Prestige M48 Review (2022 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The M48 is a purpose-built power catamaran, designed from the ground up for motor cruising rather than adapted from a sailing hull. Being a catamaran, it’s quite wide, giving big, wide side decks to walk around. Up on the bow, the beam feels generous, though not super wide like many catamarans. There's a side door leading out from the saloon area to the decks.

At the stern, there's a large storage area described as a toy box, perfect for inflatable paddleboards and similar gear. The bathing platform can carry a 3.2m (10.5ft) rib. It lowers as you would expect, but it can also raise up to cockpit level. By removing the centre seat, it becomes an extension of the cockpit. The controls for the platform and storage are nearby.

The flybridge is another highlight. Thanks to the beam, the area feels spacious with a lot of seating around a table. There’s a lovely spot looking back over the boat, a hardtop overhead, and a wet bar with a fridge beneath. The upper helm offers a great view for driving the boat, and there’s even more seating alongside it.

Stepping inside, the main saloon benefits from the catamaran's beam. The galley is positioned aft, featuring a large fridge freezer, oven, and ceramic hob. Finishes throughout are neatly done. A large seating area fills one side of the saloon.

Because of the twin hulls, there is access downstairs on either side of the saloon. The side door spotted outside connects to this area. The helm is positioned fairly far forward inside the saloon, giving a good view ahead. Instrumentation is housed in freestanding pods, adding to the neat layout.

Owner's Cabin

The owner's cabin is located right up in the bow and is described as spectacular. It uses the full beam of the boat, making it feel spacious. There's a small couch on one side. Access down into the hulls leads to the ensuite areas - a shower and basin on one side, a toilet on the other.

Storage has been tucked away in several places, including illuminated compartments under surfaces, along the dressing table, and beneath seating. Although initially not obvious, a TV is fitted against one wall.

Guest Accommodation

One guest cabin is located down in one hull of the boat, fitted with a large hanging locker, additional storage spaces, and its own ensuite with a separate shower stall.

The third cabin shares the day heads, making it not directly ensuite.  The beds here can slide apart to convert into two singles if needed, with a small slider built into the layout. More storage is found dotted around, and though a washing machine can be fitted under the steps, it’s not included on this particular boat.

The engines are located deep in each hull, accessed by lifting hatches in the aft deck. There’s a Volvo Penta D4 320 engine in each hull. Another hatch can be removed for even better access.

The M48 can reach about 20 knots flat out, with a cruising speed of 16 knots. Thanks to the displacement hull design, it can run at any speed without needing to plane. Dropping back to 8 knots gives a range of 600 miles, ideal for long passages. The space around the engines also serves as additional storage.

The Prestige M48 marks the company's first move into catamarans, but it’s a smart execution. Purpose-built for motor cruising, it avoids the compromises that come from adapting a sailing hull. The width is generous but manageable, sitting somewhere between a full sailing cat and a monohull.

Accommodation throughout feels wide, spacious, and cleverly thought-out. Storage is tucked away neatly. The flybridge and cockpit platform add flexibility outside. The engines offer flexible cruising speeds and long range, making the boat suitable for serious travel.

The M48 comes across as a very get-at-able and enjoyable owner-operator boat, giving plenty of space, comfort, and cruising ability without tipping into being oversized or unwieldy.