Considering new Princess V42

Targa 44

PowerYachtBlog said:
TBH if you want an open cockpit, stern drives, and two cabins I would go blind folded for the 44 Targa GT. Faboulous boat, and very little bow high. IMO the 44 Targa GT rides also better to the Princess V42 or 45 and is a dryer boat.
The Princess has just got sweeter cleaner lines....
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ok now we must have the OP (and me) really confused..sposed to be talking about Princess....and I really wanted a Princess, but having seen the Sealine SC42..I really should look at the Fairline just to be sure..:-)
 
I am about to schedule a sea trial on a Targa 44GT so don't have any first hand experience, but I did go on the V42 and stayed dry all the way back to the marina. We did the doughnuts, up to 36knts etc.
There was probably a bit of spray on the aft sunbed, but none in the cockpit even with the roof down.
What makes you say the Targa 44GT rides better?
 
PowerYachtBlog said:
TBH if you want an open cockpit, stern drives, and two cabins I would go blind folded for the 44 Targa GT. Faboulous boat, and very little bow high. IMO the 44 Targa GT rides also better to the Princess V42 or 45 and is a dryer boat.
The Princess has just got sweeter cleaner lines....
Click to expand...

PYB, is your comment about T44 trim made about the IPS version of the boat, or the sterndrive version?

Cheers
Jimmy
 
martin said:
I did say that "most sports" boats have the "S line" access to the cabin..but your right the GT44 has the open cockpit layout that I want. Hopefully the "new" princess will have it too.
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I don't think it will, sorry. There's a suggestion that the new model will have patio doors, which implies that you won't get that completely open space that you're after.

Have you considered a used V53/V56? Fab seakeeping, massive open cockpit.

Cheers
Jimmy
 
V53 & 56

yes, i love them both...sadly i have champagne tastes and G Beer pockets..

I could almost justify the purchase price to myself (but not SWMBO)...but the running costs are keeping me below 50ft.. and with reasonably frugal (for a boat of that size)engine size if poss...
 
Latest stern drives Volvo D6 370hps, with larger cockpit Version...

I have helmed a V53 and TBH was not much impressed with its seakeeping. A bit bumby in head seas in waves of around 4 to 5 feet. I would again suggest the 52 Targa GT here, yes (Cramped cockpit) but such a better boat, or a Sunseeker 53 Portofino Mk.II, or 54 Predator.
 
PowerYachtBlog said:
Latest stern drives Volvo D6 370hps, with larger cockpit Version...

I have helmed a V53 and TBH was not much impressed with its seakeeping. A bit bumby in head seas in waves of around 4 to 5 feet. I would again suggest the 52 Targa GT here, yes (Cramped cockpit) but such a better boat, or a Sunseeker 53 Portofino Mk.II, or 54 Predator.
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Yep, fair point PYB, you don't want to buy a boat that's going to give you a bit of a bumming :D.

In fact I'd agree that the T52 is a better handling boat, but looking at the whole package, I think the V53 scores so highly on accommodation spaces (all of them) that for me it's the better boat overall. The addition of the hilo platform to make the V56 is the icing on the cake, and if you get one with the D13's, that's the hundreds and thousands on the icing...

I've got no experience of the ss 53/54, so can't comment on those.

Cheers
Jimmy
 
Alwaysbyboat said:
I am about to schedule a sea trial on a Targa 44GT so don't have any first hand experience, but I did go on the V42 and stayed dry all the way back to the marina. We did the doughnuts, up to 36knts etc.
There was probably a bit of spray on the aft sunbed, but none in the cockpit even with the roof down.
What makes you say the Targa 44GT rides better?
Click to expand...

We have a 2010 T44 on IPS, bought her new and now in our 3rd season. Having clocked a fair few miles under our belts, other than a few new boat teething problems, we've been very pleased with her. Having looked around a many similar sized boats, we still feel the T44 has a good balance of space in the key living areas you spend most of your time on a sports boat in i.e. large open cockpit, class leading owner and mid cabins and heads as well as superb build quality all round. The beam of the T44 is the same as the T47 and I believe it also has a similar shape hull, giving superb sea keeping as has already been stated in this thread.

If you would like further owner info, please drop me a PM, happy to provide both positives and a few negatives. The only reason we will look to change at the end of the season, is that we (unlike many people) want a tender garage as we do alot of waterskiing - so hopefully will move into a T47.

Regards

Phil
 
I'm sitting in the beautiful Calanque de Port Miou catching up on this thread, and there's been loads of great advice from Jimmy and others. Where else can you get this quality of unbiased advice about buying your first boat?

Just a couple of things to add from my POV, first do not buy a boat if you can't stand upright in the saloon, it'll drive you mad. I'm not sure if this applies to any of the boats you're looking at, but you did say you're 6'5", so maybe it does.

The second relates to your idea to move it to the med in 2 yrs. The best boat for the med is often (usually in fact) not the same as the best boat for the UK. Personally i'd go for a hardtop in the UK, but always a flybridge in the Med. It's great that you drove both the flybridge and the V series, as most people have a natural prefernce for one type of driving position/style.

My own view would be that most people don't keep their first boat more than 2 years, so i'd buy and spec a boat for UK use, skip the aircon, passarelle etc., then either change or upgrade if and when you move it south.

Anyway, good luck, can't wait to hear which boat you go for.
 
Thank you Nick.

I totally agree with your first comment: this forum is fantastic and has been a great help so far. It raised questions I didn't think of myself, and as a result my conversations with the people from Princess and Fairline) were very useful.

I also agree on the second point: when I looked at the V42, my reaction was "wow!". The cockpit was great, the ride (although short) was fabulous. But then I stepped inside and although the quality seems high, it will indeed drive me crazy to take a shower on my knees, and make toast whilst looking at my shoes...The V45 is fine in the saloon and galley, but heads and cabins are still an issue. Having said that, I will even have that problem on much larger boats.
About the move later on to the Med: I read in this thread that it is always tricky to retrofit equipment. So although I could probably survive the first two seasons in the UK without aircon (or radar), I will need aircon in the Med. So it is probably better to have that added when we buy the boat.
And if we change to boat before going to the Med, then it will have a (minor) impact on the resale value anyway I guess?

I will definitely let the forum know what the final choice will be. Hopefully I'll be able to make the choice in the next 2-3 weeks or so....
 
Alwaysbyboat said:
Thank you Nick.

I totally agree with your first comment: this forum is fantastic and has been a great help so far. It raised questions I didn't think of myself, and as a result my conversations with the people from Princess and Fairline) were very useful.

I also agree on the second point: when I looked at the V42, my reaction was "wow!". The cockpit was great, the ride (although short) was fabulous. But then I stepped inside and Qalthough the quality seems high, it will indeed drive me crazy to take a shower on my knees, and make toast whilst looking at my shoes...The V45 is fine in the saloon and galley, but heads and cabins are still an issue. Having said that, I will even have that problem on much larger boats.
About the move later on to the Med: I read in this thread that it is always tricky to retrofit equipment. So although I could probably survive the first two seasons in the UK without aircon (or radar), I will need aircon in the Med. So it is probably better to have that added when we buy the boat.
And if we change to boat before going to the Med, then it will have a (minor) impact on the resale value anyway I guess?

I will definitely let the forum know what the final choice will be. Hopefully I'll be able to make the choice in the next 2-3 weeks or so....
Click to expand...


Hmm.... Re: the fitting of A/C. I'm not so sure I would rush out and have that fitted just yet. Swanwick can arrange for the A/C to be fitted at any time, it makes no difference if the boat is a new stock boat or a 2 year old one. Rather than second guess what you may or may not be doing a few years down the line I would save your money for the moment. If you do indeed still have the boat in 2 years and want to head to the Med then have it fitted at th at point. If you change boats or decide to stay put in Blighty you will potentially have wasted a fair chunk of money. You won't get anything like it's cost back come re-sale. The only argument for fitting A/C would be that by not fitting it you need to fit a heater which would be surplus to requirements in the Med (but essential in the UK). The A/C will heat as well as cool so it is the difference in cost between A/C and heating that you are looking at.

I have been ultra impressed with the factory A/C install on our P50 so it does work.

I th ink you need to be careful you don't end up over complicating your buying process. The shower for instance is something you use for 2 minutes every now and again. If you are staying in a marina the chances are you will use their facilities, especially if there are a number of people on board. I'm 6 foot 2 and the tube shower in our P42 was fine. If you are at all worried just strip naked and pretend to shower yourself on a test ride :)

That'll give them something to talk about at the boat show. Speaking of which don't leave things too long or else every man and his dog will be chasing deals having been spurred on by the show.

At the moment I suspect you are enjoying the quiet before the storm.

Henry :)

Edited to say I've just read Nick's wise words on thinking too far ahead so forgive elements of over posting.

Henry
 
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henryf said:
Hmm.... Re: the fitting of A/C. I'm not so sure I would rush out and have that fitted just yet. Swanwick can arrange for the A/C to be fitted at any time, it makes no difference if the boat is a new stock boat or a 2 year old one. Rather than second guess what you may or may not be doing a few years down the line I would save your money for the moment. If you do indeed still have the boat in 2 years and want to head to the Med then have it fitted at th at point. If you change boats or decide to stay put in Blighty you will potentially have wasted a fair chunk of money. You won't get anything like it's cost back come re-sale. The only argument for fitting A/C would be that by not fitting it you need to fit a heater which would be surplus to requirements in the Med (but essential in the UK). The A/C will heat as well as cool so it is the difference in cost between A/C and heating that you are looking at.

I have been ultra impressed with the factory A/C install on our P50 so it does work.

I th ink you need to be careful you don't end up over complicating your buying process. The shower for instance is something you use for 2 minutes every now and again. If you are staying in a marina the chances are you will use their facilities, especially if there are a number of people on board. I'm 6 foot 2 and the tube shower in our P42 was fine. If you are at all worried just strip naked and pretend to shower yourself on a test ride :)

That'll give them something to talk about at the boat show. Speaking of which don't leave things too long or else every man and his dog will be chasing deals having been spurred on by the show.

At the moment I suspect you are enjoying the quiet before the storm.

Henry :)

Edited to say I've just read Nick's wise words on thinking too far ahead so forgive elements of over posting.

Henry
Click to expand...

What about the size of the gererator, Henry?
I think I'd fit A/C if there was any chance of moving to the Med.

We had A/C on our old Sealine and she never went to the Med.

Actually, we didnt use (and still dont) use the A/C much for heating.

In the Med during winter, we have a number of oil filled radiators that we use. One in the cabin at night keeps us warm without the heavy load of the full A/C.
The same will apply in the UK.

If buying for the UK only, then an Ebber unit would be appropriate but if there's any chance of moving to the Med - I'd install factory fitted A/C.

However, Nick's comments are sensible.
Buy something for the UK now and upgrade later.
I agree, an FB in the Med is really a must - for us anyway.
You get much more space which you definately need when away from home.
In the UK, I'd agree with Nick an enclosed (HT) sportscruiser might be more appropriate.

Personally, I buy with my heart and I'd probably end up with a FB and buy the Med boat now - but thats me.
 
So says my wife, so it must be true :)

In the saloon/galley definitely no headroom issues. Cabin is fine, heads are too low but that's something I need to live with I suppose. It is indeed only a few minutes a day, and even on a 50 or 56 I have the same issue.
 
I tell you what we have used more than I thought we would and that is the Bimini cover over the flybridge. I'm not a massive fan of roasting myself on the flybridge so the Bimini is a real gem. Obviously it was already fitted when we got the boat and I never thought we'd use it. How wrong was I


Henry :)

Edited to say: you know it makes sense, get a flybridge and I'll lend you one of my cardigans until you find your feet :)
 
henryf said:
Hmm.... Re: the fitting of A/C. I'm not so sure I would rush out and have that fitted just yet. Swanwick can arrange for the A/C to be fitted at any time, it makes no difference if the boat is a new stock boat or a 2 year old one. Rather than second guess what you may or may not be doing a few years down the line I would save your money for the moment. If you do indeed still have the boat in 2 years and want to head to the Med then have it fitted at th at point. If you change boats or decide to stay put in Blighty you will potentially have wasted a fair chunk of money. You won't get anything like it's cost back come re-sale. The only argument for fitting A/C would be that by not fitting it you need to fit a heater which would be surplus to requirements in the Med (but essential in the UK). The A/C will heat as well as cool so it is the difference in cost between A/C and heating that you are looking at.

I have been ultra impressed with the factory A/C install on our P50 so it does work.
Click to expand...

Whilst I generally agree with the above, you haven't yet tried the reverse cycle heating in February when the water is 6-8 degs. I think it really struggles at low ambient water temps, so you'd probabaly need some extra form of heating if you planned to use the boat year round in the UK
 
Nick_H said:
Whilst I generally agree with the above, you haven't yet tried the reverse cycle heating in February when the water is 6-8 degs. I think it really struggles at low ambient water temps, so you'd probabaly need some extra form of heating if you planned to use the boat year round in the UK
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Again + 1

I use the reverse cycle in the UK and it works fine until it is genuinely cold (the very time you need the heating) when it just blows lukewarm air around. At that point we either decamp to the cockpit and use the diesel heating or use two small warm air heaters in the saloon. If I get around to it I'll look into routing the diesel Ebber into the saloon as well.

I don't think you can rely soley on reverse cycle in the UK.
 
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