The sun is vertical and burning down on the light-coloured stone of the small harbour of Portopiccolo near Trieste. Between sporty boats and classic yachts lies a catamaran that looks as if someone has placed a modern loft in the warm Mediterranean waters.
Almost 18 metres long, over 7.50 metres wide, 5.45 metres high - the new Prestige M7. Figures that are impressive on paper, but do not fully explain why this boat develops such a presence. What characterises the M7 is not so much its size as the way in which it stages volume.
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A look at the sober data is surprising. The length-to-width ratio is 1:2.3, which is by no means extreme for a motor catamaran. Models such as the Sunreef 60 Power come in at around 1:1.7, the Veya 53 at around 1:2. As a rule of thumb, most catamarans are between 1:2.1 and 1:1.7, with a smaller second number meaning more width. In purely formal terms, the M7 is therefore more on the slimmer side of typical multihull architecture. Its height does not make it a floating skyscraper either. And yet it gives the impression of a much larger ship. The shipyard confidently explains this by saying that although the M7 measures 58 feet in real terms, its spaciousness corresponds to that of a 70-foot monohull yacht. After a few minutes on board, this statement seems less like marketing than a statement of fact.
Layout of the Prestige M7
The cockpit is divided into two clearly defined areas. There is a spacious chaise longue to port and an L-shaped sofa around a central table to starboard. The transitions are seamless and the paths are wide enough so that several people do not block each other.
The large platform at the stern is technically interesting. It is not just a bathing platform, but a functional extension of the living space. Hydraulically lowerable, it can be brought flush with the cockpit level or submerged below the waterline. This creates a kind of additional terrace at anchor.
The stern layout is variable. A crew cabin can be integrated as an option, accessible via a deck hatch. This is unusual for a 58-foot yacht, as this size is often manoeuvred by the owner. However, this makes sense for charter operations or with a permanent skipper.
Measurement results of the Prestige M7 test
Below deck
The saloon is accessed through wide sliding glass doors. The interior is modern, bright and clearly structured. A large mirror on the port side immediately catches the eye, which can be partially lowered to reveal a television behind it. Further forward is a kitchen worthy of the name. Induction hob with extractor fan, large fridge, generous work surfaces. To call it a pantry would be an understatement. The standard is more in keeping with a modern city flat. Opposite is the interior driving position. The reduced version of the test boat has a large plotter, several switches, throttle and joystick. Everything can be concealed behind a flap so that the steering position is not visually apparent.
Alternatively, the shipyard offers a more classic version with a steering wheel and extended instrumentation. The view from the helm station, if you want to call it that, is good. The window areas are generously dimensioned, but the view aft is limited. But there are cameras. Which version of the helm station the customer chooses should be considered. If the boat can only be driven from above, the weather is a major issue. If you buy a boat like this, you don't want to be sitting in the rain.
Living and sleeping
A companionway leads from the inside steering position to the starboard hull, which is reserved for guests in the test boat. Two cabins are accommodated here. Aft is the VIP cabin with a large bed, indirect lighting and a spacious bathroom. The materials are of a high quality and the proportions are harmonious. In the bow area there is a cabin with a variable layout. It can be used as a classic guest cabin, set up as an office or customised. This freedom comes at an extra cost, but allows you to customise it to your own personal requirements.
The owner's hull extends to port. The cabin lies athwartships in the bow and utilises the full width of the ship. The feeling of space is more reminiscent of a suite in a boutique hotel than a yacht. Spacious wardrobes, a wide double bed (1.80 metres), two washbasins, a WC and a separate shower with mosaic tiles create an ambience that quickly makes you forget that there is little left to remind you of a boat. There is also a further guest cabin with its own bathroom.
Access to the flybridge is via a solid staircase on the starboard side, either from the outside or through a glass door from the saloon. Seven steps higher, a second living level opens up, which quickly becomes a favourite place to spend time in good weather. The view from up here is impressive. There are two large sunbathing areas to the front. Behind this is the steering position on the port side with a double bench seat. Opposite is a dining area with a table for at least eight people and a small galley including a barbecue. The remaining area remains free to provide space for additional furniture or individual utilisation concepts. Looking forwards, you can see the spacious foredeck with two additional sunbathing areas, plenty of cup holders and an easily accessible anchor locker. A sun awning can be tensioned and even allows slow sailing with shade.
Test drive
But volume alone does not make a convincing yacht. How it drives is also crucial. The M7 is powered by two Volvo Penta D8 engines with 550 hp each. On paper, this motorisation appears restrained. In practice, it proves to be well-balanced. When casting off, the advantage of the widely spaced propellers becomes apparent. The boat turns precisely on the spot, reacts directly to short bursts of throttle and remains controllable even in crosswinds.
On open water, the M7 accelerates evenly. At a cruising speed in the mid-teens (17.4 knots), the cat runs smoothly and stably. The hulls cut cleanly through waves, pitching remains low and there is no rolling. The multihull concept really comes into its own when sailing sideways. While comparable monohull yachts are clearly working, the M7 remains remarkably calm. We wanted to find out more and deliberately provoked her. A Prestige F4.3 was allowed to circle tightly around us to create additional cross waves. The result: the M7 hardly bounced at all. The top speed is 20.1 knots. More important, however, is the efficiency in the middle and lower speed range. Fuel consumption remains moderate in relation to the available space, which increases the range.
The economical planing speed is 2,600 revolutions per minute and 17.4 knots. However, if you use the M7 consistently for travelling, you will be travelling at 1,000 to 1,200 rpm. The log then shows between six and eight knots. The calculated range is over 1,000 nautical miles on one tank of fuel. A sober view: Very few people travel more than 1,000 nautical miles per year.
In stronger winds, the large attack surface demands attention. Anyone switching from a typical motor yacht will have to get used to the width, but will gain enormous stability and a feeling of space that is unrivalled in this class. The M7 is therefore more than just another mobile island.
BOOTE assessment of the Prestige M7
The Prestige M7 combines stability, generous space and clear elegance. The quality of workmanship and materials meet expectations and the high purchase price. The handling characteristics are typically calm and confident, but the boat is not designed for sporty performance. All in all, a successful boat for relaxed, long cruises in warm waters.
Design and concept
Allocation
Highly customisable
Second helm position only available as an option
Driving and steering
Calm behaviour at sea
Too slow for some owners
Living and finishing quality
Modern interior
Practical details
Equipment and technology
Good and sophisticated equipment, also from suppliers
Motors well selected for the intended use
The Prestige M7 in detail
Technical data of the Prestige M7
- CE design category: A/12
- Total length: 17,94 m
- Width: 7,54 m
- Depth: 1,55 m
- Clearance height: 5,45 m
- Weight (empty): 39,499 kg
- Motorisation: 1,100 HP
- Fuel tank: 2.900 l
- Water tank: 760 l
- Holding tank: 340 l
- Hot water: 120 l
- Batteries: 560 Ah
- Berths: 8 + 2
- kilograms per hp: 35,90
Engine
- Manufacturer: Volvo Penta
- Type: D8
- Quantity: 2
- Performance: 550 HP
- Full load speed: 2,900 rpm
- Cylinder: 6 series engine
- cubic capacity: 7,700 cm³
- Fuel: Diesel
Rear dimensions
- Length: 3.95 m
- Width: 6.37 m
- Height: 2.20 m
Running deck
- Side deck: 0.81 m
- Railing height: 0.74 m
- Deck covering: Teak
Sound pressure
With a cruising speed of 1,400 revolutions per minute and a speed of 9.1 knots, the boat is quieter than average. The shipyard has attached great importance to sound insulation.
Standard equipment
Volvo Penta joystick for V-Drive - 2 x 16″ plotters - hydraulic bathing platform - 40 kg anchor - mooring lines - music system - Miele refrigerator - 24 volt bow thruster - autopilot - charger - inverter - 8 automatic bilge pumps - antifouling - electric toilets
Construction method
The Prestige M7 is built using a vacuum infusion process with vinylester and polyester resin and a foam core as a sandwich. The shipyard weighs each component to ensure the desired weight.
Manoeuvring aids
Thanks to the two widely spaced hulls, the boat can be manoeuvred easily using the joystick or the two throttle levers. Two helpful bow thrusters are also installed.
Hardtop
The hardtop is an optional extra and costs 122,213 euros.
Gangway
The stainless steel gangway can be retracted into the hull.
Distribution
Test boat gruendl.de
Shipyard
Price and equipment
- Price: from € 4,522,000
- Surcharge for comfort equipment: Auto-trim system incl.; Electric anchor winch incl.; Bow thruster incl.; Cockpit cover incl.; Canopy incl.; VHF radio incl.; Autopilot incl.; Chart plotter incl.; Battery charger incl.; Shore power incl.; 230-volt socket incl.; Heating incl.; Pressurised water system incl.; Hot water boiler incl.; Shower WC room incl.; Outdoor shower € 10,115
- Comfort price: 4.532.115 €
Alternatives on the market
Lagoon Sixty 7
The approximately 20 metre long Lagoon Sixty 7 also has generous living space and a flexible cabin layout. The length to width ratio is 1:2 and the price starts at € 3,773,609.
Aquila 46 Yacht
Unlike the Prestige, the Aquila 46 is built without a flybridge, but with a front cockpit and more of an explorer philosophy. The length-to-width ratio is also 1:2. Price: from €1,303,026.
Omaya 50
The Bulgarian yacht Omaya 50 is the most voluminous boat of the three alternatives on the market. It also looks a little sportier. The length-to-width ratio is 1:1.8. Price: from €2,142,000. Read more about the Omaya 50 here.
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
