New build Princess F55 flybridge

[TonyR123]

interesting thread on air con - which I will need to go over again to fully take it all in! Actually interesting full stop (not just air con). My v55 hull has just started in production (hull completion end of Jan) so any possible issues I would hope to prepare for in advance. Cant see the geny being difficult to service in the v55. The engine bay (and all round access) is miles better than my current Prestige 500 (with tender garage). More clearance above the engines and air con units in the v55 than in the prestige as well.

As for the gyro I spool mine up when still on electric. So while you do various checks, have a cup of tea, etc then the gyro is getting up to speed. Doubt any crew turn up at 9am and leave the dock at 9:01am. Gyro always on for me (and has TRANSFORMED life at anchor) but then the geny is surely always on (in the med) on majority of motorboats above 45ft?

 

[Hurricane]

Cant see the geny being difficult to service in the v55.

If it is anything like our generator (Onan) general servicing is done from the front.
But after about 8 years, the heat exchanger will need replacing.
Not a big issue but thats the time when you need to get down the back to remove the hoses etc.
All do-able but not straightforward.
IIRC, we had to remove the whole housing.

 

[TonyR123]

ah... I havent owned a boat for 8 years yet . Although I expect the Princess I will.

 

[henryf]

interesting thread on air con - which I will need to go over again to fully take it all in! Actually interesting full stop (not just air con). My v55 hull has just started in production (hull completion end of Jan) so any possible issues I would hope to prepare for in advance. Cant see the geny being difficult to service in the v55. The engine bay (and all round access) is miles better than my current Prestige 500 (with tender garage). More clearance above the engines and air con units in the v55 than in the prestige as well.

As for the gyro I spool mine up when still on electric. So while you do various checks, have a cup of tea, etc then the gyro is getting up to speed. Doubt any crew turn up at 9am and leave the dock at 9:01am. Gyro always on for me (and has TRANSFORMED life at anchor) but then the geny is surely always on (in the med) on majority of motorboats above 45ft?

Enjoy the build. We liked our trips down to Plymouth.

Ended up staying at the Rooms By Bistrot Pierre in Royal William Yard. Free parking, a good breakfast and a choice of places for an evening meal.

Tried the Crowne Plaza and the Copthorne but neither really quite hit the spot. Crowne Plaza probably the biggest disappointment. Copthorne staff we nice but the hard product in the rooms a bit dated.

 

[TonyR123]

"Rooms" - exactly where I stayed last time I went! Before that stayed just outside at Boringdon Hall. I should be back down in Feb (hopefully). Before then Dusseldorf!

 

[Hurricane]

ah... I havent owned a boat for 8 years yet . Although I expect the Princess I will.

I thought the same - we also went through the build process - visiting the factory etc
That was 14 years ago - and we still have her.

Lots of people (especially when talking about cars as well as boats) say that they either buy "nearly new" or buy new and replace after a few years.
SWMBO and I don't fall into either category.
We tend to buy new and NEVER sell!!

 

[henryf]

Some interesting news on the build....

She floats !

Slightly ahead of my expectations F55 135 has come off production and is now floating in the sea whilst sea trials and initial commissioning are undertaken. I suspect we may not do another factory visit before taking delivery now. I thought there would be more of a slow down over Christmas but the factory is obviously pushing on keen to honour delivery slots.

 

[henryf]

"Rooms" - exactly where I stayed last time I went! Before that stayed just outside at Boringdon Hall. I should be back down in Feb (hopefully). Before then Dusseldorf!

We'll be in Dusseldorf 26th & 27th Jan

 

[TonyR123]

We'll be in Dusseldorf 26th & 27th Jan

bugger - I am 23rd & 24th Jan...

 

[henryf]

bugger - I am 23rd & 24th Jan...

I think several of the forum regulars will be there around that time.

 

[MapisM]

Very elegant indeed.
Was the radome pedestal necessary to clear the steel pole behind it?
If not, I'd chunk it overboard, 'cause it's the only thing spoiling the beutiful boat lines a little bit.
I appreciate that by lowering the radome, its beam would be right on the head of the helmsman, but who wants to helm from upstairs whenever conditions require instrumental navigation, anyway...?

 

[rafiki_]

Some interesting news on the build....

She floats !

Slightly ahead of my expectations F55 135 has come off production and is now floating in the sea whilst sea trials and initial commissioning are undertaken. I suspect we may not do another factory visit before taking delivery now. I thought there would be more of a slow down over Christmas but the factory is obviously pushing on keen to honour delivery slots.

Henry, please have a word with the Plymouth staff? Poor show on the warps and Gelcoat.?

 

[henryf]

Henry, please have a word with the Plymouth staff? Poor show on the warps and Gelcoat.?

By the time I’m finished with her - or rather Matt from Platinum Marine is finished with her she’ll be looking lovely and ceramic coated.

 

[henryf]

Very elegant indeed.
Was the radome pedestal necessary to clear the steel pole behind it?
If not, I'd chunk it overboard, 'cause it's the only thing spoiling the beutiful boat lines a little bit.
I appreciate that by lowering the radome, its beam would be right on the head of the helmsman, but who wants to helm from upstairs whenever conditions require instrumental navigation, anyway...?

No idea on the radar set up as it wasn’t on when I last saw the boat.

I would assume Princess know what’s required.

Don’t forget there’s a Bimini top there as well.

As for helming from up top in poor vis, I’d go with that to allow the ears to work best. That’s why I’ve got a pair of 16 inch screens up top.

 

[jfm]

Very very nice Henry - congratulations.
Love the dashboard. It does indeed have the all new touchscreen Garmin autopilot controller.
By the way the latest Garmin "Reactor" a/pilot that you have is excellent, In my last boat I had the old one for 8 seasons then fitted the new Reactor for the last 2 seasons and it was MUCH better. The old one relied mostly on fluxgate compass whereas the new one has a bunch of accelerometers and it can sense turning and rough seas from those more than the fluxgate.
I would want the radar high - I use it plenty when driving from flybr - in warm weather at night. You'll do the same when you get F55 to the Med

 

[jfm]

I think several of the forum regulars will be there around that time.

Several there 23rd for sure

 

[benjenbav]

interesting thread on air con - which I will need to go over again to fully take it all in! Actually interesting full stop (not just air con). My v55 hull has just started in production (hull completion end of Jan) so any possible issues I would hope to prepare for in advance. Cant see the geny being difficult to service in the v55. The engine bay (and all round access) is miles better than my current Prestige 500 (with tender garage). More clearance above the engines and air con units in the v55 than in the prestige as well.

As for the gyro I spool mine up when still on electric. So while you do various checks, have a cup of tea, etc then the gyro is getting up to speed. Doubt any crew turn up at 9am and leave the dock at 9:01am. Gyro always on for me (and has TRANSFORMED life at anchor) but then the geny is surely always on (in the med) on majority of motorboats above 45ft?

Congrats on the V55. V series are real lookers. Any pix?

 

[MapisM]

As for helming from up top in poor vis, I’d go with that to allow the ears to work best.

Fairenuff.
I see that also jfm likes to use radar while helming from above, and if so, of course the aesthetic side takes second place.
I just wonder if there wasn't a better alternative for raising the array, because I couldn't help focusing on that ugly pedestal rather than look at the rest of the boat, which is very nice indeed...
But that's me, of course!

 

[henryf]

Very very nice Henry - congratulations.
Love the dashboard. It does indeed have the all new touchscreen Garmin autopilot controller.
By the way the latest Garmin "Reactor" a/pilot that you have is excellent, In my last boat I had the old one for 8 seasons then fitted the new Reactor for the last 2 seasons and it was MUCH better. The old one relied mostly on fluxgate compass whereas the new one has a bunch of accelerometers and it can sense turning and rough seas from those more than the fluxgate.
I would want the radar high - I use it plenty when driving from flybr - in warm weather at night. You'll do the same when you get F55 to the Med

I’m so glad the South of France tourist board still have you on retainer ?

You and I are polar opposites when it comes to boats (but I’m just like you when it comes to arranging travel).

You drill down on every element to the n’th degree and strive to achieve floating perfection. I am looking forward to getting the boat and unwrapping it like a present to see what goodies I’ve got. Whilst learning the Garmin system is a bit daunting I’m pleased to hear I’ve got some pleasant surprises ahead.

There’s a load of stuff I’ve just trusted Princess on. I know you will hit 99% perfection through hard work and research. If I get 85-90% I’ll be happy providing the basic fundamentals are 100%.

If it’s really terrible I can sell it without losing money thanks to the market in this sized boat.

Please don’t take my comments as in any way critical of your approach. Your encyclopaedic knowledge staggers me, I know I don’t have anything like your ability so leave it up to people who do it for a living. Choice of manufacturer is therefore vital for me because of the trust I’m placing in them. You could take a number of manufacturers and manage them into producing the end product you seek.

I really hope you do manage to do another epic build thread. It will be in stark contrast to mine ?

Having said that we both enjoy and get good use out of our respective boats ?

 

[henryf]

One thing I did notice on the F55 which kind of relates to the auto pilot is the treatment of the rudders. Rather than a central ram system they seem to have independent servo motors on each rudder.