Princess 380/430 - advice needed

DOK

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Hi,

I'm reposting this with a more relevant title /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I'm currently in the market for a seconhand motor yacht and having looked around (a bit) I have narrowed it down to one of two Princess boats which I will be viewing this weekend - the 380 and the 430. So my question is - do any of you who own (or have owned) either of these types have any tips in terms of things to look out for?

Thanks
 
There is little wrong with a Princesss. No direct knowledge of the models. But if it looks right and suits your needs?? But get a survey. You cant buy a better boat, only one looked after better. Does that help!!
 
All I can say is that I had the 435 and what a splendid sea boat it was. I would be sipping a coffee and not spilling a drop while others were scurrying for harbour.
 
Byron,

I love it when you drop in. Your expertise and knowledge are missed. Not to mention your presence here.

How about another forum meet at your place. We can bring all the food and drink so no hassle for you and your lovely wife. Would just be nice to get some of the 'old timers' back together.
 
Fred drift

I would dearly love a Forum meet here again. Tony (Boat1) tried to arrange one last year but there didn't seem much interest.
What I would 'REALLY' enjoy would be a boat rally here. As you know I have Slipway for those who trail and moorings for those who trek up the Thames to me. I have a nice Marquee it would be great weekend and those who need to could leave their boats to be collected the following weekend. I can even accommodate Campers & Caravans. I would share my bed with Forumite Wives.
 
Am being cheeky enough to asume this is first boat?Most boats of this size and type will have been owned by folks with the knowledge and pockets deep enough to look after them properly and as with most boats of this class it would be usual to find serious fault with the hull unless this was inflicted by previous owner.
Most expensive grief will await in the mechanical bits and most annoying grief in electronic stuff.Many on here will also suggest that the bigger engine options are a good idea to reduce wear and tear on engines.
Survey will bring out obvious problems and decent sea trial with engines running hard should highlight any overtemp/low oil pressure problems awaiting attention by any prospective new owner.Saw a very nice version of this boat down at Swanwick last year.
 
Nowt wrong with either boat providing you buy a good one but I find the comparison a bit strange because the 430 is a much newer boat than the 380 and in a different price bracket so you can't really compare them. If your budget range is really so large, then there are loads of other boats you could look at of a similar size/layout and in the same price bracket. Just off the top of my head, have you looked at

Fairline Phantom 38, 40, 42
Princess 420 (earlier version of 430), Princess 40
Sealine 420, F44, F42/5
Azimut 42
Cranchi 40

and there must be loads of others that I can't think of in the same price bracket. Do a search on boats for sale on this site
 
Re: Fred drift

Count me in! only problem is i cannot get my boat up there. i would have to come by car /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
Re: Fred drift

I think you'd be better of just getting peeps there. Most don't have trailerable boats these days, which is why that idea is more difficult to get off the ground
 
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