Multihulls like the Prestige M48 can be a tough sell in places like the UK, where marina berths don’t always play nicely with boats that are wider than the average. Add to that the usual concerns around slow-speed handling, and there’s some hesitation to get behind a design like this.
But Prestige’s premium powercat isn’t just a one-off experiment - it’s a major step for the brand and its parent company, the Beneteau Group, which already has experience with multihulls elsewhere in its portfolio. It’s not easy to take the essence of a monohull brand and translate it into a multihull platform, but the M48 pulls it off. It looks and feels different, but still clearly belongs in the Prestige family. There’s a range of interior layouts on offer, including a standout full-beam owner’s suite that would be the envy of many a 60-footer. In this review, we’ll head out to sea to see how it performs, but not before getting off the dock to tackle the big question: is slow-speed handling the Achilles heel of boats like this? Read this in-depth review to find out.
Test & Review Video
Around the Marina
Slow-speed handling on the Prestige M48 feels predictable and fairly un-intimidating - even if you’re not used to monohulls. This is a shaft-drive power catamaran, but it doesn’t behave like a clunky converted sailing platform. It’s designed from the ground up as a powered multihull, and that shows the moment you start manoeuvring in tight quarters.
The boat is fitted with the Volvo Penta joystick system and bow thruster. But traditionalists will be pleased to find that it’s just as easy to handle using throttles and a bit of thruster. A few nudges of the levers and the M48 responds cleanly, with no lurching or fuss. It’s light in and out of gear, smooth through the transition, and doesn’t drift around much.
Visibility from the flybridge helm is good. The starboard quarter is just out of sight, but the view is still good all around. And despite being a multihull, the M48 is a full metre narrower than the Aquila 48, so it doesn’t feel ridiculously wide or awkward in the fairways of the Hamble.
With the joystick engaged, it’s the same familiar setup seen on Volvo-powered monohulls - hit “docking” and it takes control of both engines and the thruster, although the thruster only kicks in when it’s needed. Most of the time, the system simply uses the props. With one engine in forward and one in reverse, it pivots on the spot cleanly. The gearboxes don’t clunk, nothing jerks, and the boat tracks smoothly through the turn.
That wide prop spacing gives a natural pivot point, so the M48 doesn’t rely on the bow thruster for turning. The joystick handles it very predictably.
Like when moving sideways - a manoeuvre that used to be tricky on older multihulls - the system holds the bow off the pontoon without needing springs or fussy line handling.
Either using the sticks or the joystick, there’s a sense that the boat follows your commands without argument. Nothing feels rushed or uncertain. It’s steady, soft, and controlled, and that makes all the difference when navigating in and out of a berth. For newcomers to power cats, this system removes much of the anxiety.
At Sea
There’s just one engine option on the Prestige M48: twin Volvo Penta D4 320s on V-drives. These engines deliver a driving experience that feels deliberately uncomplicated. No trim tabs. No stabilisers. No real need to worry about where you are in the rev range. This is a shaft-drive cat that behaves predictably across a wide range of speeds.
At displacement pace, it moves through the water in much the same way it does at 15 or even 18 knots. At 8 knots, the range is decent - around 600nm from the twin 600-litre tanks - so while this isn’t a long-range passagemaker, it’s more than capable of serious coastal cruising. Ease up to around 15 or 16 knots, and the hull simply lifts a touch and carries on slicing cleanly through the water, with barely a change in feel aside from the rush of water peeling off the hulls.
Top speed is just shy of 20 knots, but this isn’t a boat that encourages flat-out running. What it does well is match pace to mood. Cruise at 10–12 knots for relaxed economy, or pick up to 16–17 knots when needed - either way, the hull feels composed, and soft-riding, and it tracks neatly through the water. Guests and crew can move around comfortably at any speed. You’re not pitching or rolling about, and the deck feels stable even with some pace on.
In light chop with the wind behind, the boat handles beautifully. The helm environment supports that mood. From the flybridge, the view is excellent - clear sightlines forward and across both bows and a helm layout that’s clean and intuitive. There are twin MFDs, separate Volvo engine readouts, chart data, radar, and everything else you'd expect. The bench is fixed, which feels like a missed opportunity for fine-tuning, but there’s room for two to sit side-by-side, with the wheel height adjustable and the controls close to hand.
Because the boat isn't screaming along at high speed, it’s quiet at the helm too. Even pushing past 14 knots, the sound level stays low enough for easy conversation without raising your voice. It’s not entirely immune to motion, particularly in more pronounced swell, but in calm-to-moderate conditions, it glides.
And while power cats of this size can have their quirks - particularly in a quartering sea where you can feel that signature corkscrew movement through the hulls - this one tracks well. The addition of spray plates at the bows keeps the deck dry, addressing one of the early issues in the M48 series. The slim hulls do slice efficiently through the water, but that also brings some noticeable bow motion when going head-on into larger waves. It’s a different rhythm to a monohull, but once familiar, it feels confident and clean.
The steering deserves a mention too. It’s light and responsive, and while this isn’t a sportsboat, it holds direction with authority. The grip from the twin rudders and the long waterline gives it the kind of accuracy that makes casual autopilot use feel natural. The cliché would be to say it feels “on rails,” but in this case, it’s hard to think of a better phrase. It doesn’t feel especially exciting, but it does feel precise.
The Prestige M48's catamaran design offers an interior volume and deck area that monohull rivals struggle to match. Inside, the M48 hasn't played it safe; it went big. The split between living areas across its two hulls maximises 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 used.
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 very inviting.
Here, the galley is 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, so the area is well-ventilated and inviting. It's a brilliant setup, especially when you pop that window up, blending the two areas together.
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 off the countertops, too. The woodwork is typical of Beneteau Group'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
When Prestige talks about delivering a 60-footer on a 50-foot platform, the owner’s suite is where it really lands. The full-beam cabin is one of the big reasons you’d buy this boat. It’s spacious, bright, and cleverly laid out - and while there are several different versions available, our test boat clearly had the luxury configuration. And honestly, why wouldn’t you want to sleep in a cabin like this?
There’s good separation between the toilet and shower compartments, both with their own sinks. So one person can be brushing their teeth while the other’s taking a shower. You don’t get a flat deck like on the Aquila 50, but you do get lots of headroom around the bed, and they’ve made excellent use of the available volume.
For storage, there’s a hanging locker up forward - not enormous, but enough to hang a few essentials - and additional drawers for clothes nearby. On the starboard side, beneath the TV, there’s more storage for bags and shoes, and a safe. There’s also a bureau with yet more stowage, plus a sofa opposite - not just furniture for the sake of it, but useful, get-at-able pieces that give the space a lived-in feel. Even the bedside tables are generously sized.
It’s a bright space too, thanks to the overhead skylights and side glazing. You’ve got curtains, of course, for privacy, but also portholes on both sides if you want a bit of natural breeze in the evenings. Air conditioning runs throughout, but it’s nice to have the option to let the outside in.
Now, if you’re looking to maximise sleeping accommodation, there’s a layout that splits this suite in two to create a pair of smaller doubles, each with its own wet room - ideal for charter use. But it’s hard to imagine many owners passing up the chance to claim this amount of space for themselves.
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 may not be the go-to spot in fine weather, but it’s a welcome backup when conditions change - or in cooler climates where the flybridge isn’t always an option. From a layout point of view, it’s functional but a little compromised. The steering wheel is mounted quite high, while the seat sits low, so the ergonomics feel slightly off. Even with some adjustments available, it’s tricky to get truly comfortable unless you’re tall enough to meet the wheel naturally. The throttle is also set quite far back and would be better positioned further forward, ideally where the joystick sits.
That said, everything else falls nicely to hand. The switchgear is close, the MFDs are well positioned, and the forward visibility remains strong, even over the raised saloon sofa. In calmer conditions, it’s a relaxed space to helm from. Additional glazing in the side structure and stairwell helps with the view across and aft, so you’re not left guessing in tighter spots.
Noise levels remain low here too. The engines are housed in insulated compartments, and although these are relatively close to the helm, the acoustic damping does a good job of keeping things quiet - even when cruising at 14–15 knots.
You feel the motion a bit more down here - more feedback through the structure and a bit more movement in lumpier water - but the ride remains gentle. It doesn’t creak or slam. The boat still feels like it’s slipping through the water rather than riding on top of it.
This helm is a cost option but, despite its foibles, we think it’s worth having.
The aft platform plays a major role in how the M48 functions. This is where the tender is stored, and it lowers right down into the water just by pressing a button. There's another control for the transom storage, which drops down to reveal a generous void. It’s not a tender garage, but it's lined in teak and offers a practical space for water toys like SeaBobs and paddleboards. The generator sits in here too, sectioned off with neat partitions, and the space can also be accessed via a hatch in the cockpit.
When the platform is lowered, it links the two fixed ends of the hull to create a wide, get-at-able zone by the water. It can be used to walk across or float the tender off directly. With a few hundred kilos of lift capacity and built-in shocks to support it, it's a solid bit of kit. There are even slots for poles to install a safety barricade, if needed. The platform can also lift up almost to deck level - not quite flush, which is slightly annoying - but high enough to extend the main deck's usable space.
Cockpit
The connection between cockpit and platform is well thought through. The central section opens up, with a pull-out seat and folding table that splits to unveil cupholders and a grabrail. It’s a handy detail and helps the space feel more adaptable. You can picture kids using it as a springboard into the sea or just lounging right on the edge with their feet in the water.
This being a multihull, the beam is generous. There's good room to move about, with wraparound seating and broad side decks. The fixed furniture is cleverly designed to appear freestanding, with high backrests that add comfort. The split table helps with access and reconfigures easily for larger groups. Overhead, the extended overhang gives good shelter, and the whole space can be enclosed with covers to turn it into a usable zone in all weather.
There are doors on both sides of the cockpit. One hides the shore power connections, the other gives you access to platform controls and the deck shower, which pulls out close to the waterline - a thoughtful touch for rinsing off straight after a swim. Along the transom are some optional bench seats, and there’s a drawer fridge available here too. A Vitifrigo fridge sits under the stairway, which also houses the fuel shutoffs and a useful storage cubby.
The stair itself is shallow and easy to climb, though it does slightly encroach on the cockpit floor space. And while the M48 isn’t fitted with active stabilisers, it relies on the inherent stability of the twin hulls. You may still feel a bit of roll with waves hitting on the quarter, but that’s part of the multihull character.
Side & Foredeck
With a beam of 6m (19.7ft), the M48 delivers the space you’d expect from a powercat, and Prestige makes a fair point when they call it a 50-footer with the living spaces of a 60-foot monohull. That impression holds true on the side decks. These feel properly wide - not one-foot-in-front-of-the-other stuff - and there’s plenty of space to move easily fore and aft. Railings run the full length and sit at a reassuring height, so it's easy to steady yourself as you make your way forward.
Up at the bow, the foredeck opens out into another generous outdoor area. There’s a big expanse of sun pads and an aft-facing sofa that now benefits from better protection. When the boat was first shown at Düsseldorf, that furniture looked a bit too exposed, but they've since added dodgers to help deflect spray. There are also new spray plates along the hull to stop water peeling up the sides and soaking the deck. And it seems to work - even in light chop, the ride stays dry.
Beneath this area, you’ve got options. The spaces in the forepeaks can be configured as a compact crew cabin and separate bathroom - though this is very much an owner-run boat, so it’s likely to be specced more for storage than live-in crew. There’s also more storage tucked between the hulls, which adds to the practicality. What you don’t get here is a staircase connecting the foredeck directly up to the flybridge - something you will find on rivals like Aquila and Leopard. This setup feels more monohull in that regard. But you do get extra sunbathing real estate up here, along with small storage pockets for drinks and phones, right above the full-beam owner’s suite.
Flybridge
This particular boat is specced to a high level, and you can see that straight away with details like the optional hardtop and the ice blue hull wrap - a smart touch on a multihull, where breaking up the slab sides of white GRP really helps the profile. The deck is finished in synthetic teak, and it's a convincing job too - adds a lift in perceived quality right across the upper level.
A large dinette means you can dine comfortably up top, with plenty of sunbathing space aft that's clear of the hardtop - good for soaking up the rays. The sun pads are loosely weighted rather than fixed, so you can shuffle them into place as needed, but they stay put underway.
There’s a compact wet bar too, well kitted out with a grill, sink, and fridge. The mouldings are smooth, the gas struts feel solid - it’s all neatly done. Forward on the starboard side, the helm is flanked by a sociable seating area. Two, maybe three people can sit up here beside the skipper, enjoying the ride with a good view ahead. The windscreen gives decent protection from the breeze, and the seating is well-positioned for both sun and conversation.
Being a catamaran, the M48 has split engine rooms - one in each hull - and access is identical on both sides via large deck hatches. Step down into the port-side compartment and at first glance, you might wonder where the engines have gone. They’re actually beneath a pair of false floors. Prestige has used the space above them to create a large, dry storage area, which is undeniably useful for longer trips. Big flat areas like these are always handy for stowing extra gear.
That said, this layout does make engine access more awkward than it should be. You need to lift a series of lids to get down to them. One hatch is hinged, though not supported by a gas ram, so you’re left holding it open by hand. The one ahead of it lifts out entirely. Not too bad when the space is empty, but if it’s full of kit, getting to the engines - especially in a hurry - becomes a real faff. And because this setup is mirrored on both hulls, you’re dealing with the same challenge on each side. It's a smart move in terms of creating storage, less so when it comes to usability during maintenance or emergencies.
The generator doesn’t intrude on these spaces, since it’s placed in the central void between the hulls, which helps. But if you do load these areas up, expect that gear to get in the way.
The base price for the M48 in the UK sits at around £960,000 excluding VAT (correct at the time of writing). Realistically though, once you’ve added the spec most buyers will want for a turnkey setup, you're looking at something closer to £1.3 million excluding VAT.
Handily, the UK dealer produces a typical customer specification, which ticks all the major boxes such as 3 cabin, 3 head arrangement in walnut (std), Excellence trim package (£98,719), which includes the Volvo joystick, 2000w inverter, grill and fridge on flybridge, 11kw generator, hydraulic bathing platform and freshwater/saltwater washdown.
Additionally, the audio & entertainment pack (£5,526), lower helm with electronics (£55,860), foredeck lounge (£19,798), hard top (£21,930), passerelle (£21,930), air-con (£35,351) and wooden decking throughout (£38,772).
The crew cabin is an item which the dealer includes but we feel it’s £9,000 you can save and it leaves you with excellent deep storage voids in its place.
Our Verdict
Prestige took a bit of a risk with the M48 - their first-ever power catamaran - but it’s turned out to be a smart move. Spend any time aboard and it’s clear why it’s been so well received. This is the friendly face of multihull cruising. Big, but not too big. Comfortable, but not intimidating. And most important, it’s easy to drive. With the help of a joystick and bow thruster, handling around the marina feels stress-free, and once you’re out at sea, it settles into a smooth, predictable rhythm.
It’s not without quirks. The lower helm is tight and the angles feel a bit awkward, and the engine room layout could be better thought through. But those are niggles, not dealbreakers. What really stands out is how liveable it is. There’s a proper apartment’s worth of space on board, with layouts available in either three or four cabins, depending on how you want to run it. The owner’s cabin in particular feels like it belongs on a much larger boat.
It won’t suit everyone, and whether it edges out something like the Aquila 44 will depend on what you’re after. But if you’re looking to get into multihulls without the drama, the M48 keeps things approachable, comfortable, and just that bit different.
Reasons to Buy
- Innovative hydraulic platform
- Not too wide for a cat
- 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
- Builder Prestige
- Range M-Line
- Model M48
- Length Overall 49.114ft
- Beam 19.685ft
- Draft 3.543ft
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 3
- Berths 6
- Crew 1
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 317 Gallons
- Fresh Water Capacity 158 Gallons
- Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D4-320
- Engine max range (speed type) 190 (nm)
Prestige M48 Layout
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Flybridge
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![Flybridge Prestige M48]()
The top deck has a good mix of sitting and lounging space
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Prestige M48]()
The connection between indoors and outdoors on the main deck is excellent
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Lower Deck
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Standard 3 cabin layout
![Lower Deck Prestige M48]()
The standard three-cabin layout with the full-beam owner's cabin, forward
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Optional 4 cabin layout
![Lower Deck Prestige M48]()
The optional four-cabin layout with two twins in place of the owner's suite
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