Prestige's parent company, Beneteau Group, may have experience in building power catamarans but the M48 still marks a big moment in its premium brand's evolution, which comes with an element of risk.
It's not easy to replicate monohull design in a multihull format but the M48's resemblance to the rest of the Prestige range is an impressive feat. It's different yet instantly recognisable as Prestige product. Boasting a variety of interior layouts, including a full-beam owner's cabin that would be the envy of many a 60-footer, the accommodation has great flexibility for private or charter use. Is the M48 the leader of the pack in a booming part of the market? Read this in-depth review to find out.
Review Video
The Prestige M48's catamaran design offers an interior volume and deck area that monohull rivals struggle to match. Inside, the M48 doesn’t just play it safe; it goes big. The split between living areas across its two hulls maximizes usable space, making it feel more like a floating apartment than a 50-foot yacht.
The owner’s cabin sprawls across both hulls with ample headroom and storage, cleverly integrating the living areas to make them feel enormous. The decision to offer a partition in the owner’s cabin for charter flexibility is a nice touch, though it's debatable how often it would be utilized.
On deck, the hydraulic platform linking the two hulls is very innovative. Yet, it's the foredeck that stands out, with its combination of sunbathing space and an aft-facing sofa, though questions linger about the longevity of the furniture that will be exposed to the elements, especially in big seas.
Stepping into the saloon of the Prestige M48, the immediate sense of spaciousness strikes you, a treat courtesy of its beamy design. It's lovely, boasting a wide and open space that feels both inviting and functional.
Here, the galley isn't just a space to prepare meals; it's a central hub that neatly integrates with the cockpit. The top-hinge window and sliding door arrangement allow for a connection between inside and out, ensuring the area is well-ventilated and inviting. It's a brilliant setup, especially when you pop that window up, blending the two areas seamlessly.
In the galley, the returns are a nice touch, providing a secure grip when the boat is out at sea. Everything is thoughtfully fiddled to prevent your kitchen equipment from dancing the countertops, too. The woodwork is typical of Beneteau's craftsmanship, while the faux marble adds class without being overdone. It's pretty, practical, and peppered with Italian flair.
This galley is equipped to cater, featuring a domestic-size fridge freezer, a three-ring induction hob, and a decent-sized oven. The sink is big, and there's plenty of open space to work your magic. Storage is dotted around cleverly - essentials are always within reach but not in the way.
What's appealing is how the galley flows into the dining area. If the weather means you have to dine indoors, serving from galley to dinette is a breeze, making it feel like a cohesive, integrated space. While the eye-level galley lockers hem in the views out the port side, it's a small downside, and generally, the view from the saloon is pretty good.
Owner's Cabin
You'd probably need to step up to a 60-foot monohull to find a comparable owner's suite. Spanning both hulls, it's a brilliant use of space, boasting ample headroom all the way around the bed and skylights for good amounts of natural light.
There's plenty of space for storage and nice extras such as the sofa and burueau that are positioned on either side of the bed. And the luxury of two hulls means there is space for a split toilet and wet room, to one occupant can shower while the other brushes their teeth.
If you want to maximise sleeping accommodation, there is the option to put a partition down the middle to create two small double cabins with private wet rooms; an ideal arrangement for charter. This cabin is one of the main reasons to buy this boat.
VIP Cabin: Privacy and Views
In the starboard hull is what you would likely classify as the VIP cabin. It's much the same size as the cabin in the opposite hull but its bathroom is private and not able to be used as the day head for all guests.
Gone are the days when catamaran berths were poked into the peaks of the hull, today the bathrooms are in that space and the beds get to sprawl out across the cabins.
The raised double berth is mounted athwartships to take in the view from the substantial hull window and as with the cabin opposite, the berths slide apart manually so you can create a pair of twins, which further adds to the M48's impressively flexible sleeping accommodation.
They are a pair of excellent guest cabins that would be comfortable for extended stays.
The upper helm is where most of the driving will be done and what it lacks in design flair it makes up for in functionality. A pair of Garmin MFDs handle navigation information data and a separate Volvo Penta engine screen feeds back real-time engine information when the boat is on the move.
The double bench is fixed but it's wide enough for a guest to join the skipper on passage and the optional joystick combines the props and thrusters to provide IPS-style handling at slow speed.
This is a game-changer, especially for those who might feel a bit intimidated by the thought of handling a wide catamaran. This setup promises to take the pain out of docking, making it a good option for skippers looking to ease the burden.
Lower Helm Station
The lower helm station is cleverly integrated with a side door that flanks the space between the helm and the galley. For the skipper, it means a quick escape to the side deck is just a step away. However, its positioning on the M48 might limit its use as a ventilation option when the boats going along. But you have got a little hatch above the helm that invites a burst of fresh air.
The interior helm is offered as a no-cost option. Skip it, and you're rewarded with extra storage and another fridge. Yet, despite its appeal, this area is crying out for a redesign. As it stands, it feels cramped but adjustments are in the pipeline. With a tweak of the geometry, this will become a really useful option, especially if the weather turns or when navigating at night.
The Prestige M48 doesn't hold back in maximizing the potential of its aft area and the optional hydraulic platform is a big part of this. It bridges the gap—quite literally—between the twin bathing platforms, offering a versatile space that dips into the sea or aligns perfectly with the deck for on-off tender operations. The clever inclusion of a break in the aft cockpit seating allows for an unobstructed passage to the water's edge. And let's talk storage: while the garage might not swallow a tender, it's a tasty addition for stashing essential gear, with access to the generator.
Cockpit
The cockpit uses the cat's extra beam well, the seating allowing for fluid movement onto the hydraulic platform and up onto the broad side decks. The flip-over table transforms the space to accommodate larger gatherings, while additional seating tucked forward on the port side offers a great sheltered perch to sit and watch the world go by when the boat is on the move. The bolted-down furniture is designed to appear freestanding and has good high backrests, so everybody should be comfortable.
Side & Foredeck
Moving forward, the M48 continues to impress with its wide side decks—a hallmark of catamaran design—paired with reassuringly high toe rails that instil confidence as you move around on deck. The foredeck has a good social arrangement, decked out with sun pads and an aft-facing sofa. The fixed position of the sofa and its exposure to the elements might pose durability concerns over time. The inclusion of crew quarters in the forepeaks (a cabin and in the other a bathroom), while potentially useful for storage, seems like an afterthought and one that you would hope no crew member has to use in vain.
Flybridge
The optional hardtop, likely to be a popular pick, offers shade by day and a soft glow by night, courtesy of integrated lighting. The headroom under the hardtop might be restrictive for taller guests though. The wet bar is compact but useful, nestled perfectly beside the dining area. The helm station here is flanked by a seating arrangement that means more than just the navigator can sit and enjoy the ride when the boat is on the move.
The engine room on the M48 has room for improvement, not unexpected as its hull number one. Prestige decided to board out this area, serving a dual purpose. It muffles the engines when pushing along and makes the space into a usable, dry flat area that's useful for stashing away extra gear.
The current setup sees the engines tucked away under hatches, which, frankly, are a bit of a hassle since they're missing gas rams. This means you're left having to hold them open – which is far from ideal, especially when you're out at sea and need to inspect engines in a hurry. Adding gas rams would make all the difference and improve access and ease of maintenance by some measure.
There's only one engine option and it's a pair of 320hp Volvo Penta D4 engines on straight shaftdrives. The top speed is a quoted 20 knots and it should cruise happily at anywhere between 8 and 18 knots.
Our Verdict
The M48 has seen a great reception, and it's easy to see why. This 50-foot power catamaran is flexible as well as spacious, offering a variety of configurations tailored to different needs with its three or four-cabin layouts. Externally, the yacht makes smart use of space, especially with the innovative hydraulic platform at the stern that maximizes functionality. Moving inside, the flow from the saloon to the cockpit makes the living spaces feel expansive and interconnected. Accommodations are impressive, particularly the owner's cabin, which provides a level of space and comfort you'd expect from a much larger vessel. While the lower helm station feels a bit snug, it's clear that ongoing refinements are aimed at enhancing this area. The M48 offers a solid choice for those looking for a mid-sized yacht, competing well within its category. Whether it surpasses rivals like the Aquila 44 will come down to personal preference, but for now, the M48 makes a strong case for itself.
Reasons to Buy
- Innovative hydraulic platform
- Convenient side door for quick deck access
- Full beam owner's cabin with split bathrooms
- Well-designed, functional galley
- Spacious and secure foredeck
Things to Consider
- Deck furniture very exposed
- Lower helm station feels cramped
- Engine room access
Looking to own a Prestige M48? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Prestige M48 Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Prestige M48, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used boats for sale and find your perfect boat today!
Rivals to Consider
If you're gunning for a yacht that can host a large crowd, the M48 has accommodation that's lovely for up to eight guests spread across four cabins. The M48's full-beam master cabin however is a standout feature with its ensuite bathroom, hull-side windows, and a large dressing table.
Turning our focus to alternatives like the Fountaine Pajot MY5 and Fountaine Pajot MY6, these models cater to groups of six, aligning with those seeking a balance between size and comfort. They match up closely with the M48 in delivering a refined onboard experience, albeit for slightly smaller parties.
On the topic of unique characteristics, the Aquila 44 impresses with its significant range of 1,090 nautical miles, suitable for extended voyages. Aquila has been building this model for a long time and it's been a good seller for the shipyard.
While the Prestige M48 faces stiff competition from these rivals, it holds its own with standout features and a design that speaks to a broad audience.
Considering a new boat? Explore Prestige's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.
Specifications
Prestige M48 Layout
-
Flybridge
-
![Flybridge Prestige M48]()
The top deck has a good mix of sitting and lounging space
-
Main Deck
-
![Main Deck Prestige M48]()
The connection between indoors and outdoors on the main deck is excellent
-
Lower Deck
-
Standard 3 cabin layout
![Lower Deck Prestige M48]()
The standard three-cabin layout with the full-beam owner's cabin, forward
-
Optional 4 cabin layout
![Lower Deck Prestige M48]()
The optional four-cabin layout with two twins in place of the owner's suite
Interested in a M48?
NEW Build
Find your local dealer for a personalised, no-cost consultation
or just request
Brochures & Pricing
Used & In Stock
Looking for a ready-to-go M48 or pre-owned options? Explore all inventory of the M48 available worldwide
