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PRESTIGE 520 Owners Review

with Paul & Bridget

In this video and blog we delve into the world of Prestige Yachts through the eyes of Paul and Bridget Smart, the proud owners of a Prestige 520. With their nine-year history of Prestige yacht ownership, they share their delightful experiences and insights, focusing on the key features, Prestige’s adaptability to New Zealand and Australian conditions, and the advantages of the Inboard Propulsion System (IPS).

Prestige F520 - TMG Yacths
Prestige F520 - TMG Yacths

Why PRESTIGE?

In the quest for a new vessel, the Smarts embarked on a thorough research journey, but in the end, their compass pointed them firmly towards PRESTIGE Yachts. Their decision to remain loyal to the brand was motivated by several compelling reasons.

“We had our first Prestige 500S in 2013, and we’ve decided to move to the higher 520 after nine years,” explains Paul Smart. This transition from the Prestige 500S to the Prestige 520 serves as a resounding endorsement of their confidence in the brand’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

Yet, what truly sets PRESTIGE apart is the deep and meaningful connection that customers like the Smarts cultivate with the brand. As Paul Smart affirms, “One of the key things about PRESTIGE is the relationship we have with them.” This relationship extends far beyond the mere transaction of acquiring a yacht. It extends to an open-door policy where the PRESTIGE factory graciously welcomes customers. For the Smarts, it was a remarkable experience to visit the factory, a testament to PRESTIGE’s commitment to creating a close-knit family of yachting enthusiasts.

The Prestige 520: A Masterpiece on the Water

One of the standout features of the Prestige 520, as highlighted by Paul and Bridget Smart, is its remarkable layout. Bridget explains, “The wonderful thing about the Prestige 520 is when family or friends onboard we have a separate master cabin, and then your guests or family members can be in a separate cabin down in the bow.”

For those who crave entertainment, the yacht features three TVs on board, providing the flexibility to enjoy sports or movies in the setting of their choice.

Paul Smart expresses his admiration for European boats, emphasizing, “The thing that appealed to me particularly… is the sophistication of the European boats.” His sentiment echoes through the response from people who view their vessel, realising that these yachts are more than mere fishing or diving vessels; they are floating apartments on the water. This European craftsmanship and elegance set Prestige Yachts apart from the rest.

Prestige F520 - TMG Yacths
Prestige F520 - TMG Yacths

Seaworthiness in New Zealand & Australia

Paul Smart’s response to those who question whether PRESTIGE Yachts can take on the challenging New Zealand or Australian conditions is, “These European boats are actually built on the Atlantic Coast in France… the sea can be a bit rough on the Bay of Biscay.” Paul and Bridget Smart are staunch advocates of the Prestige yachts’ resilience. Their firsthand experience has given them confidence in their vessel, “we know they can handle the conditions,” adds Paul.

Boating Adventures

For the Smart’s boating is about adventure they state fondly, “It is our second home it’s our holiday home, and when we use it every summer we take it up to the far north of New Zealand and we base it there for the best part of a month and a half and do day trips and overnight trips from there.”

Bridget Smart beautifully encapsulates the versatility of the Prestige 520 when she says, “The wonderful thing about the Prestige 520 is when you’ve got a family or friends on board… they feel relaxed, and there’s a lot more room for them to sit outside or inside.

Prestige F520 - TMG Yacths
Prestige F520 - TMG Yacths

Benefits of IPS: Navigating with Ease

Navigating the open waters or in marinas is a breeze with the Inboard Propulsion System (IPS). Bridget is often at the helm stating, “The IPS system is very easy to use and really comfortable with the joystick.” Even for those who are less confident maneuvering it is difficult to make mistakes.

Explaining how it works, Paul eloquently explains, “The IPS system has revolutionized boating. The IPS is the Volvo pod system that’s maneuvered by a joystick. The pod system is linked to the joystick, and the propellers face forward, creating incredible efficiency. So, the first thing that the propellers see is water; there’s no rudder or sail drive blocking the flow of water, and the exhaust system exhausts out the back of the pod, which effectively provides additional propulsion. The hulls are designed specifically for IPS. So, all in all, a really efficiently designed package.”

Key Benefits of Prestige Yachts Construction: Lighter and Stronger

Paul Smart’s describes Prestige Yachts’ construction philosophy with the emphasis on creating lighter, more agile vessels, “One of the special things about the way Prestige builds their boats is that they are lighter than many manufacturers. This means you don’t need engines that are as large providing better economy, and part of that construction process involves resin-infusing the hulls.”

Paul continues to explain the construction process, “This involves laying up the fibreglass, putting in the core, and then laying a liner on top of that. A part of that process is spending three days effectively drawing resin by negative vacuum into the hull, and that creates a very strong hull and provides longevity.”

This approach enhances overall performance and the unique resin-infusion process plays a crucial role in building a robust and enduring hull.

Prestige F520 - TMG Yacths
Prestige F520 - TMG Yacths

“If you’re thinking about purchasing a PRESTIGE, do your research on all the brands as we did, but really when it got down to it, it was all about the relationship with PRESTIGE from end to end between the factory and the local agent…” says Paul Smart

As PRESTIGE expands its presence in Australia with TMG, the Smarts express confidence in TMG’s ability to serve future Prestige owners.

Paul and Bridget Smart’s journey with Prestige Yachts exemplifies the fusion of quality, service, and community that defines PRESTIGE ownership. PRESTIGE isn’t merely a yacht; it’s a gateway to unparalleled experiences and a family of enthusiasts who share the same passion for the open waters.

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