Princess V58
When we tested the open version of the Princess V58 earlier this year ( MBY, February 2016) we said that as good as it was, it will be the deck saloon version that proves more popular. Though the cockpit of the open is absolutely superb in flawless weather, it’s hard to argue with the original verdict. The deck saloon version adds the sort of versatility that makes it a year-round cruiser where you can heat or cool the upper saloon depending on conditions.
Also, because of the V58’s size, there’s still a very comfortable cockpit with a good mix of seating space and sunpads (on top of the tender garage) plus a wet-bar to compensate for the galley being below decks. The extra length of the V58 also ensures the looks aren’t overly affected by the inclusion of cockpit doors unlike, say, Princess’s own V48, which looks a little top heavy from some angles.
The V58 is a properly handsome boat with lovely proportions and intelligent use of dark colours within the superstructure to smooth out the profile even further.
Despite having the doors, the saloon is still lovely and bright even with the glassfibre roof closed thanks to three panes of glass that punctuate the sliding section. The doors themselves don’t pivot right to the edges of the frame but they did slide open nice and wide and slot into position with a satisfying clack.
Below decks, the cabin layout is no different from the open version of the boat, which means a rather lovely full-beam master cabin, bursting with space and light, plus an ensuite VIP in the bow with scissor-action berths and a cosy bunk cabin to starboard, just aft of the dinette.
Whether you would ever use the lower dinette on this deck saloon version is up for debate but at the very least, it’s useful to have the extra space that the table affords to prepare food and drinks.
The twin helm to starboard hovers over the galley and lower dinette and
this open area below can act as an echo chamber at sea, amplifying some of the noises that come off the hull. There isn’t really a way around this though, unless you have a companionway hatch, but most people will much prefer the feeling of space from the open arrangement.
The driving position is excellent both ergonomically and in the view that the helmsman has of all the boat’s extremities. The seat tucks in closely to the wheel and the throttles are an easy reach away. Two large plotter screens dominate the upper dash and aren’t too much of a stretch from the seated position. If the weather isn’t good enough to have the roof open then electric windows on either side of the saloon slide down to allow some ventilation or a way to talk to those on the decks.
With the simple choice between either 800hp or 900hp versions of Volvo Penta’s D13 or MAN R6-800 motors, it’s likely to be down to cost as to which you choose. Performance is good with both, though the Volvo 900s we had on the showboat shifted the V58 through the water with laidback effortlessness.
Without any assistance from the trim tabs, the V58 rose into an unruffled canter, carving smoothly through the still surface of Southampton Water. The V58 lapped it up – no, they weren’t challenging conditions but you can tell when a boat has a well-sorted hull and drive combination, and the V58 does.
Twenty five knots is a sweet cruising spot where the boat is clipping along well, but very quiet and not absolutely chewing through the go-juice.
The feel and balance of Princess’s shaftdrive arrangement is marvellous and the V58 responds beautifully to the helm. It’s balanced and controlled but capable of delicious sweeping turns that may not be all that useful in a practical sense but don’t half bring a smile to your lips. It’s a boat that feels like it would come alive in a rolling swell where it pays to steer to the clearest path.
Slow-speed handling is just as impressive thanks to the familiar control that comes with a pair of shafts and the extra confidence of Sleipner bow and sternthrusters fitted to this particular boat.
Given that this boat shares exactly the same engines and hull as the open version that performed so well on test, it wasn’t ever likely to disappoint on the water. Yes, it was very calm, but I’d be amazed if the V58 misbehaved in the rough stuff. All Princess has done with this deck saloon version is take a brilliant boat and make it even more useable. Jack Haines
Length 60ft 4in (18.42m) Beam 15ft 3in (4.65m) Engines Twin Volvo Penta D13 800hp/900hp Top speed on test 35.2 knots Price from £1.02m inc UK VAT Contact See Princess website for dealers. Web: www.princessyachts.com