1999-2003 Princess 38 fly info please

Nick1150

Nick1150

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Hello,

I've being looking for this fly bridge model a while now. Most boats under sale in here are 2001 to 2002 production and all with the Twin Volvo TAMD63P (370hp diesels) option.

Is there any owner of the Princess 38 who can advise me about this specific boat ?

Any pros or cons ? Consumption ? etc...

Thank you in advance, I really appreciate your help,

Regards,

Nick
 
I havent owned this specific boat but I have had 63Ps in another boat of similar weight.
I would guess at @ 1.3mpg with a clean bottom, depending on props @ 30Kns max
the engines are super - mechanically injected with a wastegate turbo charger. Easy to work on and one of volvos better ones. the gearboxes seem to be zf irm 220s - also super just check the colour of the gearbox oil. If its gone dark/black the clutches could be past it, however easy to change/rebuild the gearbox. The rest of the boat - well its a Princess they don't get much better in terms of build quality. At that age some of the electronics are probably past their best but thats part of the fun , adding upgrades and improvements.
 
I see you're based in Greece - there are several Princess 38's in that age range for sale in Greece, with asking prices starting under £100k.

Yes, I'm looking for something similar - either Phantom 38 or Princess 38 - so would be interested in feedback as well.
 
Last edited:
EugeneR said:
I see you're based in Greece - there are several Princess 38's in that age range for sale in Greece, with asking prices starting under £100k.

Yes, I'm looking for something similar - either Phantom 38 or Princess 38 - so would be interested in feedback as well.
Click to expand...

I have had a Phantom 38 now for 4 years, and i love it. Before I bought it I looked closely at the P38 as well. Both are great boats and the 63Ps are superb engines providing good performance, cruising speeds between 7 and 25 knots with 30+ at the top. I average less than 4 lts per NM. Make sure engines are serviced and in particular the external rubber hoses are renewed, both oil and raw water. Not expensive but can lead to a rebuild if left un attended. After test driving both boats the Fairline had a slight edge on seakeeping in my view, especially in a short and steep chop. I beleive this is due to the fact that It has a slightly deeper fore foot and is slighly narrower. Also the hull is longer as it extends all the way to the end of the bathing platform. Also the Phantom has a superb flybridge and it has two toilets. The Princess on the other hand felt slighly roomier in the salong and masters cabin. The internal styling is different where the Princess is more woody and the Phantom lighter.
 
There's a P38 on the opposite side of the pontoon to me. I have to say it looks a very, very nice boat. Lots of space and nice proportions. I could be tempted in that direction.
 
Its horses for courses as ever.

The Princess has 1 head but guess what? The space is used elsewhere thus all 'public space' is much larger as a result. Also the Princess has no exposed F/G internally on view and as others have said more wood used so a bit more 'clubby' There are pros and cons to each and only viewing whats on offer will decide which suits you / your wallet etc best.
 
Good feedback, thanks baylabayla3288 and kashurst.

So far, I've only had good feedback for both of these models. Anything else we should look out for on either of these e.g. things that commonly needs replacing and/or fixing after a few years?

(sorry to OP for, sort of, tagging on to his question)
 
The Fairline Targa 38 was a classic for Fairline one of thothe models that got it rightin its time and it sold very well.

I did not have one and only have indirect experience of the boat.

I have had two boats with the Volvo Penta 63P engine and I have done probably about 900 hours in total on two boats. The engines are one of the best they built, they are mechanical, robust and reliable, provided thay have been well serviced and fed good clean diesel.

Check the prefilters for diesel bug black slime and treat the fuel from day one with a good diesel bug biocide such as Grotamr 82.
 
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