2008 PRIVILEGE 495 – MACERA

Owner’s Version | Major 2021–2022 Refit | 2022 Standing Rigging | Yanmar 75hp Engines Rebuilt | Yanmar SD60 Saildrives | 2,435W Solar | 1,200Ah Lithium | Twin Watermakers

Few production catamarans have earned the enduring reputation enjoyed by the Privilege range. Built by Alliaura Marine in France, the Privilege 495 combines robust offshore construction, excellent seakeeping and substantial liveaboard accommodation, making the model one of the most highly regarded bluewater cruising catamarans of its generation.

MACERA is a 2008 Privilege 495 Owner’s Version, currently cruising amongst the San Blas Islands of Panama. Privately operated and reportedly never chartered, she has been substantially equipped and upgraded for extended independent cruising.

The current owners acquired MACERA in 2021 and subsequently undertook a major programme of refit and upgrading during 2021 and 2022, reported to have represented an investment of approximately US$200,000. The work included comprehensive rebuilding of both Yanmar 4JH4-TE 75hp engines by a Yanmar dealer in Colombia, replacement Yanmar SD60 saildrives, installation of the Mase generator, lithium batteries, replacement pumps, paintwork, new windlass, upgraded ground tackle, 2,435W of solar generation and substantial additional work throughout the yacht.

All standing rigging apart from the dolphin striker was replaced in 2022 using rigging supplied by US Spars, with supporting correspondence, payment and shipping documentation available.

A further programme during autumn 2025, undertaken in preparation for a proposed Atlantic crossing to Europe, included engine servicing, underwater maintenance, replacement bronze ball valves and fittings, new galley appliances, new upholstery and exterior maintenance.

Her cruising inventory includes a 1,200Ah lithium domestic battery bank, 2,435W of solar generation, Mase generator, twin watermakers, dual 230V and 110V inverter/charging capability, Starlink, IridiumGO!, YB3i satellite tracking and communications, Class B AIS, air conditioning, powered sail handling and a 2021 aluminium/Hypalon tender with 25hp outboard.

MACERA is expected to remain in the San Blas Islands until sold.

Broker’s Comments

The Privilege 495 occupies a particularly respected position within the bluewater cruising market. Unlike many production catamarans developed principally around charter use, the Privilege range placed greater emphasis on private ownership, offshore capability and comfortable long-term living aboard.

MACERA is particularly appealing as the Owner’s Version, with unusually generous forward beam-to-beam owner’s accommodation, king-size berth, additional guest accommodation and a galley-down arrangement which leaves the raised bridgedeck saloon available entirely for living and entertaining.

From a technical perspective, the extent of work undertaken by the current owners is significant. They acquired MACERA in 2021 and subsequently undertook the major 2021–2022 refit and upgrade programme, giving them first-hand knowledge of the work carried out and equipment installed. 

Both Yanmar engines were comprehensively rebuilt, replacement Yanmar SD60 saildrives were supplied in 2022, the generator was installed during the refit period, standing rigging was replaced in 2022 and further machinery, underwater and interior work was undertaken during autumn 2025. Supporting contemporary documentation is available for a number of these works.

Her electrical installation is particularly well suited to independent cruising, combining a 1,200Ah owner-built lithium battery bank, 2,435W of solar generation, Mase generator, Magnum 230V inverter/charger and Victron 110V inverter/charger.

The owners have also been candid regarding present maintenance items. Four of the five air-conditioning units are operational, the foredeck trampolines require replacement and there has been a coating-adhesion issue following the autumn 2025 bottom work on the outside of the port hull. The owners report that the other three hull sides are unaffected and are scheduling a haul-out to rectify the affected area.

Overall, MACERA combines the underlying build quality and accommodation of the Privilege 495 with substantial investment in machinery, rigging, electrical generation and cruising systems.