The second generation Prestige 420, introduced for the 2020 season, features a redesigned hull and Cummins V drive system aimed at maximising space in the 42 foot class. Key highlights include a large flybridge, panoramic saloon views, an aft galley and spacious two cabin accommodation.
The mid-size flybridge market has long been a battleground of compromises, where builders try to shrink big-yacht luxury into footprints that are manageable for owner-operators. In this arena, the Prestige 420 stands out as a highly engineered example of space optimisation. The name was already familiar. Prestige's first generation 420 arrived in 2015, but the second generation boat introduced for the 2020 season was substantially reworked.
The second generation 420 also abandoned one of its predecessor’s most unusual features, the separate saloon staircase into the owner’s cabin. That change freed up more usable space for the main deck saloon, while the new boat adopted a more conventional lower deck arrangement.
The second-generation Prestige 420 made its global debut in September 2019 at the Cannes Yachting Festival. Introduced for the 2020 season, this iteration completely updated the yacht’s architecture. By moving away from the previous hull design and transitioning to an efficient Cummins V-drive system, Garroni Design and Prestige Engineering successfully brought the sophistication of the larger F-Line models into a compact, 42-foot framework.
Key features & layout
Designed specifically with owner-operators and family cruising in mind, the second generation 420 emphasises open-air socialisation and continuous sightlines.
The Flybridge: Prestige maximised the upper deck footprint to offer a complete outdoor lifestyle hub. It incorporates an upper helm station, an integrated galley/wet bar, a dining table surrounded by a U-shaped sofa, and a spacious forward sun pad.
Main Deck & Wheelhouse: The aft galley layout acts as a bridge between the cockpit seating and the main saloon. Large windows wrap around the deckhouse, giving the helmsman and guests a 360 degree view of the sea.
Accommodation: Below deck, the layout efficiently utilises the hull volume to yield two expansive staterooms and up to two en-suite heads, enabling up to four guests to live comfortably onboard.
Find out more about the Prestige 420 FLY from Prestige Yachts.
Critic reviews: pros and cons
Industry experts have thoroughly vetted the 2019 Prestige 420 across a variety of sea conditions. Reviewers generally praise its layout innovation but point out a few compromises common to boats of this size class.
The pros
Voluminous cabins: YachtBuyer praises the spacious staterooms and excellent side deck access, with the full beam owner's cabin a particular strength of the accommodation layout.
The cons
Compact lower helm seating: YachtBuyer found the lower helm itself well laid out, but noted that the bench is tight for two adults and works better as a single helm seat.
A la carte options list: YachtBuyer notes that Prestige's pursuit of a competitive base price leaves some surprisingly useful equipment on the options list. Spring cleats, the manual sliding helm window and some galley equipment are among the items that may need to be added.
By modernising the hull and maximising physical space, the second generation of the Prestige 420 successfully keeps the French builder's signature flybridge DNA intact within an agile, sub-45-foot footprint.
Specifications
The engineering profile of the second-generation Prestige 420 relies on stability and capacity metrics tailored for extended coastal cruising.
Technical specifications
Overall Length: 42' 10" / 13.06 m
Hull Beam: 13' 5" / 4.10 m
Draft: 3' 7" / 1.10 m
Maximum Air Draft: 16' 1" / 4.90 m
Cruising Speed: 25 knots
Maximum Speed: 31 knots
Light Displacement: 22,928 lbs / 10,400 kg / 10.4 tonnes
Full Load Displacement: 32,710 lbs / 14,837 kg / 14.84 tonnes
Fuel Capacity: 257.36 Imp gal / 1,170 L
Water Capacity: 93.48 Imp gal / 425 L
Hot Water Heater Capacity: 8.80 Imp gal / 40 L
Holding Tank Capacity: 26.40 Imp gal / 120 L
CE Certification: Category B-10 / C-12
Architects: Garroni Design - Prestige Engineering
Standard accommodation: 4 guests in 2 cabins
Engine & propulsion setup
Base Engine Package: 2 x Cummins 6.7 – 380 CV/HP – V-drive propulsion
Upgraded Engine Package: 2 x Cummins 6.7 – 425 CV/HP – V-drive propulsion
References
YachtBuyer Spatial & Helm Breakdown: The global review team at YachtBuyer praises the volume of the stateroom accommodations and the uncompromised side-deck access.
