Princess X80. Have they just won motor boats?

[henryf]

Spent yesterday at the Royal William yard Plymouth looking at the boats which were originally going to be at Düsseldorf before it was cancelled. The highlight of the display was the new X80 launched at the event. I think Princess might have just won luxury boat design……

The X95 is definitely something people have an opinion on. Visually it could never be called attractive but in terms of maritime real estate it’s the gift that keeps on giving, so much so that you do wonder if there’s almost too much. The X80 is far more pleasing to the eye, reminiscent of the Sanlorenzo SX88 and it also provides enough accommodation to satisfy even the most demanding owner. It’s not perfect though, I’m left debating which cabin to take as my master. Main deck, forward views across the bay and a side door onto my private jacuzzi deck with an added bonus of a panoramic toilet to welcome the day in, or more traditional lower deck, full beam, all the trimmings with equally delightful scenery either side.

Throw in a beach club that doubles as a crew mess either open to the ocean or enclosed, a flybridge level enclosed helm that wouldn’t look out of place on the Queen Elizabeth, enclosed cosy club or open al fresco chill out areas. It’s even got an internal staircase. Yes, that’s right folks, an internal staircase leading up from the saloon / dining area / kitchen to the flybridge level.

I predict the next hot ticket, must have boat for the coming seasona. I have heard rumours that pre launch sales have been very strong, so much so that I’m not going to quote a figure as it sounds too good to be true…..

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

Still ugly IMO, but I agree less ugly then the X95. I think it really failed with the top deck curves.
Sure they might have sold about 20/30 on book, which is what everyone favourite brand (insert name) is doing at the moment.
30-50% of this is speculation.... As hulls are far to being laid down, so a buyer or a dealer will sign a letter of interest.

Pininfarina are not new to boat design, Bruno Abbate Primatist from 2005 till 2015, Magnum (mid nineties to 2005), Azimut 65 Pininfarina in the early nineties (you wonder why they did only one), and some Beneteau's as well. In the Magnum they just did the air intakes to be fair. The Primatist work I liked, though it did go against the performance profile of the brand. But the G46 was a hot seller.
But I think with Princess they are over designing, and the large hull windows for me is an overkill.

I would take a Sanlorenzo SX88 but that thatis more made for exterior entertaining, rather then put as much inside as you can.
The new Sunseeker 90 Ocean actually is more a valid competitor to the SX88 as it took some of its exterior space and kept some of the volume inside.

This Princess X80 is actually more directed to compete with the Azimut Grande 27 metri, which they have been selling like hot cakes for the last three years and was a revolution in its size, offering spaces you usually find in a 100 footer. A Grande 26 metri to compete with the X80 is actually coming. Project: Azimut Grande 26 Metri

 

[julians]

It looks utterly awful,but I'm sure that design gives it a lot of space inside.

 

[rafiki_]

Spent yesterday at the Royal William yard Plymouth looking at the boats which were originally going to be at Düsseldorf before it was cancelled. The highlight of the display was the new X80 launched at the event. I think Princess might have just won luxury boat design……

The X95 is definitely something people have an opinion on. Visually it could never be called attractive but in terms of maritime real estate it’s the gift that keeps on giving, so much so that you do wonder if there’s almost too much. The X80 is far more pleasing to the eye, reminiscent of the Sanlorenzo SX88 and it also provides enough accommodation to satisfy even the most demanding owner. It’s not perfect though, I’m left debating which cabin to take as my master. Main deck, forward views across the bay and a side door onto my private jacuzzi deck with an added bonus of a panoramic toilet to welcome the day in, or more traditional lower deck, full beam, all the trimmings with equally delightful scenery either side.

Throw in a beach club that doubles as a crew mess either open to the ocean or enclosed, a flybridge level enclosed helm that wouldn’t look out of place on the Queen Elizabeth, enclosed cosy club or open al fresco chill out areas. It’s even got an internal staircase. Yes, that’s right folks, an internal staircase leading up from the saloon / dining area / kitchen to the flybridge level.

I predict the next hot ticket, must have boat for the coming seasona. I have heard rumours that pre launch sales have been very strong, so much so that I’m not going to quote a figure as it sounds too good to be true…..

Sorry Henry. I’m not a fan. One of the pleasures of boat ownership that we enjoyed was walking up to Rafiki and loving her style. Our next boat will be the same. Your 50 always looks right. I’m sure the new 55 will be the same. These X boats are horrible o look at. The Sangyong of the seas?

 

[stelican]

Sorry Henry. I’m not a fan. One of the pleasures of boat ownership that we enjoyed was walking up to Rafiki and loving her style. Our next boat will be the same. Your 50 always looks right. I’m sure the new 55 will be the same. These X boats are horrible o look at. The Sangyong of the seas?

Even worse if moored next to you.

 

[IDAMAY]

Afraid I agree with all of the above comments. The exterior is grossly over styled. The interior is totally another kettle of fish. I watched Jack`s video and could see little to criticise apart from the usual complete lack of fiddled surfaces. The amount of space on that boat is truly amazing and the finish looks spectacular. Personally, I would change the main deck cabin to a dining area but, as I am never going to own a X80, my opinion isn`t very relevant.

 

[MapisM]

The X80 is far more pleasing to the eye, reminiscent of the Sanlorenzo SX88

R U for real?!?

 

[MapisM]

Azimut 65 Pininfarina in the early nineties (you wonder why they did only one)

Simple, because Vitelli (as opposed to Princess) is not one who makes the same mistake twice!

 

[henryf]

I mention Sanlorenzo only because it was the first boat that came to mind when looking at it and the SL was striking when I first saw it at Düsseldorf. Not sure I fancy triple IPS engines though.

The X95 struggles to fire up my juices visually and there is almost too much space to know what to do with but that’s just me and how we use a boat.

In the flesh the X80 looks OK to my humble untrained eye. The F55 is prettier in the classic sense of motorboats but it’s the hint at what the X80 might offer in terms of internal space that makes me drawn to it.

Interior will obviously vary owner to owner but this particular boat would suit me down to a T, although I’m not sure if there’s a beach club.

The design team will no doubt spend hours explaining height requirements and so on. Nowhere inside felt compromised, probably down to the ply mock ups they make during the design process.

Of course it’s all immaterial at the moment as I’m just slightly short of the £4 million base price



What a lovely setting the Royal William Yard was to host the event. Our little F55 looked epic in there !

 

[henryf]

R U for real?!?

Apparently, yes.

 

[henryf]

It’s worth mentioning of course that the X range isn’t Princess’ only offering. Depending on your degree of sportiness you can go “X” “Y” or “S”.

 

[MapisM]

Apparently, yes.

In hindsight, I must smooth my previous comment a bit.
I mean, I still struggle to understand how the X80 design can be reminiscent of the SX88, aside from possibly being targeted to a similar usage.
But that's a side show vs. exterior design, which is radically different.
OTOH, you did NOT say that the X80 is pleasing to the eye, but "only" that it's MORE so than the X95, and in fairness, I must concede you that.
Though I guess nobody could have made it LESS pleasing to the eye than the X95 even if they tried...

 

[kashurst]

Sorr Henryf - I am not a fan either. I mostly like Princess Boats but these new floating apartment blocks do nothing for me. I know its completely irrational but it looks like it is about to fall over. How is your new one coming along?

 

[burgundyben]

Its level 10 fugly.

 

[henryf]

In hindsight, I must smooth my previous comment a bit.
I mean, I still struggle to understand how the X80 design can be reminiscent of the SX88, aside from possibly being targeted to a similar usage.
But that's a side show vs. exterior design, which is radically different.
OTOH, you did NOT say that the X80 is pleasing to the eye, but "only" that it's MORE so than the X95, and in fairness, I must concede you that.
Though I guess nobody could have made it LESS pleasing to the eye than the X95 even if they tried...

?

 

[julians]

Looks like 3 playstation 5s stacked on top of each other, it's hideous.

But then I can't afford one so I suspect my opinion is irrelevent

 

[henryf]

Sorr Henryf - I am not a fan either. I mostly like Princess Boats but these new floating apartment blocks do nothing for me. I know its completely irrational but it looks like it is about to fall over. How is your new one coming along?

When I first saw the design for the X95 I also thought what on earth…. But they’ve sold a load so what do I know.

For me the X80 is a very different beast in the flesh. I guess for what’s been quite a traditional company it’s good that they are exploring options. Had Euro Millions come good I’d have an X80 out in Thailand….

Ours is still a seed in the factory’s eye at the moment. For a November delivery I think they break ground in July. We have yet to finalise options.

Quite excited having seen an F55 in the Royal William Yard setting. Much nicer than a boat show or in the Princess yard. It looked a bit bigger !

 

[ST840]

Not a fan. Where's the area for fishing from?

It just shouts "look at my money".
Vulgar is a good word.

 

[Portofino]

Bit like clothes you wear it ( the boat ) has to look nice .
You feel better karma and all that knowing its right .
Folks , strangers the fuel guy , dock walkers and even beach swimmers who go out of there way to compliment the boat .
Believe me I know what it’s like to own some thing others covert .

I have a feeling his isn’t gonna happen with this .
Also “ fashion “ boats date rather quickly? So while it might be 10 ( someone said ^^^ ) on the fugly scale today it’s gonna be 10 ++++ tomorrow, off the scale !

I guess same with houses in a way, why but an ugly one given a choice?

Do princess offer free life therapy sessions and unlimited proscriptions for antidepressants kicking in after 12 months @ year 2 I wonder ? Cos the owners gonna need them .

Depreciation disaster as well FWIW .Not a lot I suspect to the prospective owners .

 

[henryf]

I’m intrigued as to why you think it will be a depreciation disaster. From my understanding Princess have orders for over 30 as it stands. Someone suggested that some will be letters of intent to purchase - my experience is that money changes hands when you place and order so I suspect slightly more than just vague interest.

No idea how many will be built per year but it won’t be one a week like the old P42 so there’s going to be a waiting list. That means second hand boats that do make it onto the market should find buyers.

As for placating dog walkers, swimmers and dock penguins I suspect anyone who’s climbed the ladder high enough to strike out a cheque for an X80 will have tough enough skin to enjoy their extensive chunk of maritime real estate.

To those people any big white boat is an ostentatious display of wealth & bad taste.
I was told buying a new P43 was a bad idea, buying a new P50 Mk3 was a bad idea, I’m now being told buying a new P55 is a bad idea. Who knows, one day they might be right but we’ve coped thus far & you’re a very long time dead. I could create some very happy memories on an X80.