Princess 420

[Moose]

I had a look around a 1996 Princess 420 the other week and was very impressed. It's the sort of boat that would give us a lot more room and make long distance stuff a lot more comfortable. I didn't get much time on-board though and the one I saw is now sold so I'll have to track down another one to have a proper look. Anyway, does anybody have any experience of the 420, good or bad. The one I saw had 63Ps which I know are great engines but might they be a little too small for a 420?

 

[RogerRat]

No experience on the 420 but another forumeer, 'Aquavit' has a 430 based in the Hamble. Might be able to tell you more.

The 63p's may be a little small depending on speed required but his will do 26-28 knots and cruises at around 22, I believe.

 

[No1_Moose]

I think you should buy one.

 

[Renegade_Master]

Hi Ian Certain Princess models around that period suffered from window corrosion due to the electrolisis from using two metals SS & Ali. I believe, but stand to be corrected that the 360 and 420 were effected.

I Know that the 560 was effected cos I have one and the window profile was a SS profile wrapped around an "E" shaped aliminium extrusion. All the aliminium section visible internallly has been effected i.e. corroded.

I am replacing all the windows.

Apart from that the boat is terrific mines got TAMD122D 480 hp engines.

Its nice to have uncomplicated engines for a change no noisy compressors with loads of extra belts with tensioners which seem to last about a week, no overhead cam. Must say very quiet inside the cabin whilst going along, yes engines a lot quieter, plus probably better sound insulation from Princess.

 

[PhilF]

its not a big enough jump for you, I think you will find it underpowered, have a look at a 440, loads more room and bigger engines

 

[longjohnsilver]

Aren't you just a teensy weensy bit biased? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Garryt]

I've just bought a Sealine F43, 1998. Absolutely LOADS of room inside with an aft cabin and fitted out really well. It has the 63P engines and with rope cutters/strippers installed and a clean bottom, she pulled 29.1 knots in less than perfect conditions. If you're looking for an older version, try the Sealine Statesman 410, which is basically the same. The F43 is not a sporty boat, but very comfortable on the water.

We are absolutely over the moon with the F43!

 

[Nick_H]

I expect a 1996 420 would weigh a fair bit less than a current P42, as boat weights seem to have gone up over the years, so may well have acceptable performance on twin 370 hp. Doubt it would reach 30 knots though.

 

[david_steward]

I bought a Princess 440 in April and I am very pleased with it.

Compared to the 420, the 440 is longer beamier boat. You also get a third cabin that doesn't compromise the other two cabins or the heads. Volvo 72edc push along to 34 kts.

We also looked at a Fairline Sq 43 and was very disappointed compared to the 440.

 

[jfm]

Dunno the exact size/weight of 420 but we had the 63p 'gines in phantom 42 and they were fine. 29-30 top, easy 22-23 cruise.

Have you sold the 37?

 

[No1_Moose]

nope, not at all, and luckily Moose_snr has now bogged off to the Falklands for 3 weeks so I'll just have to go and whip up some support on the Princess stand at lbs to ensure he's bombarded with plenty of 'please come and look at our boat' phonecalls when he gets back

edit: I hope he doesn't get web access there! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[tetleys]

We are going through similar thoughts trying to juggle age, size, and engine options. Since the decision on the fuel we have started to look at slightly smaller flybridges eg Phantom and Princess 38,s and F37, but all are a bit small for us. The F43 looks good but we have always wondered whether 63p,s are too small ? and do they have to be driven hard ?

 

[Divemaster1]

A P420 with 63P's on e-bay ... open for offers ....

 

[rickp]

Used to get between 20 & 22knots cruising on our F43 with 63Ps and topped out at 29knots with a clean bum.

Rick

 

[kcrane]

Appropo of very little, but the bid history on that Princess is interesting. ebay shows how many items the bidders have tried to buy, and what proportion of their activity is on the item at hand. I'm not experienced with ebay, but is this intended to show whether they are ghost bidders pushing up the price, rather than established ebay members putting forward genuine offers? A number of the bidders for the Princess have little ebay activity and a large proportion of their activity is on this boat. Just wondering for future reference.