Platform Production and Refined Engineering Define the Latest Princess Launch
A noteworthy form of AI, actual intelligence rather than the artificial kind, has clearly taken hold in Plymouth, England, at Princess Yachts. The principle of platform production has been fully embraced, evident in the new Princess V65, which debuted at the Cannes show last fall. This vessel shares not only its hull design with the F65 and S65 models but also a common lower deck layout. For the two sportier models within this trio, even their main decks exhibit remarkable similarity. This strategic approach to streamlined production yields significant benefits. Lower overheads for the shipyard translate into more advantageous offerings for customers, alongside more refined and meticulously engineered components. The increased production volumes inherently encourage greater investment in design and manufacturing processes, enhancing overall quality.
While the underlying platform is shared, the three boats diverge distinctly in their exterior presentation. The Princess V65 emerges as a sporty hardtop, contrasting with a sleek coupé and a flybridge cruiser. Each model caters to a unique style of yachting, offering varied experiences to discerning owners. Being free of a flybridge or upper deck, the V65 is considerably lighter than its S-Class stablemate. Although the shipyard suggests a similar speed range for both boats—34 to 36 knots with the MAN V12s—the V65, with its lower center of gravity, is expected to offer a more dynamic driving experience. The remarkably organized machinery space accommodates these powerful engines efficiently, ensuring excellent access for maintenance without encroaching upon the tender garage.
For those considering an alternative, Princess offers the option of fitting a pair of the smaller 1,200-horsepower MAN V8s in the V65, rather than the standard V12s. This swap from 24-liter to 16-liter engines would reduce the boat’s weight by a substantial 1,400 pounds and free up approximately 15 inches in the engine room. However, this choice necessitates a careful evaluation of the trade-offs, as it would slightly reduce the boat’s agility, and smaller engines do not always guarantee superior fuel efficiency. The consistent lower deck layout across the platform features a four-cabin, three-head arrangement. In classic Princess style, the design prioritizes efficient space utilization through straight lines and right angles. Both the forward VIP and the midships master stateroom boast spacious heads, ample floor area—with a stepped design in the VIP due to a higher bed—and considerable useful stowage volume.
To starboard, the twin cabin is thoughtfully designed, offering stowage beneath the berths and within a generously sized hanging locker. Across the corridor, sharing the starboard head, the fourth cabin with its bunk berths is compact yet functional, complete with a decent hanging locker and additional overhead storage. All beds measure 6 feet, 3 inches or longer, with the two double berths spanning 5 feet, 3 inches wide, and single berths ranging from 25 to 30 inches in width. Throughout the lower deck, headroom is a uniform 6 feet, 4 inches or more. On the main deck, the saloon is arranged with distinct seating zones and an aft galley strategically placed for convenient access to the cockpit. Expansive windows flood the interior with natural light, and at the Cannes show, the dark walnut interior décor offered a welcome, shaded respite from the bright sunshine. Lighter alternatives, such as oak or ash, are also available, and a substantial opening sunroof comes standard. The helm station is equipped with two seats, providing excellent all-around visibility, and includes a direct door to the side deck.
Without a flybridge, the V65’s exterior recreation areas are concentrated in the cockpit, the aft sunbed, and a surprisingly well-appointed foredeck. This forward area features a comfortable sofa, a pair of sunbeds with adjustable backrests, a small ice locker, and a compact table. These external spaces are safely connected by wide side decks, which are equipped with both tall, secure guardrails and conveniently placed inboard handrails. Integrated into the superstructure moldings on either side of the foredeck sofa are practical fender lockers, which open effortlessly on gas struts. These initially unassuming features reveal a complex shape and near-perfect heavy-duty moldings upon closer inspection. It is clear the designers challenged the production team, and they met the task with exceptional craftsmanship. This level of detail, though not typically highlighted in marketing, speaks volumes about the quality achieved. If this is the result when a common-platform approach fosters investment in superior quality, then it certainly represents a compelling form of actual intelligence in yacht building.
This article has been sourced from press releases and cross-referenced with multiple websites. Facts originally seen at Source.
