Princess 366 Riviera... opinions ???

[Nick1150]

Hi to all,

Let me give you the story...

Back in 2009 I was in search for our next boat, one of which was a great condition and well maintained 1994 366 Princess riviera with twin KAD42s. I didn't picked that as our next boat, but a friend of a friend did, after informing him about the existance of this above boat...

Now after almost 7 years, I sold our last boat and in the search for our next one I came across the same 1994 Princess 366 riviera KAD 42 bought from the same friend of a friend back then, who is actually selling it right now.

The boat is full serviced, well maintained and it is actually like time has stopped on it! At least as far as I know and because of the personal relationship I have the feedback I am getting is perfect, but a survey will be conducted either way if we choose to go to that path...

Finally the price that the seller asks is more than tempting, which makes it more than interesting to make a deal...

So what is the problem you may ask?

My main issue is that this is a 21 years old vessel, and it doesn't sounds good in my ears... I am afraid that we are getting a boat that we will be stuck with, since it will be too difficult to sell it let's say in 5-6 years from now. Princess quality is remarkable but 21 years seems too old (at least for me). On the other hand, the price is too low to miss....

As a side note, given that I fish (trolling) in the winters, there is another obstacle, since the 366 cannot be transformed to a "light" fisherman at all but let set this aside, since my best friend's boat will do that job for me, eventhough I would like to have that flexibility too....

SO What would you do captains?

Give me your thoughts guys

 

[Whitelighter]

I don't think the boat is too old (same age as mine) and you will find a buyer so long as you keep the condition maintained - of course the price will be lower than a 15 year old boat or 10 but you paid less for it.

The 366 is a good boat but last of the older style princess sports boats. In 1995 it was replaced by the much more modern V39 which was basically in production until 2006 as the V42.

 

[dustywings]

I agree that is really not old , mine is 1980! As long as you are buying a well built boat it will go on for years and years. Condition and maintenance are of course important but the benefit you get a good one is you are getting much more boat for your money than a nearly new one.

 

[Nick1150]

Hello guys

Thanks to both for the replies... Any things to have in mind, concerning 366 Riviera? Any figures concerning KAD 42 performance and consumption?

Any advises will be highly appreciated

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

Usually a 366 Riviera gets compared with a Fairline 37 Targa. Model was presented in fall 1993 versus the fall 1994 of the 36 Targa.

Build quality is very similar, above the medium, Princess is slower (32/33 knots max with 230hp Kad42s) and build a bit heavier.
She is in reality a bit bigger then the 37 Targa both in beam and waterline length.
Some exterior fitting are better quality on the Princess, see cleats and rub rail in stainless steel, and the full S/S windscreen and all tempered glass.

Finishing is better and nicer inside the Fairline, much nicer.
Princess has more spacious organized engine room. I am not sure I can call the engine room on a 37 Targa as an engine/room as basically you cannot put your feet anywhere, and between the engines is barely a max of 5 inches of space. The sides are non existent.

Fairline is nimbler to handle at speeds. Yes you can turn the 37 Targa as a powerboat measuring 10 feet, but Princess is a bit better seaworthy. Difference feels mostly in head sea. Possibly due to more weight.
I was never overly impressed with the 37 Targa sea capability even though she closes at a 21 degrees deep Vee if I remember well. Princess at 18, which is more original Olesinski design.
Both chine a bit, although can be arranged with a bit of drives and trim fiddling around, and am sure 99% of casual drivers will not notice.

Consumption should be about 60/70 liters per hour total at 23/24 knots cruise running at 3000/3100 rpm.

 

[Nick1150]

Great info, really apreciated

I see in the Princess heritage some strange figures:

http://www.princess.co.uk/timeline/princess-366-riviera/

How can a 36 ft boat measure 50 ft including pulpit ( ! ) ? There must be something wrong in the figures, right?

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

Great info, really apreciated

I see in the Princess heritage some strange figures:

http://www.princess.co.uk/timeline/princess-366-riviera/

How can a 36 ft boat measure 50 ft including pulpit ( ! ) ? There must be something wrong in the figures, right?

Yes it is wrong. Should be near to 38 feet over all.
But anyways you are looking for a cruiser fishing boat, why would you not look at a Tiara, Cabo, Albemarle, or in alternative an Uniesse, Ars Mare or Cayman Yachts?
All boats above are superior to a Princess 366 Riviera in nearly all aspects, minus fuel consumption as they are on shafts.
Some good deals around in Italy.

 

[Nick1150]

why would you not look at a Tiara, Cabo, Albemarle

all have unacceptable IMO accomodation for 4 @~32 ft, no double cabin layout...

or in alternative an Uniesse, Ars Mare or Cayman Yachts?

not the same size alternatives, these boats are >40-42 ft...

This is a Princess 366 riviera thread, I would like to gain as much info possible about this boat if that is possible...

thanks