Cool for cats

Walking down the pontoon from TMG’s office at the Spit in Sydney, the side profile of the M48 confirmed again to me the stylish aesthetics typical of Prestige power boats, with raked lines cleverly disguising ample volume.

Yet, the M48 carries a fairly narrow hull by catamaran standards, so it will fit into the width of a 60-foot monohull berth. Some unusual design features, such the transom garage-cum-locker, prompted me to assess the bridge-deck clearance (estimated to be about 0.8 metres, which is adequate).

Stepping aboard via the wide hydraulic swim platform sets the luxury power-cat tone with covered stern cockpit and semi- open flybridge. The swim platform elevates to nearly deck level and is rated at 250 kilograms, so it can take a 3.6-metre Highfield tender with a 20-horsepower outboard. Inside the large garage our review boat had an 11-kilowatt generator with water tanks forward plus storage; its door relies on good seals because it’s just above sea level but there’s also access from the cockpit sole.

The teak-decked cockpit can seat 12 around the transom couch with table and adjoining small seats, and there’s a decent wet bar and fridge. It’s a versatile space because instead of mouldings, stainless tie rods fix the Roda furniture, allowing the central transom to open for a balcony when the swim platform is elevated. Engine access can be found underfoot on each side.

Climbing up the wide teak stairs to the flybridge reveals the main helm. Here, the same flexible and semi-customisable approach is used as the main cockpit, with rod-mounted U-shaped couch, movable backrests and dining table. The fibreglass top gives shade while allowing airiness and sunbathing at the back, while forward is the wet bar and on port is the main helm – ideal flexibility because the lower helm is on starboard.

The adjustable outboard wheel makes berthing easy and the views are superb, especially good for coral-strewn coastlines. Engine controls include a joystick that harnesses a bow thruster with the Volvo Penta D4 320-horsepower engines linked to shaft drives. Navigation is via twin 16-inch Garmin screens and the Volvo Penta engine screen. A separate paddle control for the bow thruster is handy given the windage of this style of boat. A third station can be fitted downstairs on port but our boat came with a wireless Dockmate joystick controller.

Wide side decks lead you to the foredeck where the unconventional bow layout can offer a vast amount of lounging space with optional seating across the bows under a sun awning as well as conventional sunpads.

Practicalities are not forgotten, with a Lewmar windlass and deep anchor locker. Lockers each side under flush hatches are large enough to house a crew cabin plus head.

The saloon offers a calming tone with walnut veneers, matching rattan carpeting and stylish fretwork panels. Tall surrounding windows enliven the entire space with natural light. The layout has an enclosed galley at the back with elevated dinette in the middle and a compact helm station on starboard.

The aft galley is enclosed with a narrow entrance, so it’s secure at sea but is a bit constricted for two when preparing food, although its rear opening window is ideal for serving the cockpit.

There’s an induction cooktop and convection microwave plus deep sink and small dishwasher; a washer-dryer is located in the nacelle starboardside. There’s a fridge- freezer and underfoot storage, and glasses are stored safely in recesses among cupboards.

In the saloon, sumptuous Roda cushioning encloses the stylish marble-esque dinette table that should seat eight. Opposite is the bulkhead with pop-up television near a small but functional side-deck door. The helm mirrors most of the equipment on the flybridge but uses smaller 12-inch MFDs.

The M48 is intended as an owner’s boat so typically comes with three large cabins, although a four-cabin version is available.

The master cabin is the outstanding feature because it uses the full 6-metre (20-foot) beam. The bow positioning is not ideal offshore but at rest it’s the place to relax either on the king-size bed or the equally large settee. On starboard is a vanity-plus with lots of drawers. Storage is also good, with lockers underfoot and in the large wardrobes. The ensuite is split with the spacious shower to port and head on starboard. Forward-facing windows and large skylights deliver natural light and good airflow.

The twin/double guest cabins in each hull are mirrored except for the ensuites, which for the port cabin doubles as the day head.

A bumpy Sydney Harbour proved a good testing ground, with just enough swell to bring the spray over the decks. Sat high up at the flybridge helm I remained dry, if slightly windswept. The electronic steering wheel and throttles allowed me to focus on yacht, ferry and canoe traffic. Long-range cruise mode at 8 knots delivers a range of around 600 nautical miles. Moving to a fast cruising speed (15 knots) while at a 30-degree angle to the swell produced little complaint from the M48. No groans or crashes here.

I switched to the inside helm for top-speed trials, noting no change in trim at speed so my view wasn’t obscured. With throttle fully down, our max speed topped out at 20 knots; good enough to outrun a bad squall. Also, the sound levels seemed much quieter than the 70 dBA we recorded, as the cabin was fairly hushed.

Returning to Middle Harbour with a following sea, I played the throttles to give an enjoyable downhill ride before doing some slow manoeuvring.

Despite the strong side wind and tall topsides, the Volvo Penta joystick controls allowed me to go straight astern (using the single bow thruster with the shaft drive engines).

Now that Beneteau has shown its hand and the market has had a chance to read the river on the M48, it’s fair to say the odds are very favourable for the Prestige M48’s success in the burgeoning power-cat market.

prestige-yachts.com
tmgyachts.com