Prestige Yachts 450 (2013-)

Brief Summary

Following the success of the 500 and 550 models, Prestige sets its sights on a smaller version, but no less practical in its layout and utility. This new 450, much like her predecessors, will be offered in both a sport and flying bridge version, and offers many of the same amenities as her larger siblings exemplifying Prestige’s design flair for use of space. As with all Prestige Yachts, this 450 also demonstrates the company’s attitude towards keeping the glitz to a minimum and thereby maximizing the value for the money.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	45' 9'' / 13.96 m
Beam	14' 1'' 4.3 m
Dry Weight	24,983 lbs. 11,332 kg
Tested Weight	26,440 lbs. 11,993 kg
Draft	3' 5'' 1.05 m
Deadrise/Transom	17 deg.
Max Headroom	N/A
Bridge Clearance	17' 6'' 5.35 m
Fuel Capacity	317 gal. 1200 L
Water Capacity	138 gal. 520 L
Total Weight	26,440 lbs. 11,993 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	7.2 sec.
0 to 30	17.9 sec.
Ratio	N/A
Props	N/A
Load	3 persons, Fuel: 4/5 full, Water: none, Gear: 50 lbs.
Climate	Temp: 63 deg., Humid: 46%, Wind: 10-20, Seas: rolling

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 435-hp Volvo Penta IPS600
Std. Power	2 x 370-hp Volvo Penta IPS500
Opt. Power	2 x 435-hp Volvo Penta IPS600

Mission Statement

The mission of the 450 series is to provide the same quality, fit-and-finish of the larger 500 and 550 yachts, in a smaller and more affordable version while still providing the truly private master stateroom.

Distinguishing Features

•

Master Stateroom Is Private.

While some yachts in this class have a full beam master stateroom, they are usually accessed from a forward companionway, along with the other staterooms. Not so on the 450. Her master stateroom is accessed from a private companionway between the salon and galley. This is the only way to allow the master to be fully private, and separate from the VIP stateroom.
•

Scissor VIP Berth.

The berth in the forward VIP stateroom is able to separate and come together, much like a pair of scissors, to create either separate twin beds or a single queen-sized berth.
•

Galley Aft.

Having the galley aft allows it to be within easy reach of the two main gathering areas plus the flying bridge.

Styling

Styling of the Prestige 450 is reminiscent of the larger boats in the series. The boat's lines are graceful, while still having some of the masculine characteristics needed for bluewater passages. Her elegance is most notable in her interior and multiple gathering areas that make her as comfortable entertaining a crowd as she is cruising off to a remote island for a week-long getaway.

Performance

The Prestige 450 Fly has a LOA of 45’10” (13.97 m), a beam of 14’2” (4.32 m) and a draft of 3’9” (1.14 m). With an empty weight of 24,251 lbs. (11,000 kg.), 264 gallons (1,000 L) of fuel, and 3 people onboard, we had a test weight of 26,440 lbs. (11,993 kg.).
The twin Volvo Penta IPS600 engines reached a top speed at 3600 rpm bringing us to 31.9 kts. At that speed we were burning a combined 44.35 gph (168 lph) giving us a range of 205 nautical miles. Best cruise came in at 3000 rpm and 24 kts. That speed reduced the fuel burn to 30.65 gph (116 L) and the 450 Fly could keep that up for 9 hours 18 minutes and 223 miles.
We reached planing speed in 7.2 seconds, accelerated to 20 mph in 8.6 seconds and continued accelerating through 30 mph in 17.9 seconds.

Handling

As for handling, the 450 Fly is a very graceful performer. We had winds blowing 15-20 mph across the Med which produced some rolling seas and it was a surprisingly comfortable ride. We would cut through the seas with little fuss and took the rollers at cruise speed with little fanfare. Regardless of the direction we rode these swells in, the 450 remained comfortable throughout. Because she’s a pod driven boat, and the travel of the radius is limited at cruise speed, she’ll be slow to come around, and we completed a full 360-degrees in 70 seconds and took almost 5 boat lengths to do it. This is pretty much on par with what we’ve come to expect in any boat with pods. Slow down and the travel of the drives increases and she’ll come around faster. She also leans 11-degrees into the turn.
And of course we all know by now that with joystick functionality, any operator with any skill level can dock her like a pro. This makes the 450 Fly an attractive prospect for the owner/operator.

Features Walkthrough

Main Deck

Main Deck-Aft Cockpit

The main deck features three of the four main gathering areas on the 450. The first being the aft cockpit accessed from the hydraulically-actuated swim platform. Stairways to the cockpit deck will be to port and starboard unless the optional passerelle is selected, which will occupy the port access to the cockpit.

A large settee with solid wood table easily accommodates four to one side, but a more comfortable scenario would have people sitting at the settee with deck chairs. The table lowers and accommodates a filler cushion to form a sun pad, but this does not seem as if it would get a lot of use as the extended flybridge completely protects this position. Side decks are accessed via steps to both forward sides of the cockpit deck and stairs to the flying bridge are to port. Engine room access is via a hatch just forward of the table pedestal.

Main Deck-Galley/Salon

Double-wide opening glass doors serve to separate the inside from the outside as much as blend them together. The Prestige 450 has a galley-aft layout which keeps the chef in close proximity to two of the gathering areas. It could also be said that the galley incorporates both sides of the boat, in that the main galley is to starboard while the microwave and refrigerator/freezer are to port.

The salon is up a small step and offers a settee to port with a table that is electrically lowered and a filler cushion creates an additional berth. Directly opposite is a small loveseat and with opposing seating, a cozy conversational atmosphere is created. Windows are low enough to allow sightlines to the horizon from the seated position which has a surprisingly well-founded comforting effect for more land-based guests.

Lower Helm

The lower helm is to starboard and Prestige has become well-known for their soft touch dash panels that eliminates glare and harsh reflections in the glass. A 12” (30.5 cm) display takes center stage just above the three-spoke steering wheel mounted to a tilt base. Analog gauges are just to the left and ancillary electronics occupy a space in the lower panel just above the lighted rocker switches. Prestige also includes a stainless grab handle with a leather grip and two drink holders. The bow thruster control is just to the left of the wheel and, as this is an IPS-powered boat, the joystick is to the right and ahead of the engine controls.

The helm seat isn't quite double-wide, but certainly over-wide. Sightlines from the helm are outstanding with nearly 360-degrees of virtually unrestricted visibility, the only restriction coming from the freezer/microwave area of the galley.

Flying Bridge

The flying bridge, as stated earlier, is accessed from a set of stairs to the port side of the aft cockpit. Having the stairs in this location frees up valuable interior space. Prestige went with a helm located forward and to port and it is as much a functional helm as the lower station. And, as with the lower station, the helm seat is not quite a double-wide, but over-wide would be an appropriate term.

Prestige has a propensity for locating the flying bridge gathering areas away from its helms and this is a concept that I would like to see re-thought. Currently the helm is surrounded on two sides by a sun pad, which may give the captain a pleasant view at times, but otherwise does not allow for much socializing with the guests while underway.
The main social center of the flying bridge is located well aft at an L-shaped settee. To starboard, between this settee and the sun pad is a console with electric grill and sink under a covered top, storage and refrigeration in a cabinet below. A Bimini top will ensure that guests will enjoy their day in the flybridge rather than endure it.

Bow

The bow is accessed from either of the two side decks, and high marks to Prestige for including side decks to both sides instead of going with an asymmetrical layout in the hopes of gaining just a little more space in the salon. A roomy sun pad occupies the foredeck with stainless steel rails to either side. Fully forward, a step down to the working end of the bow presents a deck mounted windlass leading to an anchor roller extending past the bow. Stainless steel cleats and shocks are immediately adjacent to the roller. An access hatch to the starboard side of the windlass will allow easy management of any tangles in the rode.

Accommodations Deck

Master Stateroom

One of the most attractive features of the Prestige 450 is that the master stateroom has a private entrance. The stateroom is accessed from a companionway to the port side of the galley and this level of privacy is a very attractive feature. The full beam stateroom accommodates a double berth mounted athwartships with the head against the port side. Hull side windows to port and starboard allow natural light and what is sure to be astonishing waterfront views. Storage is seemingly everywhere and the stateroom has its own climate control zone.

The master head is located forward and to port and it offers a separate walk-in shower. Another hull side window allows for natural light as well as an opening port light for ventilation. The sink is mounted on top of a solid surface counter allowing for more storage underneath the counter. Mirrored cabinets above provide additional storage.

VIP Stateroom

The VIP stateroom is accessed from a separate companionway at the forward end of the salon. It features twin scissor berths with the foot end of the beds swinging together to form a single queen-sized berth. This is a fair trade-off as not all guests that will occupy this room want to share the same berth, but will likely have no hesitations about sharing the same stateroom. A pair of siblings comes to mind.
Again, hull side windows offer the opportunity for spectacular views and opening port lights add ventilation. Emergency egress and additional light/ventilation is provided by an overhead hatch. To the aft end of the stateroom is access to the head. The toilet occupies the same space as the shower and a separate entrance to the companionway allows this to also serve as a day head.

Engine Room

The engine room is accessed from a hatch in the center of the aft cockpit. There's not quite enough headroom to stand in the engine room, but it is a roomy compartment nonetheless. The entry places for the crewman are directly in between the twin IPS600 engines making the daily checks uneventful. Everything else is located to the sides and rear of the compartment, eliminating any need to climb around the small ladder leading into the compartment. The electrical bus panels are to the starboard side, to the stern are the fuel tanks and generator, and to port are the battery chargers and house batteries.

Observations

It’s hard not to appreciate the quality of a Prestige, and the creative attention to detail in the layout is outstanding. Few boats in this class will offer the private stateroom on a level as this yacht, and with Prestige’s reputation for keeping their boats affordable, this 450 is sure to be a popular cruiser in the lineup.