Are Princess 32,s Good Sea Boats

[ipw]

Am looking for a princess 32 are they a good sea boat and are the volvo/peugeut engines reliable or mermaids better, any faults ?

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[BarryH]

They were designed as such, altho a lot ended up on the rivers. The pug lumps are actually Indenors(think thats how you spell it). You can still get spares for them and are fairly easy to work on. Some of them were fitted with Volvo petrols, but I doubt you'll see them now.

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[longjohnsilver]

More of a semi displacement boat, mostly underpowered for sea work. Unless re-engined you'll probably struggle to get one on the plane. My preference would be for Mermaids cos the parts are cheap, engines are easy to work on and Mermaid are very helpful

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[Margem]

I had one of these and used it in the Wash out of Boston, very stable in the sea good for about 9-10 knots bit thirsty as low tech engines Volvo's but very reliable and can stand near full throttle all day.

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[capsco]

Never seen Mermaids in a 32 !!! 33 yes, if you have seen one I am sure its a one off check the old Volvos very carefully

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[miket]

Agree.

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[syd]

Hiya IP
I had a Princess 32 for a number of years which I completely re furbished.
It was fitted with twin Volvo AQD32 Diesels. These are fantastic engines but are now very dated with parts becoming very scarce.
I was once on a trip from Ramsgate to Dunkuerqe. The weather or sea state prediction was force 3 to 4 south westerly. Half way through our estimated three hour voyage the weather turned to force 7 easterly. We were stuck out there for eight hours having to change course for Calais to keep the sea on our bow. Although it was uncomfortable and very scarey, the P32 never took on a drop of water. There was loads of slamming, rattling and praying, but we got there safe and sound.
If you're going to sea in a Princess 32, go for the twin Diesel engined option.
I would go channel hopping in one at the drop of a hat.

Syd

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[Greg2]

I have a nice one for sale - PM me with your e-mail address and I will send the details if you like. I have only been offshore a couple of times but she has been fine. The Peugot engines are an Idenor - don't agree that they are expensive to run - I have consumption figures from Marine Projects that prove the contrary. Being naturally aspirated the 106hp don't really give planing speed but they are fine for 10 knot cruising. Mine have been reliable - start every time. Don't think you will find Mermaids in a P32 unless it has been re-engined.

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