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.

Accommodation

The interior is finished in high-gloss cherry wood veneer with extensive natural light from the raised saloon glazing.

Accommodation comprises:

New upholstery was fitted throughout during autumn 2025.

Interior and exterior carpentry undertaken during the refit period included teak repairs, Owner’s Version-style cupboards and additional storage within the saloon seating.

Galley

Galley appliances were renewed during autumn 2025.

Engines & Propulsion

Engines: 2 x Yanmar 4JH4-TE turbo dieselPower: 75hp / approximately 55.2kW eachRated Speed: 3,200rpmEngine Rebuilds: 2021Hours Since Rebuild: Approximately 1,000 hoursPropellers: Flexofold folding propellers

Both original Yanmar engines were comprehensively rebuilt during 2021 by a Yanmar dealer in Colombia.

Work advised by the owners included:

Contemporary Todomar workshop documentation relating to engine repairs is available.

The approximately 1,000-hour figure is a conservative owner estimate since rebuild. Replacement LCD screens for the engine-hour displays are expected to enable exact individual readings to be established.

Engine oil has reportedly been changed at approximately 100–150-hour intervals.

Further servicing during autumn 2025 included injector checks and valve-clearance adjustment.

Saildrives

Saildrives: 2 x Yanmar SD60-4TReduction Ratio: 2.23:1Supply Date: January 2022

Replacement equipment supplied included:

French Marine Motors documentation dated 11 January 2022 records the supply of the replacement saildrive equipment. The current owners advise that the saildrives were installed shortly after shipment, approximately February/March 2022.

Generator

Manufacturer: Mase GeneratorsModel: Mariner 1020 BRated Output: 9.5kWVoltage: 240VFrequency: 60HzCurrent: 39.6AManufactured: 2019Installed: 2021Operating Hours: 2,836 hours shown

The generator is installed within an acoustic enclosure.

Watermakers

Two independent watermakers are fitted.

Sea Recovery Aqua Whisper

Village Marine Little Wonder

Tankage & Plumbing

Electrical Systems

Documentation supplied includes a December 2021 invoice for two Balmar MC-618-H alternator regulators.

Navigation & Instruments

Communications & AIS

Air Conditioning

Five air-conditioning units are installed:

Four units are currently operational.

One unit requires servicing or repair.

Rig

Mast: Marechal aluminium mast.

All standing rigging apart from the dolphin striker was replaced in 2022.

Supporting documentation includes US Spars correspondence dated 21 March 2022 specifically referring to standing rigging for the Privilege 495, together with payment and shipping records.

Standing rig arrangement comprises:

Sail Handling

Six winches are fitted in total, five of which are electric.

Powered sail-handling functions include:

Work to the winches was undertaken during the refit period, including replacement transmissions for three electric winches.

A hardtop provides protection to the raised helm and access for mainsail handling.

Sails

The principal sail wardrobe comprises the original Hydranet cruising sails:

The owners report that the Hydranet fabric remains strong. The sails were considered sufficiently serviceable for the owners’ intended long-distance Atlantic passage.

Ground Tackle & Deck Equipment

Tender & Outboard

Tender: 2021 SeasheaLength: 3.60mHull: AluminiumTubes: HypalonConfiguration: Centre-console RIBOutboard: Tohatsu MFS25CPower: 25hp

Safety Equipment

2021–2022 Refit & Upgrade Programme

The owners report approximately US$200,000 was invested during the principal refit and upgrade programme.

Works and equipment included:

The owners have advised approximate expenditure on individual elements including US$12,000 for polyurethane paint below the rub rail, US$13,000 for the solar arch, US$10,000 for interior and exterior carpentry, US$6,000 for the lithium bank, US$2,800 for anchor chain and US$3,000 for the windlass.

Supporting invoices, workshop records, supplier correspondence and parts documentation are available for a number of elements of the programme.

Autumn 2025 Works

2026

Current Maintenance Items

Location & Viewing

MACERA is currently cruising in the San Blas Islands, Panama.

The owners expect to remain in the San Blas until the yacht is sold.

Viewing is available by prior arrangement according to MACERA’s current cruising location.

Nicolle Associates offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.