Which Princess 35?

[Avalon]

After owning sailing boats for most of my adult life I've decided to take a break from wind power and get a motor boat. We would like to spend some time cruising through the French waterways as well as coastal and offshore cruising.

After some consideration and viewing a number of boats we think that our first power boat is likely to be a Princess 35 from the late 80s - with the dinette rather than the second cabin. We reckon that in the present buyers' market we should be able to get a decent one for £45k or so.

So far we have seen two.

The first one has 2 X 200hp Volvos on shafts, but is in poor cosmetic condition needing new upholstery and canvas work and a fair amount of tlc throughout. IMHO It is overpriced for what it is.
The second one was nicely maintained and in good condition throughout. This also has 2 X 200hp Volvos - but with stern drives.
We will shortly be looking at a third one which appears to be in good shape and sensibly priced, with shafts - but 2 X 165hp Volvos.

As an aside I'm also aware of the rather odd single engined P35 on Ebay. Which comes uniquely equipped with a "bowel thrusher"(sic).

Do any of you who are familiar with these boats and engines have any words of advice?

What difference does the size of engine and the type of drive have on value and usability?

From my sailing days I am familiar with shaft seals, stuffing boxes and cutless bearings, and would tend to regard sterndrives as being the Devil's work and a recipe for future poverty. For that reason I am inclined to steer clear of the sterndrive boat despite it being the best in other respects. Am I wrong to take that view?

If I go shaft drive would I regret buying one with "only" 330hp?

Do any of you know of any other P35s out there which might meet our needs and our budget?

Thanks.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Hopefully Hlb will be along soon, he owned one for years, maybe send him a PM. He loved his, always seemed much bigger than a 35' boat (which it was, about 40' overall). His had the 200hp Volvos, which were a good match for the boat. I didn't know they were made with outdrives. Personally I'd avoid them, 20+ year units will almost inevitably cause grief. 165s will probably be a little underpowered for the size of boat and will be more difficult to sell on later, as will the o/d boat.

The P35 is a great sea boat, you certainly won't regret buying one.

 

[Greg2]

Never owned a P35 but looked at several over the years as they were an option. I didn't think that they did one with outdrives. May be wrong of course but as you have already identified avoid if possible. Not only will they be an issue in terms of maintenance (I have had outdrive boats) but they won't be quite as good on the maneuverability front. In the interests of balance (and to avoid re-igniting the perennial outdrive v shaft debate) they will be more economical in terms of fuel consumption and you can lift them to dry out or deal with a rope around the prop.

On engine size my guess would be that anything less than the usual AD41 200hp which you find in most would be under powered. Fine if you are always on the inland waterways or happy to run slower at sea but need to bear in mind re-sale because most will want the extra power on tap even if it isn't used often.

If you are thinking European waterways then you need to consider air draft. A flybridge may not be the best option so maybe consider Broom/Haines/Westwood type aft cabin boats? Loads more accommodation space, usually easier decks for working and lower air draft (most Broom were designed with both sea and inland cruising in mind). I am biased of course but in my defence years of boating led us to settle on a Broom

As already mentioned Haydn is your man for specific advice on the P35

 

[oldgit]

After owning sailing boats for most of my adult life I've decided to take a break from wind power and get a motor boat. We would like to spend some time cruising through the French waterways as well as coastal and offshore cruising.

After some consideration and viewing a number of boats we think that our first power boat is likely to be a Princess 35 from the late 80s - with the dinette rather than the second cabin. We reckon that in the present buyers' market we should be able to get a decent one for £45k or so.

So far we have seen two.

The first one has 2 X 200hp Volvos on shafts, but is in poor cosmetic condition needing new upholstery and canvas work and a fair amount of tlc throughout. IMHO It is overpriced for what it is.
The second one was nicely maintained and in good condition throughout. This also has 2 X 200hp Volvos - but with stern drives.
We will shortly be looking at a third one which appears to be in good shape and sensibly priced, with shafts - but 2 X 165hp Volvos.

As an aside I'm also aware of the rather odd single engined P35 on Ebay. Which comes uniquely equipped with a "bowel thrusher"(sic).

Do any of you who are familiar with these boats and engines have any words of advice?

What difference does the size of engine and the type of drive have on value and usability?

From my sailing days I am familiar with shaft seals, stuffing boxes and cutless bearings, and would tend to regard sterndrives as being the Devil's work and a recipe for future poverty. For that reason I am inclined to steer clear of the sterndrive boat despite it being the best in other respects. Am I wrong to take that view?

If I go shaft drive would I regret buying one with "only" 330hp?

Do any of you know of any other P35s out there which might meet our needs and our budget?

Thanks.

Outdrives for soap dishes and when new are fine otherwise....

Princess 35 from the late 80s .....but with stern drives. ..........Nooooooooooooo !

 

[Whitelighter]

I'd check the details on the outdrives boat. Brokers often make mistakes.

Princess never offered the P35 with outdrives. The engine option were:

Twin VP AD41 (200Hp)
Twin VP AD40B (165Hp)
Twin cummins 6BTA (250hp)

All on shafts. I know this doesn't explain the single engined Thames boat but I suspect that is an after production mod for some reason. Same could be true of the out drive boat but worth a double check.

 

[oldgit]

I'd check the details on the outdrives boat. Brokers often make mistakes.

Princess never offered the P35 with outdrives. The engine option were:

Twin VP AD41 (200Hp)
Twin VP AD40B (165Hp)
Twin cummins 6BTA (250hp)

All on shafts. I know this doesn't explain the single engined Thames boat but I suspect that is an after production mod for some reason. Same could be true of the out drive boat but worth a double check.

From the Heritage website ?
http://www.princess.co.uk/about-us/princess-yachts-heritage/

Princess 35
Year Started: 1984
Year Finished: 1992
Length Overall (Inc Pulpit): 35ft 9in / 10.90m
Length Overall (Ex Pulpit): 34ft 9in / 10.59m
Beam: 12ft 1in / 3.68m
Draft: 3ft 3in / 0.99m
Approx. Displacement: 6.3 tonnes
Height Above Waterline to top of GRP radar arch: 12ft 6in / 3.82m
Height Above Waterline to Top of Fixed Structure (Excluding radar arch and light mast): 10ft 7in / 3.22m
Usual Engines Fitted: Option 1 Twin Volvo TAMD41 (200hp diesels on shafts/sterndrives)
Usual Engines Fitted: Option 2 Twin Volvo TAMD40B (165hp diesels on shafts/sterndrives)
Usual Engines Fitted: Option 3 Twin Cummins 6BTA (250hp diesels on shafts)

That P35 with the single engine has been around(and up for sale for years).It may have also had the flybridge and/or radar arch removed.
The was also for sale a Cornich and P38 with unusual airdraft/engine modifications doing the rounds.
The P38 was fitted with a pair of tiny 4108 to accompany X channel swimmers and was based at Dover..

 

[Avalon]

I'd check the details on the outdrives boat. Brokers often make mistakes.

Princess never offered the P35 with outdrives. The engine option were:

Twin VP AD41 (200Hp)
Twin VP AD40B (165Hp)
Twin cummins 6BTA (250hp)

All on shafts. I know this doesn't explain the single engined Thames boat but I suspect that is an after production mod for some reason. Same could be true of the out drive boat but worth a double check.

I have seen the outdrive boat with my own eyes so can confirm that it has them. The engines are not original though, they were fitted (reconditioned) by the present owner. I was told that originally it had petrol engines. The engines are of course mounted in what is the "lazarette" area of a shaft boat so access is good and there is loads of storage under the saloon floor.

My strong preference is for a shaft drive boat.

 

[Avalon]

Never owned a P35 but looked at several over the years as they were an option. I didn't think that they did one with outdrives. May be wrong of course but as you have already identified avoid if possible. Not only will they be an issue in terms of maintenance (I have had outdrive boats) but they won't be quite as good on the maneuverability front. In the interests of balance (and to avoid re-igniting the perennial outdrive v shaft debate) they will be more economical in terms of fuel consumption and you can lift them to dry out or deal with a rope around the prop.

On engine size my guess would be that anything less than the usual AD41 200hp which you find in most would be under powered. Fine if you are always on the inland waterways or happy to run slower at sea but need to bear in mind re-sale because most will want the extra power on tap even if it isn't used often.

If you are thinking European waterways then you need to consider air draft. A flybridge may not be the best option so maybe consider Broom/Haines/Westwood type aft cabin boats? Loads more accommodation space, usually easier decks for working and lower air draft (most Broom were designed with both sea and inland cruising in mind). I am biased of course but in my defence years of boating led us to settle on a Broom

As already mentioned Haydn is your man for specific advice on the P35

Air draft is an important consideration, however one of the P35s we are considering has already been through the French canals to the Med so obviously it is doable (with the radar arch hinged down or removed).

We have considered Brooms which I know have an excellent reputation for quality and craftsmanship. The newer ones are lovely bud sadly well over budget. The older ones which we could afford appear to us vey dated both inside and out with an interior reminiscent of a geriatric's caravan from the 1960s. In our humble opinion, of course. Also they generally do not seem to have a proper double berth.

The Princess 35 is not our perfect boat but seems like the best compromise at the moment. What we would really like (but cannot afford at present) is an Elling.

 

[Whitelighter]

I have seen the outdrive boat with my own eyes so can confirm that it has them. The engines are not original though, they were fitted (reconditioned) by the present owner. I was told that originally it had petrol engines. The engines are of course mounted in what is the "lazarette" area of a shaft boat so access is good and there is loads of storage under the saloon floor.

My strong preference is for a shaft drive boat.

I suspect it's a retro fit then in which case I would follow your gut and steer well clear

 

[Andromeda9866]

I have a P 330 which is similar to th P 35 with Ad41 fitted woyldnt have any smaller engines in a P 35 as it would struggle to plane properly I do know there is a very tidy P35 in Newark marina in Nottinghamshire having seen it an also know the owners very looked after boat but higher priced than your price but been up for sLe a while so might be worth a offer

 

[volvopaul]

I'd check the details on the outdrives boat. Brokers often make mistakes.

Princess never offered the P35 with outdrives. The engine option were:

Twin VP AD41 (200Hp)
Twin VP AD40B (165Hp)
Twin cummins 6BTA (250hp)

All on shafts. I know this doesn't explain the single engined Thames boat but I suspect that is an after production mod for some reason. Same could be true of the out drive boat but worth a double check.

Oh yes they did I've worked on two maybe three, one was V 8 petrols on the Thames, the other was tamd41 A on drives.

I know of one for sale on the Hamble with the 200hp diesels,it was a home transplant but is in good condition if your interested in a direct link let me know..

 

[Whitelighter]

Interesting.

I've got P35 brochures from 1988 and 1991 (I know, as a kid I was obsessed and became a bit of a brochure collector) and neither list stern drives as an option.

I wonder if they were a princess experiment (bit like the V45 out there with IPS for example) or a special order?

 

[Avalon]

Thanks, I have already seen the Hamble boat with sterndrives, nice boat, well looked after and the engine installation looks neat. It's just the drives that put me off.

The Newark boat does look good and may be worth investigating if the owner is open to negotiation on price.

 

[Greg2]

We have considered Brooms which I know have an excellent reputation for quality and craftsmanship. The newer ones are lovely bud sadly well over budget. The older ones which we could afford appear to us vey dated both inside and out with an interior reminiscent of a geriatric's caravan from the 1960s. In our humble opinion, of course. Also they generally do not seem to have a proper double berth.
.

Yes, I know what you mean. All a matter of personal taste of course but there are many Brooms that we wouldn't have for that very reason. Generally speaking the teak interiors are better than the mahogany and the two that we have owned (previously an Ocean 37 and currently a Broom 41) were teak and were/are quite a contemporary. The Ocean did have single berths fore and aft though but we got used to it.

Funnily enough my lad met some customers who were visiting the area yesterday and whilst chatting found that they now own our old 37. It was in great condition for its age and they say it still is albiet they have had to rectify some things done by the guy who owned it before them. They are about to put it on the market....no idea about the asking price but they seem to vary between £37k and £55k now.

 

[volvopaul]

Thanks, I have already seen the Hamble boat with sterndrives, nice boat, well looked after and the engine installation looks neat. It's just the drives that put me off.

The Newark boat does look good and may be worth investigating if the owner is open to negotiation on price.

Bet I know the Newark boat it's on my home doorstep, will take a look at there site .

 

[volvopaul]

Yes I know morning star nice boat .