Which Princess?

[simonjames]

We have recently decided to buy a motorboat after sailing for the last five years. We are in the process of selling our yacht and have been especially taken by 2 models of Princess. The models we have fallen in love with are the 415 and the 45. The 415 is a 1989 model immaculate with only 700 hours in mainly fresh water but requiring the electronics completely updating and the galley refitting. The 45 is a 1987 model requiring completely recovering and new carpets plus electronics plus a new galley again. Our dillemma is that allthough the 415 is as new with leather etc the 45 seems a lot more boat when finished. We are a family with 2 boys aged 1o and 6, and would be looking to cruise in the south west where our current boat is based, with occasional cross channel trip. Both boats have volvo 306hp engines but the 45 has a lot more hours than the 415 but the 415 does not have a generator as the 45 does. Our yacht is 43 long and only 4 years old, whilst we realise that these boats are a lot older we love the exterior look of them. We are utterly confused and are seeking advice from people who know a lot more than us. By the way these are both very similar price.
Kind Regards

Simon M

 

[robind]

Hi! I have an old princess 41 but I love both the models that you mentioned. For myself I would go for the 45. it is so much boat for so little money (what ever you pay) have you comnsidered the 435. I was working on one for the first time ever, the other day, and once again she was a lot of boat and of course still made ( about 140K buys a superb example) best of luck with your search.
Rob

 

[Renegade_Master]

and of course the 435 has an aft cabin which is nice in the mornings.

 

[Doffy]

Both good boats but the engine size is what matters the 45 with 306's is a waste of time unless you are on the river or estuary. The 415 with 306's will cruise a 18-19knts and in my opinion is the better long term bet when you come to resell.
If you like cruising get the boat with the biggest engines.

 

[robind]

I have to agree with Doffy always get the bigger engine options and preferably not Volvo`s (although they do make great swinging mooring anchors ) /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Regards

 

[simonjames]

Thanks for your advice. Now you've really got me flapping, do you think a 415 with 306 volvos is big enough for a bit of cross channel work?

 

[Doffy]

Yes its ok but keep weight down, wifes clothes etc.
she should do 24-25knts flat out so should cruise at 18,19 at 2450 revs assume max revs 2800+ on load, mine would rev to 3000 and push a 385 to just shy of 30knts.
Oil pressure 50-55 at cruise wil drop to 20 when coming off the throttle fast, temp no more than 90
look at boatdiesel.com for Volvos.

 

[Doffy]

If you find one with 358hp Tamd 71's all the better, very good sea boat.

 

[oldgit]

Speed vs Comfort

While being in total agreement with all the above posts,as you are coming from a saily boat praps blamming along at 25 knots is not your first priority.Both the boats you mentioned give a lot of accomodation for the money so maybe that is your primary aim.The main concern with the smaller engine option is that everything in the engine has been stressed by being driven too hard by the previous owner.However if the mechanical bits are in good order and you are happy to potter across the channel and around the coast at 10/15 knots then what is the problem?.Yes it will be harder to sell on but you will be buying it cheap to start with cos everybody wants the larger engine versions.Went to look at a couple of P45 recently,one needing loads of work at 97K and a really loved one at 125K,both are now lying at Brighton along with a 415 we also had a look at.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

I'm with oldgit on this one. I think changing from a 4yr old saily boat to a 16/18yr old motor boat will be too much of a shock particularly to your wallet. Apart from the fuel consumption of these boats, either one will require far higher spending on maintenance than you are used to compared to your yacht and you should be aware that at this sort of age the engines could be due major refurbishment and you're then talking £'000's
FWIW I think you should be looking at something newer, and, if your budget doesnt stretch, something smaller. A mid '90's boat should have a few more years of life left before major refurbishment is required, something like a Princess 360, Sealine 360/F36, Fairline Corsica 37

 

[Nick2]

Simon

Just interested why you are going from sail to motor boat and wondered how you think your young family will adapt ?

I only ask as we are seriously <u>considering</u> going from power to sail.....

Thanks

Nick