Prestige has built over 2,500 yachts from 35 to 75 feet over the past 20 years and with each revamp, the boats get a little more versatile, a little more luxurious and lot more practical for the way we boat today. For example, the 450, which was introduced in 2013, did so well that it was revamped and has morphed into its stretched successor, the Prestige 460. In the redesign the smart things were added to the existing hull that make it look and feel not just refreshed, but completely different, and boaters are taking notice.

The deck windows were made larger for a light and breezy interior, the swim platform now submerges a full 32-inches below the surface for easy tender loading, and a transom galley was added for outdoor entertaining that truly stays outdoors. Inside, the layout has been reconfigured to create more room and a better traffic flow. Matte white cabinet faces complement grey oak wood surfaces and fabric panels grace the bulkheads to dampen sound and vibration. Overall, the new Garroni design aspires to look and feel more like her larger siblings, the 630 and the 680, rather than the previous 450 from which she evolved.

On Deck

In the re-design, the aft cockpit was made to seem larger with a new, forward-facing L-shaped settee in the starboard quarter. The transom stowage space is also large and can be fitted with an optional crew cabin, complete with a bed, a head and its own climate control unit.

A hatch on the cockpit sole provides access to the machinery space, which includes twin Volvo Penta engines and pods as well as a 13.5 kW Onan genset that is standard equipment. The space is limited and getting aft to the pods is a bit of a squeeze but most common service points are readily accessible.

At the other end, the bow gained a lounge. No ordinary sunpad, this space now includes pop-up headboards that form two chaise lounges complete with cup holders. An awning lifts up from the deck to form a superyacht-style cabana making this the go-to place for sun worshippers or those who just want to nap or read in luxurious repose.

The flybridge above, overlooks the bow and its getaway spot. The steps that lead up there are a bit steep but have good handholds along the way. A dinette and more sunpad acreage are to starboard. The outdoor helm is to port with a Raymarine display, engine throttles, a Volvo Penta screen and a joystick for the 370 HP IPS 5 diesels that are standard propulsion. Our test boat had the upgraded 435 HP IPS 6s that cruised comfortably at 24 knots and topped out at 32.5 knots and 3600 rpm. At cruise, you can expect a range of over 200 nautical miles, depending on sea and wind conditions.

Accommodations

Inside, the 460 changed up the layout. Gone is the signature second staircase that normally leads down to the secluded master stateroom on most Prestige models. Its removal translated into a master that is now 30% larger. It has an ensuite head, a bed on the centerline and a lounge next to one of the large windows. Spending time here won’t feel at all like camping. 

The versatile VIP cabin in the bow has a centerline berth that can split into two separate beds. This will work for a couple, guests who aren’t that friendly, or kids. An optional washer/dryer can be installed under the steps that lead up to the salon so you can have warm towels and dry swimsuits any time.

Upstairs, the galley is still aft and to starboard so it can easily serve both the interior portside dinette as well as anyone seated in the cockpit. The salon is two steps up, which raises it enough so that anyone seated gets a perfect, near-360-degree view through the windows that are now larger. Five to six guests may be seated at the U-shaped settee that wraps around the fold-out table to port and a matching straight settee will fit additional guests to starboard. Nice touches include a bottle locker and digital switching via a Scheiber panel.

The helm to starboard is well laid out and compact so most controls are easy to reach. Twin 12-inch MFDs (Raymarine ES125s) sit on an angled dash behind the wheel. The pod and bowthruster joysticks are outboard on a panel below the opening window. Altogether, you can opt for three joysticks including at the inside helm, on the flybridge and in the aft cockpit. The latter one is the best place from which to dock, especially when backing into a slip.

So How Does it Feel?

The 460 may share a hull with her predecessor but that’s about where the similarities end. With each iteration of the line, Prestige has stepped up their fit and finish, their selection of amenities and their focus on building a boat that is a joy to drive. Jeanneau understands that a 46-foot cruiser really needs to feel more like a small superyacht in order to get attention in a crowded market so they’ve stepped up their game. The changes, both large and small, have created a completely new experience on a proven hull.  Let’s hear it for evolution.

Specifications:

LOA:   46′ 9″

Beam:   14’ 1”

Draft:   3’5″

Displacement:  24, 983 lbs.

Fuel:   328 gallons

Water:  138 gallons

Engines:  2x 435HP Volvo Penta IPS600