To meet a sudden shift in demand for sizes, Prestige has extended its multi-hull range. M7 is their third catamaran
by Niccolò Volpati – photo by Jean François Romero
Let’s start with some figures that help us understand how and why Prestige has created this new motor catamaran. The first was the M48, which started off the yard’s M-Line range and was presented at the Cannes Yachting Festival in 2022. Not long afterwards came the M8, a 24-metre motor catamaran. The short time between the release of one model and the other shows, if needed, that both multi-hulls had been designed some time back, since it was a new series.
The M7 made its debut at Cannes 2025 and filled the gap between the 50- and 80-footers. This has come about due to market demand and, in particular, owner feedback. And despite being very new, the M48 has already found seventy buyers. With this invaluable advice, the yard has collected numerous suggestions that it has applied to the new M7. The Prestige M-Line is unusual in that all the new owners are individuals rather than charter companies. “Everybody is now desperately looking for significant interior space to get the feeling of being at home”, says Camillo Garroni.
The interior, deck, and flybridge have been designed to offer the most spacious volumes possible while also creating a feeling of relaxation and comfort.
A lot of room and light, interiors that are not oppressive but respect the Prestige approach: creating a comfortable, safe boat with innovative layouts. The M7 has a lowered cockpit to get as close to water level as possible. You only need to go down two steps to get to the stern platform. What is more, the cockpit set-up has been researched to get guests looking aft. It feels like being on a terrace overlooking the sea. Another unusual feature is the ladder leading up to the fly bridge. It is reversed to use less space, and, most of all, it has been placed at the edge of the salon, making it seem practically an interior staircase. But it is obviously well protected, and you can get up safely. Up on the flybridge, you find another layout that optimises space and delivers innovative solutions.
The console isn’t right behind the windscreen, which has allowed Camillo Garroni to include a sun area forward of the helm station. A motor catamaran isn’t designed to buzz around at forty knots. It stays at a more stately top speed of 20, and that is another reason why it was such a good choice to have the flybridge sun pad forward of the console; it can even be used when underway. There is also a lunch area, sofa, galley/bar unit and much else that you can arrange as you like.
The layout includes four cabins and four bathrooms. The size of each cabin demonstrates that this is not a charter boat, as the interior spaces are truly spacious.
The interiors feature a full-beam master cabin in the bow, a VIP stateroom of the same size in one hull, and two other guest rooms in the other hull. All four have their own private bathrooms, for a total of 4 bedrooms and four bathrooms. Rather than reading a description of the salon, you should really see it for yourself. It is very spacious, with sightlines everywhere and natural light coming in through all the windows. It is a large area that gives a relaxing feel, as does every part of the vessel.
Easy to drive and, of course, very stable. Good visibility and ergonomics. Everything is under control. Everything is relaxing.
It’s like being on a mini floating retreat. And what it does when underway is a reflection of that, as another advantage of a multi-hull is the ability to fit lower power ratings. And so you can sail calmly, without having to race across the water or jump over the waves. The M7 is very different from its predecessor, the M8, while maintaining the same characteristics at sea. It is three metres shorter and nearly two metres narrower, so a pair of 550-horsepower Volvo Penta D8S is sufficient. The feeling you get at the helm is what you might expect – it is very stable, comfortable on the move and easy to turn. The 1,100 hp total really isn’t very much, especially compared to what you would find in the engine room of a high-speed, planning boat of similar length. But it’s enough to get the M7 up to just over twenty knots. The water lines, designed by Marc Lombard, have been optimised for two speeds. You get the best miles-to-fuel performance at 8 and 17 knots. The former is what you might do on longer passages, while the latter is the ideal cruising speed.
The hull does not suffer from rough seas. The two hulls cut through the waves, which pass through the space in the centre.
Engine room
Two Volvo Penta D8 engines, each with 550 horsepower, are the ideal power source for this catamaran: low fuel consumption and good cruising performance.
Groupe Bénéteau Italia
Brand Prestige
Via Consiglio d’Europa, 90
I-34074 Monfalcone (GO)
T. +39 0481 283111
www.beneteau-group.com/en/italia/
PROJECT
Garroni Design/Marc Lombard Yacht Design/Prestige Engineering
HULL
LOA 17.84 m • Length 17.70m • Maximum beam 7.56m • Draft 1.55m • Light mass displacement 35,937 kg • Fuel tank volume 2,900 l • Water tank volume 760 l
MAIN PROPULSION
2x Volvo Penta D8-550 V-Drive • 6 in-line cylinders • Outlet mechanical power 405 kW (550 hp) • Swept volume 7.7 l • Bore&Stroke 110mm x 135mm • Compression ratio 16.5:1 • Maximal rotational speed 2900 rpm • Dry weight 840 kg
EC CERTIFICATION
CAT A
PRICE*
Base price: 3,800,000 € (excluding VAT and accessories)
*The price refers to January 2026
(Prestige M7 – Boat sweet boat – Barchemagazine.com – Tratto da Barche, Gennaio 2026)
