henryf
Well-Known Member
I had a quick pop round the show this afternoon. P1ssed down the whole time so a good job you just walk straight on to all the boats 
Big question then, what's the P49 like?
Visually it could do with being a bit longer, Princess have thought of this and offer the boat in a 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 75 and beyond version. Sunseeker had another option back in the day, they made a boat that looked amazing but had no headroom and just the one cabin. In the real world if you want a sub 50 foot boat with lots of space it's going to look a bit stumpy from some angles. Don't worry, when it's at anchor you will still be able to get some great photos for your screen saver at work taken from a front 3/4 viewpoint.
The aft galley works well because unlike the 52 they have left it open meaning you can easily reach all the appliances. Liked the work top return behind the sink which addresses the problem of water damaged wood veneer all P42 owners will be familiar with.
Opposite the galley there is storage including a tall unit by the patio door which looks tantalisingly close to the size of a full height fridge freezer. I wonder if there might be a tweak / option available in the future? The drinks fridge is in this area, very close to the kitchen fridge. Would that full height double unit mean it was redundant? Possibly even a full height double fridge and loose the freezer?
Unlike our P50 there is just the one seating / dining area. The introduction of a fixed cockpit table and U shaped seating means you could argue that second seating area has just been moved further aft. It will depend on your cruising ground. The cockpit is certainly very usable with the deep overhang of the flybridge and the canopy arrangement.
This particular boat is actually still being built believe it or not. It isn't due for delivery until August so see it as a work in progress. We wondered if the fixed dining table might be better served by a folding top which could be made smaller when not eating. All possible options for future owners.
The helm position is familiar to similar size Princess flybridge owners. I noticed the stainless rails have been raised a bit. This combined with full length hand rail along the side provides security for family operation.
Steps down to the cabins are easy to negotiate and lead down to a good size landing.
Master cabin has excellent headroom over the bed and easy access either side. Settee to the port side, storage to starboard and a new storage area behind the TV accessed via a door opposite the en suite bathroom. Huge windows give a sense of luxury.
VIP cabin uses scissor berths to cater for couples in love, couples out of love, kids, singles sharing, singles sharing who go on to be couples in love as the cruise progresses. Lots of head room, access to an ensuite bathroom that doubles as the day / third cabin head. The 2 doors don't clash which is nice.
Third cabin is bunks - there was never going to be anything else at this size with such generous proportions elsewhere. Nice touch with the built in steps.
IPS engines. I'm not going to enter into an argument either way. They offer really easy close quarters handling for a weekend skipper and a top speed of almost 35 knots from 550 HP. Yep, that's right, they saw almost 35 knots on a sea trial. Let's assume 31-32 knots with a bit of kit onboard and the boat in final trim - beer, pies, crockery & a bit of extra chain for the anchor.
I noticed Seakeeper gyro fitted for under £40k RRP. That almost looked like good value and could signify the coming of age for Seakeeper. Have we started to reach critical mass? At a time when boat builders raise prices in line with Liberian inflation it's good to see something come down !
My quick observations, I'm back again on Sunday when I'll take some photos and have another look but this is going to be a winner. 4 sold so far and it's only been on show for a matter of hours. It's also an obvious choice for P42 owners struggling to hand over a big chunk of change to upgrade to a P43 which is essentially the same as their old boat. The P42/3 and the P49 feel very different.
For my money another tick to add to the P75, P68 and S65 we've seen launched recently.
Henry
Big question then, what's the P49 like?
Visually it could do with being a bit longer, Princess have thought of this and offer the boat in a 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 75 and beyond version. Sunseeker had another option back in the day, they made a boat that looked amazing but had no headroom and just the one cabin. In the real world if you want a sub 50 foot boat with lots of space it's going to look a bit stumpy from some angles. Don't worry, when it's at anchor you will still be able to get some great photos for your screen saver at work taken from a front 3/4 viewpoint.
The aft galley works well because unlike the 52 they have left it open meaning you can easily reach all the appliances. Liked the work top return behind the sink which addresses the problem of water damaged wood veneer all P42 owners will be familiar with.
Opposite the galley there is storage including a tall unit by the patio door which looks tantalisingly close to the size of a full height fridge freezer. I wonder if there might be a tweak / option available in the future? The drinks fridge is in this area, very close to the kitchen fridge. Would that full height double unit mean it was redundant? Possibly even a full height double fridge and loose the freezer?
Unlike our P50 there is just the one seating / dining area. The introduction of a fixed cockpit table and U shaped seating means you could argue that second seating area has just been moved further aft. It will depend on your cruising ground. The cockpit is certainly very usable with the deep overhang of the flybridge and the canopy arrangement.
This particular boat is actually still being built believe it or not. It isn't due for delivery until August so see it as a work in progress. We wondered if the fixed dining table might be better served by a folding top which could be made smaller when not eating. All possible options for future owners.
The helm position is familiar to similar size Princess flybridge owners. I noticed the stainless rails have been raised a bit. This combined with full length hand rail along the side provides security for family operation.
Steps down to the cabins are easy to negotiate and lead down to a good size landing.
Master cabin has excellent headroom over the bed and easy access either side. Settee to the port side, storage to starboard and a new storage area behind the TV accessed via a door opposite the en suite bathroom. Huge windows give a sense of luxury.
VIP cabin uses scissor berths to cater for couples in love, couples out of love, kids, singles sharing, singles sharing who go on to be couples in love as the cruise progresses. Lots of head room, access to an ensuite bathroom that doubles as the day / third cabin head. The 2 doors don't clash which is nice.
Third cabin is bunks - there was never going to be anything else at this size with such generous proportions elsewhere. Nice touch with the built in steps.
IPS engines. I'm not going to enter into an argument either way. They offer really easy close quarters handling for a weekend skipper and a top speed of almost 35 knots from 550 HP. Yep, that's right, they saw almost 35 knots on a sea trial. Let's assume 31-32 knots with a bit of kit onboard and the boat in final trim - beer, pies, crockery & a bit of extra chain for the anchor.
I noticed Seakeeper gyro fitted for under £40k RRP. That almost looked like good value and could signify the coming of age for Seakeeper. Have we started to reach critical mass? At a time when boat builders raise prices in line with Liberian inflation it's good to see something come down !
My quick observations, I'm back again on Sunday when I'll take some photos and have another look but this is going to be a winner. 4 sold so far and it's only been on show for a matter of hours. It's also an obvious choice for P42 owners struggling to hand over a big chunk of change to upgrade to a P43 which is essentially the same as their old boat. The P42/3 and the P49 feel very different.
For my money another tick to add to the P75, P68 and S65 we've seen launched recently.
Henry
