princess yacht models

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50 years of Princess History: The key models

tisdag 16 juni 2015

Here, we take a look back at the last 50 years of Princess history, from the 60s to now.

1960’s – Project 31

Genesis for Princess Yachts – the story began in 1965 in a rented shed in Newport Street. Three men looking to enter the charter business but with a dearth of funding bought a hull and deck mould from Senior Marine and began fitting it out. The charter business never got off the ground but the completed boat sold quickly. Realising they could be on to something they decided to build another and Marine Projects, one of the most prolific boat building companies in Europe, was born. Available initially with twin Perkins four cylinder diesels, later boats sported Volvo Penta diesel engines – in all cases mated to sterndrive propulsion. Updated in 1969, the Project 31 became the very first Princess, the Princess 32. Successful from the very beginning, over 600 boats were built.

1970’s – Princess 37

With the Princess 32 selling well and the range augmented by a smaller model (the Pilgrim 25 which became the Princess 25) it was time to begin the unstoppable drive up market. Designed by John Bennett and launched at the London Boat Show in 1974 it was one of the largest boats in the Earls Court exhibition hall and immediately set the tone for the direction of the company. It was one of the first Princess yachts to feature a flying bridge (as it was then known – now commonly shortened to ‘flybridge’). And it introduced shaft drive and an enclosed deck saloon for the first time on a Princess, and featured two cabins and two heads. Initially launched with Thornycroft and then Ford Mermaid 120hp diesels, demand for greater performance lead to a second hull profile, the original ‘Y’ hull sporting a small keel for low speed directional stability and a ‘V’ hull without the keel capable of supporting twin engines of up to 210hp.

LOA: 37ft 1in (11.27m) Built: 1973 – 1981 Typical engines: Twin Ford Mermaid 180hp diesel

1980’s – Princess 30DS

In 1980 Marine Projects was approached by a naval architect called Bernard Olesinski with plans for a thirty foot cruiser. With the successful but ageing Princess 32 due for replacement, the design was accepted and the Princess 30DS launched at Southampton Boat Show in 1980. DS stood for deck saloon, and the 30DS replaced the 32 in the range. Rather than the open backed wheelhouse of the 32, the 30DS had an enclosed deck saloon (hence the ‘DS’ of its nomenclature) with a sliding roof section, although there was a less popular open backed wheelhouse version called the 30S. Available with single or twin shaft drive or sterndrive engine installations the boat was built with everything from a single 60hp for river use up to twin 200hp diesels or 210hp petrols which lifted the top speed past 30 knots. A flybridge version was added in 1986, further broadening the options. Not only did the 30DS prove a worthy successor to the 32 over its decade in production, but the collaboration with Bernard Olesinski extended to the design of every Princess since.

LOA: 31ft 6in (9.59m) Built: 1980 – 1989 Typical engines: Twin Volvo Penta AQ151 146hp petrol

Princess 45

By the early eighties the largest Princess yachts had barely passed forty feet, but Princess commissioned Bernard Olesinski to design a flagship mid forty foot flybridge yacht. When it was launched in 1982 it was the largest production motor yacht built in the UK and it propelled Marine Projects into the big league. The Princess 37 had had some export success in Northern Europe but the 45 opened up the Mediterranean, proving popular with UK buyers that boat abroad as well as attracting foreign custom. The initial build rate of one boat a month was quickly revised, the 45 selling at triple the anticipated rate. Not just a modern and spacious design, the 45 was a phenomenal sea boat, widely lauded by the maritime press. At the time Managing Director David King reputedly stated that he thought the 45 would be the largest model Marine Projects would ever produce. Today the smallest flybridge Princess is slightly longer…

Princess 286 Riviera

With a successful range of flybridge and deck saloon models firmly established, the early eighties saw fresh markets sought, in particular the open cockpit sportscruiser sector, and in 1983 the 286 Riviera was launched. With its raked screen, flat foredeck and sporty GRP radar arch it was at the cutting edge of eighties sportscruiser design, but luxury and practicality had certainly not been forgotten. A massive eleven foot beam created plenty of space below decks for a generous dinette forward, an L-shaped galley opposite the heads and a separate mid cabin aft with a double berth that ran transversely beneath the cockpit. Motive power came via a range of twin petrol engines ranging up to V8 5.0 litre AQ211 motors delivering 210hp each for a top speed in excess of 35 knots. Twin diesel engines of 130hp and 200hp were also available. The 286 Riviera became the forerunner of a range of Princess Riviera cruisers that spanned twenty six to forty six feet.

1990’s – Princess V Class, V39/V40/V42

Unveiled in 1994 it looked sensational, but the big news – literally – was inside. Those high topsides created phenomenal internal volume – over six feet of headroom, two cabins and a huge heads proved beyond doubt that the days of compromised sportscruiser accommodation were over whilst a new breed of Volvo Penta KAD 42 diesel engines lifted the performance past thirty knots – neatly demonstrating that you could indeed have your proverbial cake and eat it. Mild facelifts took the V39 through V40 and V42 iterations that spanned fifteen years and 500 boats, making this the most popular vessel in Princess history. So far…

1997 – Princess 20M

Whilst the V39 was taking the lower end of the market by storm, the inexorable rise upmarket continued unabated and in 1996 the very first ‘Metre’ yacht was announced. Distinctive oval saloon windows, a funnel style radar mast rather than the usual goalpost arch and ‘superyacht’ high gloss joinery marked the 20M out as something really special, even by Princess standards. Powered by twin MAN diesels of between 800hp and 1,360hp it was clear that performance had not been lost in the pursuit of luxury.

LOA: 71ft 4in (21.74m) Built: 1996 – 2002 Typical engines: Twin MAN D2848 1,360hp diesel

2000’s – Princess 42

The new millennium brought a new name for the business and Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd became Princess Yachts International Plc. But despite the change of name and the successful expansion into new markets the commitment to intrinsic values remained the same and in 2003 the Princess 42 was born. Able to trace its roots back to that first flybridge craft of thirty years earlier, the 42 was a two cabin two heads family flybridge cruiser with twin shaft drive diesels engines just like the Princess 37. But whilst the format might be familiar, the execution was very different. The first true production line assembly, the 42 was built in stages as the boat moved down a line, emerging at the rate of one a week. Styling was bang up to date too, being one of the first boats to feature flush glazing and a new style of sweptback radar arch whilst inside contemporary high gloss cherry woodwork surrounded the very latest innovations like the soft touch non reflective helm.

LOA: 44ft 3in (13.48m) Built: 2003 – 2013 Typical engines: Twin Volvo Penta D6-435 435hp diesel

2010’s – Princess V48

Nearly fifty years in and the multi award winning Princess V48 proves that the innovation and far sightedness that has stood the company in such good stead remains a core philosophy. IPS pod drives, resin infusion construction, a choice of superstructure and cockpit layouts (deck saloon and ‘Open’) and a full beam full headroom master cabin place the V48 at the very cutting edge of current technology and thinking.

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Brand story

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After releasing the very first Princess motor yacht in 1965 – 31-ft Project 31 – Princess Yachts have become a leader of the motor yacht industry. Legendary flybridge models, innovative long-range X Class, sporty V and S Class as well as the newest R Class with outstanding high-performance characteristics – every single Princess yacht represents the ultimate handcrafted luxury on water that provides its owners with best experiences. What makes Princess Yachts stand out from other motor yacht brands? The core of the brand concept is vivid – every Princess yacht owner experiences the exceptionally built yachts with phenomenal level of handcrafted detailing. Perfect maneuverability and handling, beautifully furnished luxurious interiors, durability and comfort – this is what is concealed in every Princess yacht. Located in Plymouth, Great Britain, Princess Yachts’ shipyard has one of the most advanced building infrastructures in the world that enables the construction of high-quality motor yachts implementing on board technologies of the future. Every Princess yacht conceives a perfect balance of style and material that unifies innovations and heritage, creativity and cutting-edge technologies. Being a part of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA (LVMH), Princess Yachts is a synonym of luxury yachting that has become one of the most influential brands in the world.

Brief history of Princess Yachts Limited

Princess Yachts established as Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd to deal with technical maintenance and chartering of Project 31 yacht. Afterwards, the yacht was sold. The company then realized that it was a good chance to grow substantially by selling yachts. Between 1966 and 1969 more than 150 yachts have been successfully built and sold.

After Project 31 success, Princess started to make GRP-formation and released its first Princess 32 that was then showcased during boat show in London. In a decade, more than 1200 yachts have been sold, what made this yacht a true best-seller of all time. Local and foreign agents were hired and the distributor network was.

John Bennett appointed to design two new models to compliment Princess 32.

Princess 37 had had launched during boat show in London, as well as Princess 25 was introduced later that year.

Based on Princess 37 the very first flybridge yachts launched in different variations. In addition, the Lee Mill infrastructure was opened as a mould store, developed by Bernard Olesinski.

Princess 30DS was the first next-generation yacht designed by Bernard Olesinski.

More than 500 yachts sold. This trend started a brand new approach. Its core idea lays in profound salon detailing of every model. This is one of the core brand concepts Princess Yachts still follows.

Premiere of the Princess 45, the all-time design of a motor yacht and the biggest, which was mass produced at that time. More 900 yachts have been sold in 9 years. Princess 45 was replaced by the newest Princess 455.

The very first sport yacht built – Princess 286 R. It was developed for the needs of the Mediterreanean market.

Brand new manufacturing facility «Langage 1» is built with volume 4200 sq. m in Plymouth.

Princess 62 is launched. It was the largest mass-produced motor yacht built in Britain.

First V class sport yachts are built: Princess V39 and Princess V52, which were later established as a base for future yachts.

The very first «Metre» yacht is built – Princess 20 Metre.

New headquarters opened on Newport street. The shipyard acquires Coypool facility (30000 sq.m), also Langage facility is extended to Langage 2 to produce V class yachts. Princess 52 construction started, which were the first yachts to have electronic diesel engines installed.

Princess v65 mass production started, the largest yacht of the range.

Marine Projects renamed to Princess Yachts International plc.

The company celebrates 40 th anniversary, being the world leader in yacht mass-production.

The construction of Princess 95 Motor yacht flagship started.

Princess V class extended to Princess V85, the biggest yacht in the range. Princess 85 Motor Yacht, Princess 50 and Princess V62 also added to the model list.

Princess Yachts is to be the first European yacht manufacturer to acquire ISO14001 certificate as a recognition of achievements in lowering negative impact on nature. 5 new yachts are added to the model range with Princess 72 Motor Yacht and Princess V85-S. Princess climbs 37 points up in Sunday Times HSBC Top track 250 rating.

Princess Yachts presents the very first M class yacht during London Boat Show – Princess 32M, and 3 other boats later that year. Princess acquires ownership of South Yard industrial complex from the Ministry of Defense and funding from the regional development government to increase the growth of the production.

Princess Yachts achieves British standard OHSAS 18001 certificate in security management and health of the employees. Princess Yachts becomes the first major British motor yacht manufacturer to achieve RINA Green Plus (Y) level for every yacht in V class and flybridge range with length under 24 meters.

This year is very important for the shipyard. V39 – the smallest yacht built for the last decade as well as the biggest superyacht every built in history of the shipyard – Princess 40M. The 132-feet superyacht listed as the biggest yacht built in Great Britain with resin-unfused composite hull. Princess V52 prized as «Best sportcruiser 45 ft+». David King founder and CEO of Princess Yachts Ltd awarded with special jury prize «Motor Boat of the Year Awards 2012». Princess V39 awarded in USA as «Best foreign motor yacht 30-40 feet» during AIM Media Marine Group Editor’s Choice Award 2012. In 2012 V57, 56 and Princess V62-S were built reaching the total number of new added yachts in the year to 5.

The release of Princess 52, 82 Motor Yacht and 88 Motor Yacht. The shipyard starts building the first yacht with IPS drive system – Princess V48. The first Princess 40M superyacht is awarded with prestigious World Superyacht Award in nominations «Trideck gliding or semi-displacement motor yacht» and «Best mass produced motor yacht from 24 to 40 m» during 9-th Asia Boating Awards. The other M class yacht – Princess 32M – is awarded with «Best mass produced motor yacht in the range of 30m» during Hurun Report’s Best of the Best Awards. It was also a successful year for V class. V39 was awarded second year in a row as «Best sportcruiser under 45 feet» during Motor Boat Awards. In Japan V52 awarded as «Best foreign large yacht» and «Yacht of the 2012». The company awarded with «Large Company of the Year» during Herald Business Awards 2013 and «Best brand collection» during Helm Singapore Yacht Show.

Princess presents Princess S72, the brand-new S class yacht with sportbridge. The development of the new M class superyacht is in full swing, which will be announced in 2015. Two flybridge yachts awarded: Princess 43 wins in the category «Flybridge yacht under 55 feet» during Motor boat Awards and Princess 56 wins «Best foreign large yacht» during Boat of the year in Japan.

Princess Yachts celebrates its 50 th anniversary since the establishment in 1965. For this occasion, Princess Yachts releases renovated Project 31 – the very first Princess yacht. The yacht was showcased during Cannes Yachting Festival along with the sales start of Princess 35M. S class range updated with Princess S65. Later this year the shipyard launched open versions of Princess V58 and V48. Princess S72 and V48 are awarded during Motor Boat Awards. Princess 40M wins the category «Best semi-custom yacht in the World in the range 25 m+» during Asia Pacific Boating Awards.

The English shipyard launches new Princess 75 Motor Yacht and new M class superyacht – Princess 30M. Princess 49 with IPS engine added to the flybridge range.

In January two Princess yachts – 75 Motor Yacht and V58 – are awarded as «Best Yacht of the Year» during Motor Boat Awards. The shipyard refreshed its sports yacht range with Princess V40, which premiered at boot Düsseldorf in Germany. The brand-new Princess S60 showcased during London Boat Show. Princess 30M superyacht wins «Best semi-custom superyacht in the range from 30 to 33.9 m» during World Superyacht Awards. During Cannes and Southampton yacht festivals Princess 55 and 62 were premiered. In Cannes Princess Yachts presented its first unique client-oriented service – Princess Lifeline SOS-service. 2017 is a record-breaking year for Princess Yachts: the volume of the order book exceeds 1 billion dollars. Today the company is one of the bespoke luxury yachts manufacturer, that builds 20 different models in the range of superyachts, motor flybridge yachts. V class sport yachts and S class sportbridges, R class performance yachts in the range 39 to 132 feet and has a network with more than 50 distributors around the world.

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Princess M Class

Luxury superyachts.

M Class Luxury Superyachts by Princess Yachts

The Princess M Class range of luxury superyachts, includes the Princess 30M, 35M Princess 40M, placed the Princess brand firmly in the market for superyachts and megayachts over 100 feet. All superyacht models are unmistakably Princess in terms of their high quality luxurious design and superb performance, while offering prospective Princess yacht owners an exceptional level of personalisation which ensures that every Princess luxury superyacht for sale is completely unique. Over 50 years of inspired craftsmanship comes together within this class to deliver the epitome of Princess and a haven of exhilaration and relaxation.

The M-Class has now been replaced with the Princess X-Class and Princess Y-Class of luxury superyachts, but you can still find information about the M-Class range of yachts on this page.

Princess presents the M Class

Princess 40M

The Princess 40M super yacht, launched in 2012, had the largest resin-infused hull moulded at its time. The accommodation throughout this luxurious yacht is sumptuous, with a five cabin layout for up to 12 guests, with space for up to 7 crew members in complete privacy. The largest of the M Class, this super yacht exudes elegance and style in every detail with personalisation options in abundance and incredible sea-keeping. Power comes from twin MTUs giving a top speed of 23 knots. Cruising speed is around 12 to 14 knots, which gives the boat a fuel consumption rate of 250 to 300 litres per hour and a range of 1,500 miles.

Princess 35M

Following on from the global success of the 40M, a new addition entered the M Class series in 2014 in the form of the Princess 35M . She was a semi-custom superyacht capable of cruising at both high and low speeds with an impressive long range and outstanding efficiency. Her expansive deck areas and comfortable, spacious accommodation offered an opportunity to own a superyacht of grand stature without pushing to the 40M. The 35M explored and challenged the Princess design studio, and the result is something quite spectacular – panoramic windows, clean vast spaces and beautifully luxurious materials.

Princess 30M

The latest model to be added to the M Class family of superyachts in 2016 was the Princess 30M , a super yacht built for charter, exploration and quality family time. The 30M offers up to five double en suite cabins including a main deck master suite, depending on the configuration chosen by the owner. The modernised composite build technology by Princess Yachts has allowed the 30M to uncover leading interior volume, optimum cruising efficiency and the respective weight-saving advantages to be able to reach up to 30 knots. High class engineering and premium design come together in this luxurious M Class model.

New Princess Luxury Superyachts

The M Class range of luxury superyachts has since been removed from new production, however is still available to charter or via our brokerage and used boats departments. The new Princess X Class range of superfly yachts presents a pair of re-imagined luxury superyachts, with extensive on board space and a flybridge spanning the entire length of the craft. Click here to view the X Class and discover the future of luxury yachting.

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