By Andrew Bedggood
The Prestige M48 redefines versatility with its unique multihull design, making it an excellent choice for cruising along Australia’s East Coast; this is how you will want to travel.
Powered by two Volvo 320Hp D4 engines with V Drive, the M48 reaches a top speed of approximately 20 knots and cruises comfortably at 15 knots. A 1200L fuel capacity gives a range of about 1000 nautical miles at 8 knots, which allows for a voyage from Sydney to Gold Coast, or from Gold Coast to The Whitsundays without having to refuel!
You won’t need to always rely on marinas when you want to break your journey, because your M48 has all the necessities (including a 600L water tank), and many luxuries, to enable you to live aboard in comfort.
With a draft of only 1.2 m, which is surprising for such a large boat, you will be able to explore and anchor at many of the little bays and coves that take your fancy during your travels.
Just imagine cruising into an idyllic little cove and dropping anchor. Lowering the rear platform, which comfortably supports your Highfield 310 RIB tender with outboard motor, you float it free by retracting the supports, then climb in for a trip to the beautiful sands of a pristine beach.
After exploring the beach, you return and tie up alongside the M48. It’s early afternoon and time to enjoy the crystal-clear waters using the tender platform as a swim deck.
Lowering the wide vertical hatch located just forward of the platform reveals a large storage space that you use for lines, fenders, tender gear, and some water toys – which you hand to friends and family splashing in the water. After the swimmers have finished frolicking, climbed onto the swim deck and towelled dry, they depart for their cabins to shower and change.
When ordering your M48, you were offered the option of either a three-cabin or a four-cabin configuration – all with full ensuites. You are justifiably proud of the three-cabin option you have chosen for your M48. The cabins are located on the lower level, beneath the main deck, and accessed by companionways to port and starboard of the saloon for the two VIP cabins, and forward, next to the very comfortable internal helm station, for the master cabin. All cabins have full ensuites, however the master cabin is amazing, featuring a large bed, large windows and skylights, providing natural light and a spacious feel. It includes a private shower area, a separate toilet compartment, and a workstation with water views.
The port side VIP cabin has the flexibility for either a double or twin bed berth, featuring ample storage, and luxurious fittings in the head and toilet areas. A nearly identical VIP cabin on the starboard side has an ensuite that can be used by day guests without affecting privacy of the cabin occupants.
While your guests have been showering and dressing, you have raised the rear platform to be level with the aft cockpit lounge area. This considerably increases the already large entertainment space which is complete with a small bar fridge and inward facing seating sufficient for a dozen people.
After enjoying some late afternoon refreshments, the breeze starts to pick up, so you suggest that everyone moves into the main deck saloon, which has comfortable sofas and a table, to wait for dinner. Further forward to port is a dining section, with table and chairs, suitable for at least six people and easily converted for lounging and watching TV. Opposite is a fully equipped state-of-the- art galley with plenty of bench space, a deep single sink, a full-height fridge, and ample storage – so you can prepare meals or refreshments without ever leaving the conversation. Perfect for entertaining guests.
After a sound sleep and hearty breakfast, you climb the companionway from the main deck to the flybridge, which is a large customisable lounge and dining space with a grill, wet bar and integrated fridge. You seat yourself at the highly sophisticated port-side two-seater main helm, which offers excellent visibility of both transom and bow, and begin manoeuvring out of the cove to continue your adventure.
It’s easy to fall in love with this yacht!
If you are interested in the M48, please contact tmg@tmgyachts.com or visit tmgyachts.com/prestige-yachts
Published in print August-December 2024
