Princess33

[Marco69]

I am looking for advise, I am thinking of buying a Princess33 MK1 flybridge with 2 130 TD Mermaid. I want use this on the west coast of Ireland, mostly island hopping and am wondering about the sea keeping qualities. Any help would be appreciated

 

[hlb]

I used to have a P33 and did N Wales to Ireland, east and south coast, more times than I can remember. Went up to Scotland as well Via IOM. It was a good boat for it's time and was OK in most stuff. Certainly as good or better than it's competitors.

However the West coast faces some very big seas and you would do much better with a P35, which will handle most anything. Yes I know, a bit more expensive. But also the comfort level is far higher.

P33, get a good survey done, particularly on the ribs, which because it's nearly flat bottomed, take a lot of strain, you may need a few mended or strengthened.

 

[oldgit]

Had mine for nearly 10 years and 3500 hours and had great fun.
Tough as old boots and simple to maintain engines.
Loads around so you can be as hard as nails when you negociate.
Be bit wary about boats only been used on freshwater rivers and then taking it to sea.Purely because of crud in the tank and tend not to come with sea stuff including davits/radar and decent navigation system.
Prices vary widely and you should buy on condition alone.When we sold my old P33 we did look at buying another,poss a mk11.
Condition varied from spotless to some of the worst old rubbish have ever seen almost floating,from about £12/15K at the bottom up to £30/40K from some real optimists.
As regards hull surveys etc,it is up to you and your confidence in spotting a wrong un...
The flybridge is weeny and do not pay loads over top just because its got one.
Ps.A flybridge P37 sold for under £30K when we where last looking around,some real bargains out there at moment.
PPS.Nearly forgot check the ALL windows CAREFULLY they are old and will LEAK especially the ones in the front bedroom,make sure a previous owner had the grief and expence of sorting them.Careful sealing can temp sort but they ALL need to come out to really sort the problem.Rocking and rolling around at sea will open the gaps bigtime.

 

[Marco69]

Princess 33

Many thanks guys,
The boat is really in good condition and a respected surveyor is on the way. Radar, GPS, etc. is included so no worries there.

 

[Jim@sea]

Your choice of engines for the Princess 33 is correct. I bought a new P33 in 1979 with twin 80 Mermaids. And it would not do more than 10 knots and when you are messing about off Holyhead where the tides run at 8 knots a margin of 2 is not enough. Although its a long time ago wasent there a choice of hulls, ie semi displacement and plaining. In another listing on this foreum someone showed the original specification for a P33 with 2X80 Mermaids and said that they would do "Up to 13 Knots" When I bought mine I told them that if it did not do 13 knots I would take it back for a refund. And that is exactly what I did.

 

[oldgit]

my boat with 2 x AQD40. (130 HP) would just about achieve 15 knots with water and fuel,on one magic day it did get to 15 and a bit immediately after a haul out and new coat of A/F.