New Year, New Boat - Princess 40

[sprocker]

Almost 20 years ago my father and I saw our first Princess 40 Flybridge, at that point I told him "I'll have one of those one day", I finally realized my dream this week.

We had been looking at upgrading to a 40' ish flybridge, and have viewed a lot of boats that were either good condition and very expensive, or poor condition and still expensive.

By chance we heard about this particular boat 'possibly coming up for sale' earlier in the year, through a friend that knew the boat and the owner, and vouched for her suitability.
After viewing her from the pontoon and seeing what good condition she was, we knew that we wanted to do a proper viewing. So everything was arranged, and after a couple of hours looking her over and chatting to the very knowledgeable owner, we knew that this was the boat for us.

After a further viewing, survey and sea trial followed a few weeks after, the deal was agreed, and we finally completed on her on 1st January.

1998 vintage, TAMD63P with 650 hours and very highly specc'd.

To say that we are over the moon with her is a massive understatement. She is a credit to her previous owner, and is everything that we need to allow us extend our cruising range and year round boat usage in more comfort.

We will be spending the weekends aboard in Plymouth, where she currently lies, until we get a weather window to bring her around the coast to her home berth in Torquay.

 

[mcanderson]

Lovely looking boat. I wish you all the best.

 

[NGM]

Congratulations Looks to be in beautiful condition

 

[Bigplumbs]

What a beauty. Can you bring here on the SWSBR though

Dennis

 

[petem]

Very nice. Design doesn't look dated either.

 

[markc]

Congratulations, lovely boat. Agree with petem, the design still looks fresh.

 

[kashurst]

cracking boat - looks in lovely condition

 

[MrB]

Congratulations. :encouragement:

 

[Switch]

Lovely Boat - Congratulations

 

[sprocker]

Thankyou for your comments, she is in very good condition.

I also totally agree with Petem & Markc, she has a more 'classical' look to my eye, which I really do like, and not as tall as more current Princess models.

When you get down inside the engine bay and bilges etc, you can also see the build quality is superb, literally built like the proverbial brick sh1thouse!

 

[BruceK]

Congratulations! It didn't take you long to upgrade past the 30 foot mark. I see the cruising lifestyle has taken off with gusto :encouragement:

 

[Bouba]

That is a great looking boat, congrats!
One question is that a normal Princess option, the transom crane in its secret hiding place? I’ve never seen one before

 

[sprocker]

Congratulations! It didn't take you long to upgrade past the 30 foot mark. I see the cruising lifestyle has taken off with gusto :encouragement:

Hi Bruce, thankyou for not saying "I told you so".

The Sessa was a very good boat, but after spending every weekend and all of our holidays aboard, even with just the two of us and a spaniel, we soon realised the need for more space.

Cruising really has got to us over the past year or two, so it was very easy to justify to my dearly beloved!

 

[sprocker]

That is a great looking boat, congrats!
One question is that a normal Princess option, the transom crane in its secret hiding place? I’ve never seen one before
View attachment 68313

I'm fairly sure the Cooney crane was a standard option, I have seen it on a couple of boats that we viewed. It's a very neat and tidy way of adding tender handling.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Well done, look forward to seeing her on the Dart. Looks as though you've already escaped from Plymouth, that last pic looks very much like Fowey.

I bet you can't wait for the weather to settle down!

 

[jcwads]

Lovely boat! Congratulations on your new purchase, I am sure you will have some amazing times this coming season.

 

[sprocker]

Well done, look forward to seeing her on the Dart. Looks as though you've already escaped from Plymouth, that last pic looks very much like Fowey.

I bet you can't wait for the weather to settle down!

Good ID on Fowey, although the pic was taken by the previous owner last summer.

She is still in Plymouth unfortunately, just waiting for a weather window to bring her home. You will most certainly see us around on the Dart this year, our 'go to' place for a quick weekend getaway. I will make sure to wave if you are aboard when we pass.

 

[BruceK]

Hi Bruce, thankyou for not saying "I told you so".

The Sessa was a very good boat, but after spending every weekend and all of our holidays aboard, even with just the two of us and a spaniel, we soon realised the need for more space.

Cruising really has got to us over the past year or two, so it was very easy to justify to my dearly beloved!

We wish you many happy days aboard and remember to give us a shout on your way up to Scotland as and when the time comes :encouragement:

 

[Andy Bav]

Many congratulations - as other have said - her looks belie her age, she is a cracking looking boat.

Hope the weather calms down for the trip to Torquay, and with some lovely bolt holes on the way, you could make a nice adventure of it...

Hope you have many good times on her.

 

[NoviceRod]

Congratulations!

Look forward to seeing her when you bring her to Torquay.