sun has climbed to its zenith. The interior curtains prove to be insufficient; exterior covers will provide protection. As for the cockpit, protected by a textile or a rigid bimini, it is remarkably comfortable. The huge settees allow the whole crew to be comfortably seated, however the oval table is rather small when entertaining guests.

 

Great luxury inside

The quality of the finishing has always been essential at Privilège; this model is no exception to the rule, with its superb woodwork in varnished cherry wood. A finish the Americans remain very fond of – an authentic ‘old navy’ atmosphere – but which is no longer fashionable in Europe, where over the last ten years or so, accommodation has adopted brighter colours – light oak and white headlinings.   The first visit may therefore surprise you, but you will very quickly get to like this spacious nacelle with its rounded saloon, adjacent to a galley of the same shape, separated by a central bar. The athwartships-facing chart table is situated to port of the entrance into the nacelle. All the berths are fitted athwartships: a particularly convincing arrangement at the front – thanks to the famous ‘central spur’. Most of the 435s and 445s were delivered with four cabins, but some only have three. In each hull, the heads are fitted in the gangway.

 

Conclusion

This model remains quite expensive on the second-hand market – without a doubt because of its recognized robustness. And it’s true that a 435 or a 445 makes an excellent support for leaving as a family, especially as most models offered for sale are in good condition and have been carefully equipped.

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The points to check:

In addition to the classic elements to be checked aboard a boat which has sailed a lot – the first 435s are from 1999 – check particularly the watertightness of the frontal portlights, highly exposed to UV and expansion. Certain leaks may have damaged the woodwork, or even caused corrosion in the electric circuit. If possible, opt for a boat which has avoided the hard treatment of intensive charter use.

 

We like

Overall robustness

Finishing quality

Comfort at sea

 

We don’t like

Not comfortable in light weather

High asking price

Nacelle Plexi needs covering once the sun is high

 

Technical specifications:

Builder: Alliaura Marine

Architect: Marc Lombard

Material: glass/polyester sandwich

Hull length: 13.13 or 13.45 m

Waterline length: 12.60 or 12.85 m

Beam: 7.07 m

Draft: 1.35 or 1.20/2.50 m

Displacement: 8.30 or 8.90 t

Sail area: 111 m² or 114 m²

Engines: 2 x 27 or 40 hp

Production: 40 examples from 1999 to 2006

Second-hand price: 160,000 to 300,000 euros exc. tax