curiouskb
Member
I am interested in the new P43 flybridge. Any first hand experience on its performance in heavy seas when compared with the P42? Thanks.
Princess P43 performance
- Thread starter curiouskb
- Start date
Nick_H
Active member
There's a MBY video report here, if you haven't already seen it
http://www.mby.com/galleries/videos/535354/princess-43
http://www.mby.com/galleries/videos/535354/princess-43
volvopaul
Well-known member
I can't imagine it being that quick with the 435hp D6 .
[2068]
...
They claim 30-32kts with a 435hp D6.
14,000kg displacement ... how does that compare with a P42?
14,000kg displacement ... how does that compare with a P42?
jimmy_the_builder
Well-known member
About the same iirc. My P42 with D6-435's would generally not get past 28 kts. I think we got the high 29's once, with no water and very little fuel on board. I was disappointed at how slow it was cf. the manufacturers claimed top speed.
Powersalt
Active member
Plus one with jimmy on this. Seen 29 once. Average t speed with normal gear and average bottom fouling is circa 27 knots from what I experience
[2068]
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I would question why you would buy a 14 thousand kilo flybridge, if "speed" was your main priority.
Suggest a Windy Maestro might fit the bill better?
Suggest a Windy Maestro might fit the bill better?
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jimmy_the_builder
Well-known member
Thepipdoc
New member
I think the OP was asking how does the P43 perform "in heavy seas".
I can't comment on this question but I imagine doing the speeds being quoted above in anything but moderate seas.
I can't comment on this question but I imagine doing the speeds being quoted above in anything but moderate seas.
LionsDen
New member
You can have the 430 specked with bigger engines non Volvo btw :encouragement:
curiouskb
Member
Thanks for the feedback. My main concern is not with the top speed but more with cruising comfort especially in a head sea, will it slam, is it a wet boat? P43 is now 47 feet long n I really doubt if it can get 30 knots with D6 as claimed by builder.
paultallett
Active member
As has been pointed out, there is a MBM / MBY video of P43. I also remember reading in the mag that it's handing and sea keeping came in for good praise. I know there could be the usual advertising bias but it would be a first for Princess to turn out a stinker.
May be one of the YBW team can comment for you?
Nick Burnham
Active member
Hi,
I was the first journalist to test the Princess 43 just after it was launched last year, and we had it out in a force 5 to 6. It had been gale force 11 only days earlier, so it was pretty exciting out there! I've also had quite a bit of experience of the Princess 42.
It is, as has been said, a bigger boat than the 42 (bigger than 42 to 43 would suggest) but a very similar concept. As such it feels a more roomy boat. They're both excellent sea boats, but (as you'd hope and expect) the 43 is an improvement. It was genuinely very impressive out in the rough stuff! Top speed over a two way average I recorded at 28 knots, and that was a freshly launched boat with a 4kw generator and hydraulic platform, but no dinghy and according to my notes, 0% water and about 45% fuel. So maybe in perfect conditions with no genny or hydraulic platform you might squeeze an extra knot or two, but we didn't. However it cruises comfortably in the low to mid twenties which is all that most would want or expect.
Stand out features for me, beyond the sea keeping, were how quiet it was at the lower helm (visibility is good too, so it's easy to drive from there if it is rough, wet or cold), the quality of the interior, and the space inside.
There was a full test in our January 2014 issue, and you can buy back copies or just test reprints from our web site here:
www.motorboatsmonthly.co.uk
This is the video we made at the time. This was done in sheltered water in Cawsand Bay, it was just too rough further out.
All the best,
Nick
I was the first journalist to test the Princess 43 just after it was launched last year, and we had it out in a force 5 to 6. It had been gale force 11 only days earlier, so it was pretty exciting out there! I've also had quite a bit of experience of the Princess 42.
It is, as has been said, a bigger boat than the 42 (bigger than 42 to 43 would suggest) but a very similar concept. As such it feels a more roomy boat. They're both excellent sea boats, but (as you'd hope and expect) the 43 is an improvement. It was genuinely very impressive out in the rough stuff! Top speed over a two way average I recorded at 28 knots, and that was a freshly launched boat with a 4kw generator and hydraulic platform, but no dinghy and according to my notes, 0% water and about 45% fuel. So maybe in perfect conditions with no genny or hydraulic platform you might squeeze an extra knot or two, but we didn't. However it cruises comfortably in the low to mid twenties which is all that most would want or expect.
Stand out features for me, beyond the sea keeping, were how quiet it was at the lower helm (visibility is good too, so it's easy to drive from there if it is rough, wet or cold), the quality of the interior, and the space inside.
There was a full test in our January 2014 issue, and you can buy back copies or just test reprints from our web site here:
www.motorboatsmonthly.co.uk
This is the video we made at the time. This was done in sheltered water in Cawsand Bay, it was just too rough further out.
All the best,
Nick
rafiki_
Well-known member
Nick liked this one then 
Anders_P42
Member
What are the larger engine options, Cummins?
oldgit
Well-known member
Hindsight is a wonderful thing ...
Princess SD
New member
Hi, cummins qsb 6.7 550's, plus c£25k plus vat on the base price over Volvo 435's. We have delivered a few P43's now, all Volvo's. All owners very happy with the package so far!! Someone better informed than me might be able to confirm that (I believe) a significant proportion of SQ42's have d6 370's. Speed is not everything these days, it seems low 20's comfortable cruise is the benchmark....RL
LionsDen
New member
Roger - Thanks for confirming the cummins option together with the overage cost which seems reasonable imho given the addition hp :encouragement:
Terry
Terry
