SPECIFICATION
MODEL Princess 56
TYPE Flybridge cruiser
IN BUILD 2012 - 2017
DESIGNER Princess and Olesinski
HULL TYPE Planing
RCD category B
CURRENT VALUE From £650,000 - £1,000,000
LOA 59ft 5in (18.11m)
BEAM 15ft 7in (4.76m)
DRAUGHT 4ft 3in (1.29m)
DISPLACEMENT 26.4 tonnes
FUEL CAPACITY 2,650 litres
WATER CAPACITY 592 litres
PERFORMANCE 34 knots with twin Volvo Penta D13-800 800hp diesel
CRUISING RANGE 260 miles at 27 knots with 20% reserve
COSTS & OPTIONS
SERVICING
(INC LABOUR & VAT) Twin Volvo Penta D13-800 £3,589.38
REPLACEMENT PARTS (inc VAT)
DRIVE BELT £72.48
IMPELLER £150.00
OIL FILTER £37.56
FUEL FILTER £77.76
COOLANT PUMP (EXCHANGE) £436.80
To protect this boat with Coppercoat multi-season antifoul would cost £2,970 inc VAT. For a quote on any other boat call 01258 861059 or visit www.coppercoat.com
SURVEYOR’S REPORT
The Princess 56 has the virtues of being a flybridge boat while handling like the V Class sportscruiser range. This will satisfy those who need and want the flybridge but also hanker for a sharp-handler.
Rarely over my 23 years of surveying have I found many major structural issues with Princess boats. The level of consistency of build has been good. Given the very fact, though, that the 56 handles so well and is capable of 35 knots, there is potential for stress cracking in several areas, due to over-exuberant use in a seaway.
I would be looking in the following areas, if only to reassure myself that it wasn’t an issue:
■ The flybridge hardtop mountings and mould joints.
■ The hardtop support-pole mounts
and radar arch fittings.
■ The longitudinal exterior lengths of the moulding.
■ The radii in the deck mould where the superstructure
turns to the deck level.
■ The mullion sections for the windscreen
(internal and external). Plus the typical main stringer and frame-moulded sections.
I’d also advise checking the operation of the lowering swim platform. The safety sensors can play up or the platform could be slightly misaligned, which prevents the engines from starting.
Also check the air-conditioning units, generator and any electric windows for correct operation. If a hardtop is fitted, ensure the sliding roof section tracks are clear and all travellers are sliding well.
Teak swim platforms tend to be scrubbed heavily, so ensure there is plenty of useful life remaining and that the teak is still well bonded to the substrate. If it’s a dark blue boat check for UV degradation of the gelcoat.
Lastly, ensure the engine service history is checked and verified – including heat exchanger cleaning. A thorough sea trial when surveying is vital, with an extended run at maximum revs to ensure temperatures remain within specs throughout.
Once you’re satisfied with the above, the Princess 56 offers a great balance of accommodation and sharp handling backed up by an big network of enthusiastic dealers and support teams, so buy with confidence knowing it’s a boat that should hold its value well.
Chris Olsen, Olsen Marine Surveying
Tel: +44 (0) 7971 250105 www.olsenmarine.co.uk