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These pads are set on a raised bulkhead which
is a continuation of the saloon, allowing more
space below decks, but also a comfy bracing
position for bow riding.
Anchoring was well taken care of with a
large Lewmar vertical windlass/capstan and
substantial plough anchor housed in a sturdy
bow roller.
Side decks are about a foot wide and sufficient
for moving around between bow and transom. At
the transom gunwale, the optional capstans fitted
are welcome, given this is a 20-tonne hull. Water
access is via a single portside gate to the wide
teak swimplatform which can house a dinghy on
chocks, while at sea level there's a handrail with
ladder for bathers.
The teak platform and similar cladding on the
aft cockpit enhances the barefoot enjoyment of
these two areas.
The aft cockpit layout has an L-shaped bench
around the transom on starboard side with
large teak table alongside, shaded by the
overhanging flybridge.
The transom bench also contains the hatch to
the crew quarters which has a bunk and ablutions
with wide aft window.
Alternatively, a dinghy garage can be optioned
on the 590, which is a good choice for cruising.
Underfoot, a teak-clad hatch in the centre of the
cockpit leads to the twin Cummins engines.GORGEOUS SALOON
The single level cockpit gives easy access to the
saloon via sturdy sliding doors with teak scuppers
to prevent water ingress.
Inside, the saloon has the favoured aft galley
which has a large window elevating outwards for
maximum airflow.
Natural light abounds from the tall side
windows that are, rather sensibly, vertically
inclined to avoid direct rays and to starboard is
a side-deck door for the skipper. The open planlayout has the U-shaped dinette central, behind
the starboard main console. The adjustable dinette
table also turns the area into a spare berth.
Six can comfortably sit around it while
opposite, several more guests can relax on the
L-shaped inside lounge and enjoy the panoramic
views at eye level.
Despite the tall step between galley, headroom
remains good at nearly two-metres forward.
Elsewhere in the saloon of the Prestige 590,
the galley is equally well-appointed thanks to
a spacious yet practical sea-going layout with
ample room for appliances along with storage.
Apartment-like layouts are lovely in port, but at
sea when you're bouncing about at the cooker,
the ability to lean against a rounded bulkhead
is welcome.
So, the 590's surrounding galley bench may
reduce the number of cooks simultaneously at
work but keeps the seagoing one safe.
Pity about the lack of fiddle rails around