Prestige M48 Review: The Luxury of Space

While we’re waiting for the Prestige cat M7, which, if all goes according to plan, should debut at the Cannes Boat Show later this summer, we took advantage of the beautiful weather in Split to once again see what the first model in the Prestige power cat line, the M48, can do.

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A new era for power catamarans

Launched in 2023, this catamaran has attracted a lot of attention in the yachting world, first as proof that power cats are one of the leading trends in yachting and significant enough for the famous motor boat manufacturer Prestige to build their version of it, and then as the winner of numerous awards for yacht or catamaran of the year.

Today, two years after its debut, the M48 is still a very popular choice, thanks to its many unique features, as we confirmed during our trial in ACI Marina Split. 

With its 14.79 meters of length and 6 meters of beam, the Prestige M48 appears very compact, almost like a monohull, mainly thanks to its tall sides. On them, trapezoidal side windows are stacked one above the other. The superstructure is sporty, with low glazing of the salon and the bridge, and flows toward the elegantly shaped roof that extends above the aft section, where the flybridge is placed. 

Well-rounded design gives this model a flowing, harmonious appearance, making sure it doesn’t appear too tall in relation to its length. Above the moving aft platform, which can be raised almost to the level of the main deck or lowered underwater, the long telescopic gangway leads directly to the aft part of the deck, covered and well protected from the wind, offering comfortable guest accommodation on two moving L-shaped sofas with folding tables and creating a perfect place for dining in the shade. 

Starboard, next to the entrance to the salon, there is another sofa facing astern, and port there are a smaller sofa and the aft command console, located under the gently sloped staircase leading to the flybridge.

On the flybridge, an outdoor bar with a grill and coolers awaits port, and a large dining table served by a sofa starboard, everything protected by a high hard top with slim side supports that minimally obstruct the view. 

The command console, placed on the left in front of the bar, enjoys excellent visibility and is well equipped, with multifunction screens only slightly smaller than those on the interior console. Right next to it, there is another sofa with a view towards the bow.

On the bow, there is a large sundeck in front of the windshield, with more free space on the very bow, large enough to accommodate moving sofas. The skipper's cabin is left in the bow, while the dedicated bathroom is right in the bow, making sure both the skipper and the guests enjoy full privacy.

Interior layout and living spaces

The large sliding doors to the salon open to the left, revealing the galley on the right, surrounded by a low bar, which allows for functionality and separates food preparation from the salon. On the left side of the salon, there are the stairs leading below deck, and a dining table served by a sofa. Large glazing and a three-panel windshield allow panoramic view of the sea from the salon.

The interior command console stands in the right side of the salon, with a single seat for the skipper and a minimalist control panel. The steering wheel is finished in leather, and the instruments paired down to two plotters, a joystick and throttle levers, on the armrest. Behind the console, there is the staircase leading to the starboard cabin and a small dedicated door leading to the side passage for simple access to the bow.

The interior is appointed in dark wenge wood, with tactile elements such as lattice panels, a hallmark of Prestige interior design. The combination of dark wood, light fabrics and elegant details gives the interior a luxurious, contemporary look.

Master suite and guest cabins

The Prestige M48 has three guest cabins. The master, placed between the two bows, is served by a private central entrance next to the command console, and has a spacious double bed with a headboard facing the bow, a sofa that can be converted into an additional bed, and a desk. 

The master bathroom is in the starboard hull, three steps below the cabin level, equipped with a toilet and sink, while an identical space in the port hull holds a large shower cabin and another sink. The master cabin is very bright thanks to the side windows located near the cabin ceiling, while light colors further accentuate the feeling of spaciousness.

Two guest cabins are in the hulls, one with two single beds, the other with a double bed, both with en-suite bathrooms and sea views from the bed through spacious side windows. For owners planning to charter out their boat, a four-cabin version is also available, where the master cabin is replaced by two cabins with two single beds each.

On the water: Performance and handling

On our test on a sunny, serene day, the M48 proved to be extremely stable and easy to manage. Its two engines make maneuvering in marinas easy, with plenty of help from the Volvo joystick. In navigation, and even in sharp turns, the boat leans minimally, with a good turning radius for a catamaran of its size.

Engines, speed, and fuel efficiency

With two 320hp Volvo D4-320 engines and a V-drive transmission, the M48 achieved a top speed of 17.8 knots at 3700 rpm and a consumption of 129 liters per hour, with three passengers aboard and half-full fuel tanks. 

The optimal cruising speed we achieved was 13.6 knots at 3250 rpm and a consumption of 91 liters per hour. For maximum range, we recommend 2000 rpm and a speed of 8.28 knots, with consumption dropping to just 21.7 liters per hour.

The Prestige M48 brings a blend of luxury and modern design in a power cat format up to 15 meters in length. Versatile and elegant, this is an ideal boat for relaxed cruising or for charter, offering plenty of comfort in the cabins and spacious outdoor areas.