Boat Review: Princess V53

Presentation
Presenting itself in the mid nineties, Princesses open and hard top V series models has been a non stop growing success for the British builder. The V53 presented in the year 2006 has been another winner for the range offering with it a good performance together with a luxurious interior and sleek exteriors but always keeping the conservative Princess look to the overall package. The V53 is an integrated hardtop only model, with a sunroof opening in a few seconds to the sun or closing for the shade or rain protection.
Accommodation
The accommodation for the Princess V53 is all about spacious spaces giving in all this more then one would imagine in a sixteen metre size. What you will like and not find on other open hard top boats is the c-shaped settee to fore port side on the cockpit deck. Other valid points is the spacious saloon settee with galley opposite feeling ultra large. The aft deck welcomes you on board with a spacious sun lounger, housing under it a well sized tender garage. Going more to fore you find a spacious c-shaped settee, with wet bar opposite, the unusual but much appreciated six person c-shaped settee to port, and a dual seated helm station to starboard.

Below deck is the three double cabins along with the galley and saloon. An area which is very spacious is surely the galley and saloon. The three cabins have all a different plan and layout, with the smaller third bunk cabin disappointing a few viewers but still feeling more spacious to what it actually is. The cabins are located in this manner, double owners with en suite to fore, twin single berth to starboard midships, third cabin with bunks to port, and a guest or day head.

Performance
The engine options for the V53 are all Volvo D12 engines starting from smaller 675hp, more performing 715hp units, and the bigger D12-800 775hp. The 675hp should give a max of 33 knots, 715hp gets you to 35 knots, and the bigger engine choice gives you a wide open throttle of 37 knots. Princess continue with the tried and tested Bernard Olesinski modified vee hull, now used for over two decades by the British builder. Olesinski's hull are all about a deep vee entrance forward section and a moderate dead rise aft of eighteen degrees. Princess also used mold tunnel propellers for reduced shaft angle and cleaner propeller water stream. Propeller pockets give a performance advantage over traditional shaft method although a perfect engine position and weight distribution is also important in order not to have the effect of a high bow ride with a lot of dragging aft.

Positive

second dining c-shaped settee in cockpit

spacious galley
Negative

bunk third cabin
Competition
Hard top boats have been in huge demand in recent years, with the market responding fiercely to this with various proposals. While this trend was started first from the Italian builders it is fair to say that is now an international affair. Criteria for the competitors was based on sixteen metres of LOA, three cabins, integrated hard top, open deck no patio door, and traditional in line shaft propulsion or pod drives.

Astondoa 53 Open - big view saloon windows, modern interior, bunk third cabin

Atlantis 54 - glass hard top, spacious cockpit, hi low bathing platform

Cayman 52 WA - walk around deck, free or sun lounger aft deck

Fashion Yachts 55 - modern inside and outside, L-shape third cabin

Gagliotta 52 - sea keeper, third bunk cabin, lower galley, saloon all up

Numarine 55 Sport - Turkish reply, 38 knots speed, third cabin bunks

Regal 52 Sport Coupe - 4 layouts, third cabin with bunks, IPS engines

Sea Ray 540 Sundancer - new model, four layouts, 2 or 3 cabins

Uniesse 54 Sport - sea keeper, sun lounger or free space aft

Windy 53 Balios - good handling, 40 knots performance

WILD CARD: Cabo 52 Express - 3 cabins, quality leader with great sea keeping
Conclusion
Since the eighties Princess have always given attention to open type Sport Cruisers, but somehow the Riviera series always left them behind versus the other British builders. Come the nineties and the integrated windshield V series Princess's manages the unthinkable becoming among the most desired for a British built Mediterranean open type sport yacht. Sitting in the middle of the current ten model V series line up, the V53 is one of the latest designs putting a great looking integrated hard top, with the usual integrity associated with the British marque. Three design solutions set the V53 apart, which are the six person dinning settee on the main deck, spacious galley for the size, and good performance with not so big engines. The Princess V53 also feels bigger to its actual size which is never a bad thing when you are on the water, and everything is seen small.
Technical Data
LOA. 16.36 metres (53.8 ft)
Length. 16.12 metres
Beam. 4.47 metres
Draft. 1.25 metres
Displacement. 22.4 t with D12-715 Volvo's
Fuel Capacity. 2210 litres
Water Capacity. 436 litres
Max Persons. 12
Accommodation. 6 + 2 berths
Engines. 2 x Volvo D12 675hp, 715hp. D12-800 775hp
Propulsion. traditional shaft drive with tunnel pockets
Speed. max 37 knots, cruise 34 knots with Volvo D12-800

Hull Shape. vee hull with eighteen degrees dead rise aft
Project. Bernard Olesinski, Princess
Construction. GRP with Isophtalic resins, balsa and PVC foam core for upper structure
Certification. CE B

www.princessyachts.com
Picture Copyright Princess. Data Princess.

Project: Sabre 52 Flybridge Sedan

Sabre Yachts presents its 52 Flybridge Sedan project, a new version for the as yet 15 boat delivered 52 Saloon Express. This new version is developed to increase market share for Sabre, and is set to launch in early 2010. The 52 Flybridge Sedan differentiates from the Salon Express, is obviously in the flybridge, offering an upper view second helm and entertainment area. The new flybridge will feature a central station with double Stidd helm chairs, a wet bar with drinks fridge, sink with an innovative smart server to the interior galley, and to starboard a comfortable l-shaped settee with table stretching along the length of the bridge. Sabre design department have also taken care for a gentle sloped stainless steel spiral case, and that the stairs to do not disturb much the cockpit versus the much appreciated space of the Saloon Express. Power is from twin Cats C15 at 865hp each.

www.sabreyachts.com

New Model: Cabo 36 Express

Cabo's 36 Express has been a waited new model from this US California Adelante builder, who with it will replace the 35 Express after over a decade of production. New 36 Express takes elements from its replacement but also from the bigger 38 Express. The lower cabin space is similar to the bigger Cabo 38 missing only the privacy a separation door offers. Below over night accommodation is for five finding sleeping space for three in the diagonal arranged fore part of the cabin and another two in the convertible l-shaped saloon which becomes a double berth. Further comfort below comes from the spacious l-shaped galley, and head to port midships. The hull shape is Cabo modified vee with a medium vee 17.5 degrees deadrise aft similar to the 35 Express. For power one finds seven options from twin Cummins, Cats and Yanmar engines starting from the smaller standard QSB5.9 at 425hp up to C9 Acert 575hp. Propulsion is still the tried and tested traditional in line shaft drive, with Cabo surprising a few peers for not jumping on the pod band wagon for this new model. Another miss I note for this new model is for not offering an enclosed fore cabin, with the closer competitors all having a separate forward master stateroom with a door. Apart all this the Cabo 36 Express does what it is designed to do best having a cockpit and aft deck all planned for the real sport fisher with incredible spaces also thanks to the wide beam.
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.7m (38.6ft)
Hull Length - 10.9 m
Beam - 4.31 m
Draft - 0.93 m
Displacement - 11680kg
Fuel Capacity - 1703 l
Water Capacity - 378 l
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB5.9 425hp, 440hp, QSC8.3 550hp, Cats C7 461hp, C9 Acert 575hp,
Yanmar 6LY3-STP 440hp, 6LY3-ETP 480hp
Propulsion - traditional shaft drive
Hull - vee with 17.5 degrees deadrise aft
Certification - CE, NMMA

www.caboyachts.com

New Model: Cantieri di Pisa 118 Akhir

Cantieri di Pisa launches the first example of its new 118 Akhir model. Named Nena the new 118 Akhir is also the first Cantieri di Pisa to ever to feature a metalized grey hull. Launched in Pisa on Saturday 21st February this third model of the generation Akhir is built of fibreglass, and is 36 metres long and has a beam of 7.5 metres. Her dynamic, sleek lines reflect the great Akhir tradition, and are accentuated by two short strip openings above and below the dark hull length band, allowing the creation of nine windows for the owner’s suite. Her interior styling, by Cantieri di Pisa own interior designers, is clean yet traditional with a decorative concept based on the elegance of sanded teak with a wax effect, included in a modern scheme of boiserie that has been given a new interpretation. Here precious fabrics on the wall panels create a warm and hospitable environment, which is blended with a rigorous aesthetic. The furniture is mostly in black pear wood, with large sections upholstered in leather. All the pieces are expertly made using seventeenth century techniques by the yard’s team of skilled craftsmen. Special attention has been paid to on-board lighting with natural daylight filtering through sliding fabric panels, a feature used throughout the yacht in place of more classic curtains. Indirect artificial light is provided by cove lighting, accompanied by direct light points in the shape of designer lamps forming part of the overall furnishing plan. The interior layout also reflects the yard’s skills and creativity with the lower deck configuration including the owner’s suite, a twin guest cabin and two matching VIP suites. The main deck is dominated by the salon that is split into two sections, an area for socialising and a TV lounge. Two symmetrical corridors lead to stairs accessing the bridge and full-beam dining room. Further forward is the crew galley with dinette and a stairway down to the three crew cabins. On the flying bridge, behind the two piloting seats lie a pair of large sun-pads, a spacious open area and a kitchen unit aft with a huge C-shaped divan and two large tables that can be joined together. In the cockpit a table, divan and four chairs together with a divan and large sun-pad forward complete the range of furnishings. Delivered last March the new 118 Akhir is the third yacht in the new Cantieri di Pisa range, launched in the space of less than nine months and all designed and renewed by architect Carlo Galeazzi.
Technical Data:
LOA - 36.13 m (118ft)
Beam - 7.51 m
Draft - 2.47 m
Displacement - 140 t
Fuel Capacity - 25000 l
Water Capacity - 3500 l
Accommodation - eight/nine guest berths in four cabins, five crew in three cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 16v2000 M93 2400hp
Speed - 27 knots max, 23 knots cruising
Range - 2120 nautical miles at 12 knots

Project - Carlo Galeazzi  
Certification - ABS A1 Yachting Services, AMS

www.cantieridipisa.com

Project: Nordhavn 63

The Nordhavn 63 is yet another development of one of this builders most proven hull forms, the 55. Due to its performance and interior layout capabilities, the 55 has fast become one of the most popular models from Nordhavn, which later was also developed to the new waited 60 foot version to meet owners demands for increased space. This new 63 is actually an aft wheelhouse version of the 60 and its extended cockpit and boat deck. Looks wise, however, the new model retains the same salty feel that popularized the 62. Nordhavn Chief of Design, Jeff Leishman, and his engineering staff continually conceive, design and introduce exciting new models and while the 63 shares the same hull as the 55 and 60, an entire new deck and engine room mold have been created for it, providing increased interior volume and added amenities. The 63 has some important layout changes thanks to the increased length like the center line guest stateroom also featuring four large opening view port lights, and the crew quarters located forward of the engine room cabin. Furnish for the new 63 will be the same paneled cherry wood that was featured on hull number one of the new Expedition Yachtfisher. Power is by the John Deere 6081AFM 330 HP with a ZF ZFW320 transmission with a 4 to 1 reduction gear. The Nordhavn 63 has a projected fuel capacity of 8515 litres which will give a range of about 3,000 NM.

www.nordhavn.com

Improve-it = Arcoa 44 Mystic

French boat builder Arcoa improves its 44 Mystic model with the addition of a new Volvo IPS propulsion option. I think by now everyone knows the benefits of this solution versus the traditional shaft drive, but on the Arcoa 44 Mystic the improvements have beaten all expectations of performance gains. In fact compared with the in line shaft propelled twin Cats C7 Acert 460hp version, the new Volvo IPS600 435 hp option has a big gain of twenty per cent in performance terms. Top speed with this new option is now 37 knots compared to the 31 knots of the C7s, and cruising is 30 knots against the 24 of the shaft option.

www.arcoa-yachts.com

New Model: Rio 46 Art

Presented exclusively in Naples Posillipo bay, Rio's new 46 Art is a further development and replacement for the 44 Art model presented in 2004. The new 46 Art will have three distinctive differences from its replacement model: Volvo IPS pod propulsion in lieu to traditional shafts, bigger full beam owners cabin with large view windows, and lastly a high low tender lift bathing platform adding an extra space for a water toy along the all ready existing garage. Performance is equally impressive now with the double Volvo 435hp engines giving a wide open throttle top speed up to 38 knots, and a comfortable cruise at thirty knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.9 m (45.6ft)
Beam - 4.05 m
Draft - 0.70 m ex props
Displacement - 11000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 900 l
Water Capacity - 430 l
Accommodation - 5 berths
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS600 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking pod drives with duo prop
Speed - 38 knots max, 30 knots cruising
Certification - CE B
www.rioyachts.net

New Model: Gianetti 65 Navetta

Gianetti 65 Navetta is a waited model from this Viareggio builder who puts its bigger sized semi displacement hull experience to use in a more affordable package. Will be interesting to see how the market reacts to this motor yacht with modern looking topsides, classic hull lines, and the semi displacement hull which allows for a good range with not fast nor slow performance. The interior is a three cabin all with en-suites, with full beam owners cabin located mid ship, VIP cabin to fore, and a two singles guest cabin in between. An extra single guest cabin located midship with en-suite shower head and entrance from the galley can find its place as an extra crew cabin, or utitily room. Taking a lot from classic Italian yachts of the past both the flybridge and aft deck are mostly based on open spaces area, where one can put free standing furniture to his liking. The stair case to the flybridge also surprises being only located inside as is the case for much bigger yachts. Power is from twin Cummins 670hp or the higher rated 715hp units.
Technical Data:

LOA - 20.45 m (65.6ft)

Beam - 5.6 m

Draft - 1.4 m

Displacement - 38 t

Fuel Capacity - 7500 l

Water Capacity - 1500 l

Accommodation - 6/7 guest berths in 3/4 cabins, 1 crew cabin

Engines - 2 x Cummins QSC 670hp, 715hp

www.gianettiyacht.com

Project: Faeton 360 HT

The Cruiser range from Faeton continues to get upgraded with the project of a new 360 HT, set to launch later on this year. Based on the hull of the first model of the Cruiser line, the 360 Fly, this new HT version follows a more aggressive sport exterior design. There is also a hint of a full beam cabin with the big view windows showing themselves mid ship. Most probably if this is the case I would imagine stern drive or IPS propulsion power for this new sport cruiser with hard top model, unlike the shafts used for the Fly version. So far little information is offered from Faeton, but as was the case for the 360 Fly, one can see again the influence of new owners Astondoa, again in this second new model since there take over about a year ago.

www.faeton.es

New Model: Maritimo C50 Sports Cabriolet

To further add to its ground breaking Sports Cabriolet range, Maritimo presents the C50 new addition and third model for this range. Like its siblings the C55 and C60, the C50 is also a single-level coupe sport yacht boat with luxury and performance. The C50 offers an interior with three cabins. Owner’s stateroom to port with its own private en suite, a VIP double forward which will have private access to the second bathroom and a further twin cabin to starboard. The saloon which is on the main deck features a U-shaped settee with table for dining or entertaining and a cocktail cabinet aft on the port side. The galley located to starboard has all the conveniences with a fridge and freezer, microwave, electric cook top and a dishwasher. As all the Sports Cabriolet models, the C50 being the third addition to this range will also have an electrically-operated sunroof to take advantage of those glorious summer days. Sliding doors open to the cockpit to add a real indoor outdoor feel to the boat. The cockpit will feature a barbecue and sink as well as outdoor seating. One of the most popular features of the larger previous Sports Cabriolet models has been the garage, and the C50 does not miss here either. At the push of a button, the cockpit sole rises and the transom opens to reveal a garage big enough to house a 3.5 metre RIB with engine and ready to go. This leaves permanent room on the foredeck for the luxurious sun lounge. Power is from a pair of Cummins QSC 600hp or Cats C9 575hp diesels which give an economical cruising speed of 25 knots.
Technical Data:

LOA - 16.3 m (53.6ft)
Beam - 5.2 m
Draft - 1.25 m
Displacement - 19 t
Fuel Capacity - 3000 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Accommodation - 3 cabins, 5 or 6 berths
Engines - 2 x Cats C9 575hp, Cummins QSC 600hp
Speed - 25 knots cruising

www.maritimo.com.au