SURVEYOR
SAYS COSTS
I am always secretly pleased when a Princess commission comes in because I know that nine times out of ten it will be a good one, based on my humble opinion that Princess is still top of the tree when it comes to build quality. While Princess use third-party machinery and equipment installations (a trait which is peculiar to the boatbuilding industry), their tried-and-tested hull forms and build techniques render them virtually bulletproof. So what is there to be said about these hulls that has not been said before? Well, I have noticed over the years that the evergreen V42 hull scantlings have been lightened, with no significant ill effects noted to date. However, enough of the positives, because a surveyor’s job is to focus on the negatives – so here we go!
The internal bonding or tabbing between the accommodation mouldings and hull moulding can be hit and miss, so all nooks and crannies need to be checked to make sure these are in place and remain intact. Fracturing of the semi bulkhead/settee moulding at the rear is not uncommon and can extend into the inaccessible bulkhead/locker areas of the mid cabin which may call for further ‘destructive investigation’ in rare circumstances. Externally, check for stress cracking on the side decks and coach roof around the base where the extra weight of the hardtop can cause flexing.
The DPH outdrives and duo props can be prone to electrolysis problems, which is easily discovered but less easy to rectify, while some of the optional Aquadrive joystick control systems have experienced teething troubles. Any signs of corrosion on the D6 engine intercoolers (which are now built from an aluminium and plastic components rather than the bronze/copper alloy parts of old) should be treated with extreme caution as these will be expensive to repair or replace. Tony Mcgrail, yacht surveyor Tel: +44 (0)7711 329314. Web: www.superyachtsurveys.com
Downstairs, the layout apes the previous V42, albeit with more space and style – neither areas that were exactly lacking in the earlier iterations
Model Type In build Designer Hull type RCD category Current value LOA Beam Draught Displacement Fuel capacity
Princess V42 Sportscruiser 2009-2013 Bernard Olesinski Planing B From £230,000 44ft 6in (13.56m) 13ft 1in (3.99m) 3ft 6in (1.07m) 9.26 tonnes 187 gallons (850 litres) 73 gallons (332 litres) 37 knots with twin Volvo Penta D6-370 diesels 214 miles at 25 knots with 20% reserve (inc labour & VAT) £2,060 (inc VAT) £811.20 £679.20 each (service exchange) £4,369.20 £729.60 £726.00
Beautifully wrought boat with superb seakeeping. Lacks the second ensuite and tender garage of the V42. From £275,000. Similar boat with a larger tender garage and more headroom in the aft cabin, but not as sharp looking. From £250,000 for a 2008 model. Great build, superb hull and a three-cabin option – pricey though. Expect to pay at least £350,000.