Advice/Thoughts sought on new old boat purchase - Princess 35

[LadyJ]

I'm looking for some advice, I am nearing 2 years in my Merry Fisher 755 having bought the boat new. I've loved it but want to cruise further for longer and to that end have seen a 1990 Princess 35 for sale. It's in good cosmetic condition but wonder at going back so old from a new boat. What are the thoughts from the forum, should I hold out for a newer boat of a similar size or is this a sensible move to give me the ability to cruise longer and further without breaking the bank. Also keen to hear views on the Princess 35 from those that know that boat it's the 200hp Volvo twins.

 

[longjohnsilver]

If Hlb was still about he'd give you chapter and verse on the P35. He loved his and had few problems with it, the original gearboxes were suspect, so worth checking out, he also had the same 200hp engines.

It's a great sea boat, I spent a lot of time aboard, cruises at around 20kts using about 1gallon per mile.. some of the internal fit out will now look dated, the transom gate on the later models,is a definite plus, and the dinette version rather than a separate cabin opposite the galley gives a few more options.

If you find a good one at the right price you won't go far wrong. Happy hunting. Oldgit of this parish will have much more info having recently bought one.

 

[gery w]

Tamd41b engines are Bomb proof however a little smokey at times, with these engines it will cruise in the high teens and should achieve 23/24 knots flat out.
The Princess 35 is a great boat we had one with 250hp Cummings for a while.

Ps were you in Millport on Saturday with lady j?
Regards Gerry

 

[oldgit]

Most boat least money principle.

I'm looking for some advice, Also keen to hear views on the Princess 35 from those that know that boat it's the 200hp Volvo twins.

Have just bought one, quite probably as a result of Hayden ranting on about them years ago.
Having owned one or two "proper" boats starting with a Princess 25, then 33 and then deviating to a Broom, have returned to the Princess fold.
Always at the older budget end of the market, needed internal volume, some pace but above all seakeeping and reliabilty, no rubbish outdrives or flaky electronics on highly stressed engines or look at me fashion statements.
There were/are quite a few P35 lurking on the market many because of totally unrealistic expectations about price, not confined to this boat either.
It appears that it takes 1-2 years of the boat sitting quieting rotting before reality dawns.
Prices range from £40K up to a very optimistic £60 K+
The sea keeping is as good a suggested and much better than my old rolly polly Broom in muddled sea a bit tricker in locks though, as no keel.
Well put together and solid , although a bit spartan compared to modern gloss cherry interiors,however more able to stand up to day to day wear and tear.
Things to watch.
Many did not have hours meters.
Those gearboxes need to be OK.Most almost certainly will have been replaced/repaired at least once in the life of the boat.
Water damage to interior woodwork due to standing idle.
Avoid the 165HP version.
Other than that ,its a 25 year old boat.
Under NO circumstances are you interested in the one with outdrives up in the Midlands.
Good luck

 

[LadyJ]

Re: Most boat least money principle.

Have just bought one, quite probably as a result of Hayden ranting on about them years ago.
Having owned one or two "proper" boats starting with a Princess 25, then 33 and then deviating to a Broom, have returned to the Princess fold.
Always at the older budget end of the market, needed internal volume, some pace but above all seakeeping and reliabilty, no rubbish outdrives or flaky electronics on highly stressed engines or look at me fashion statements.
There were/are quite a few P35 lurking on the market many because of totally unrealistic expectations about price, not confined to this boat either.
It appears that it takes 1-2 years of the boat sitting quieting rotting before reality dawns.
Prices range from £40K up to a very optimistic £60 K+
The sea keeping is as good a suggested and much better than my old rolly polly Broom in muddled sea a bit tricker in locks though, as no keel.
Well put together and solid , although a bit spartan compared to modern gloss cherry interiors,however more able to stand up to day to day wear and tear.
Things to watch.
Many did not have hours meters.
Those gearboxes need to be OK.Most almost certainly will have been replaced/repaired at least once in the life of the boat.
Water damage to interior woodwork due to standing idle.
Avoid the 165HP version.
Other than that ,its a 25 year old boat.
Under NO circumstances are you interested in the one with outdrives up in the Midlands.
Good luck

Thanks really appreciate your comments. Hope you enjoy yours. I'm going to go and see one next wk and then can start to look at the points you raise. I suspect I'll have a few questions after the viewing. Also the need to sell mine but that's for another day.

 

[oldgit]

Re: Most boat least money principle.

Thanks really appreciate your comments. Hope you enjoy yours. I'm going to go and see one next wk and then can start to look at the points you raise. I suspect I'll have a few questions after the viewing. Also the need to sell mine but that's for another day.

Having viewed at least half a dozen P35 over the last couple of years, have probably seen most on the market.
Some subsequently sold, some are still up for sale..
There is another forumite doing the rounds for P35 at the moment as well.
If you want to PM me possibly have seen the boat you are interested in, plus might have some low down on one or two more at the far extremes of the UK (Scotland and NI) that were simply too far away.
Unless you have a definate buyer for your boat or it is highly sort after, would suggest its getting bit late in the season to get the best price for selliing a boat .

 

[Very Annoyed]

Re: Most boat least money principle.

There is another forumite doing the rounds for P35 at the moment as well.

That'll be me then Fred!!
Good to see that there are two of us now looking perhaps we can compare notes etc and with Fred as our mentor we should find some exceptional boats!!
PM sent !

 

[oldgit]

Re: Most boat least money principle.

Depending on your requirements the Princess 330 and the Princess 315, both smaller flybridge versions of the P35, come up every now and then.
Both available with shafts and the 200 HP AD41 and those gearboxes.
Internal volume is considerably reduced though.
Some might consider the 315 to be to small for flybridge. ?
No where near as tippy as the Sealine though.

 

[LadyJ]

Re: Most boat least money principle.

That'll be me then Fred!!
Good to see that there are two of us now looking perhaps we can compare notes etc and with Fred as our mentor we should find some exceptional boats!!
PM sent !

Indeed, thanks for the PM and we may need to call on Fred for some advice I'm sure. Quick question for any that have taken one out, is there a need for a bow thruster or is that superfluous on this boat?

 

[Elessar]

Re: Most boat least money principle.

Indeed, thanks for the PM and we may need to call on Fred for some advice I'm sure. Quick question for any that have taken one out, is there a need for a bow thruster or is that superfluous on this boat?

Time to miss Haydn again! He said the only reason for a bow thruster was to go into a marina the "wrong way round" ie stern to.

There is no need for one. But it makes going sideways possible and so reduces stress/increases options in modern marinas. Stern to is much easier too as you can correct for side wind easily.

 

[oldgit]

Re: Most boat least money principle.

Nice if there is one fitted.
Can depend on your boating. If your adventures all begin and end in tightly packed marinas or inland navigations , it can certainly make your trip more relaxing because of not worrying just how "eventful" your departures or arrivals will be.
All will be aftermarket retro fits.
However should not be deal beaker, you may well find you can manage quite well without one and could spend the £2.000 quid on lift out on fuel .