Used Princess 50

R

Rasm

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Hi

Since my parents are looking into buying one of these i would like to hear any experiences any of you might have.

They are only looking at used ones (2001-2003) and if you know of any important modifications or upgrades- that would be very appreciated!

Also - our local Princess dealer told us that the 2x 480 hp is plenty of power for this boat but we find that a bit questionable since most flybridge boats at this size (like the Fairline Phantom 50) got 675 hp.

- If you have any other experiences with boats in this range and at the same price level feel free to post!

- I am sorry if my english is a bit hard to understand!
 
hmm I would not go for the 2 x 480 hp model, it is in fact underpowered
then it depends your usage but they did 30 knots factory delivered reduced to about 27 knots once with the usual weight
should also consider a 50 Phantom IMO
 
yup 2 x 480 seems very small. I used to skipper a P61 which had 715 volvos (apparantly the smaller option) and she was only good for 24knts
 
I had one new in 2001-2002. (Old age !)

Those engines definately not man enough. If I remember correctly mine was the first with the new(then) D12's . The fuel tankage was reduced by 200litres to get them in.

Lovely boat, nice ride, good accom.


Adrian
www.cleanandshiny.co.uk
 
Thank you all for your answers!

I understand that we should only look for boats with the bigger engine.

Adrian - Since you are a former owner of one: what do you think about the quality of the boat? Were there any issues with rust on the exterior? - I ask because some of the boats we have seen had quite a few rust stains here and there, especially at the boat rail(i think is the word?).

- Would it be smarter to go for one of the revised P50's or have the overall quality of Princess not changed any since then? - The reason we look for used ones is that in only 5-6 years the price is almost half - and my parents have no need at all for the newest...
 
[ QUOTE ]
Also - our local Princess dealer told us that the 2x 480 hp is plenty of power

[/ QUOTE ]

It depends on a number of factors. If you must have 30kts max (which is the accepted norm for a planing boat these days) and a 25kt cruise capability, then these engines are not powerful enough once the boat is loaded with cruising gear and people. On the other hand, if you are happy with 26-27kts (many people are, me included) with a 20-22kt cruise, then these engines are fine. Another factor is whether you are going to use the boat in the Med or the UK because it will definitely lose 1-2kts speed in the Med, and with the heavy hull fouling there, you could easily lose a further 5-6kts so the larger engines would definitely be better for Med cruising
But for me, the biggest consideration is how many P50's were built with the 480hp engines because if only a few were built and most of the others have D12 engines, then this boat is a bit of an orphan on the market. Most used boat buyers will prefer to buy a used boat with the biggest engines offered so smaller engined versions of the same boat will be more difficult to sell on. So, if your parents are still set on this boat, then ensure that the price is well under similar D12 engined versions
On a general note, IMHO, the P50 is a fine boat and having looked at this boat and the Phantom 50 myself in the past, the P50 shades it for me
 
No problem at at with any build issues.

On all boats you may get a grp "rust" staining on the stanchion base are on the grp. This is not a "bad" thing, it cleans off easily........

If the guard/wire rail ends are rusting, they may need replacing, but that's not a major either.

Overall no problem with the Princess ride, build, after service....or anything in fact !

As Deleted User says, re the engines, your parents may be happy with slower speeds, lots of factors come into play, but larger/largest engines are more sought after. You may get a craking deal, on the otherhand, on 74P engines. What is their anticipated use, and where ?

Adrian
www.cleanandshiny.co.uk
 
I see your points and will definitely think about it - We will probably try to sail boats with both of the engine options before making any final decision.

My parents would be fine with a top speed at 26-27 knots. And it would also suit them very well with the lesser weight from the big D12 engines because of the high fuel prices now. The only thing we worry about is what is best when selling the boat again in the future. As you both say - people only want to go faster.

I think there have been made quite a few P50's with the smaller 480hp option. Both the Danish dealer and all brookers in Denmark only have boats for sale with this engine option which is why we wanted this second oppinion. - But i dont think that it is a rare engine choice for the boat. I just think it is strange that Princess choose such a large gap between the engine options 675hp><480hp. Still - i see that Princess now puts 2x 500hp in the P42 so i got to admit it seems very little for a P50.

We live in Denmark and it wont be in the water for more than 6-7 months at a time, so after reading your thoughts i think the 480hp option is probably more functional here than anywhere.

By the way- thank you very much for helping us on this!
 
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Still - i see that Princess now puts 2x 500hp in the P42

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They don't - that appears to be an error on the Princess site; the actual engine choices available are d6-370's and d6-435's. (If you look at the brochure extracts available on the same site you'll see the d6 choices).

Cheers
Jimmy
 
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