Princess F55 for Sale

Princess F55 Specifications

The headline number is fuel capacity: 2,750 litres (727 US gallons). This is significantly more than the Manhattan 55’s 2,200 litres (581 US gal) — a 25% advantage that translates directly into extended range. At displacement speed (8–9 knots, 1,000 RPM), combined fuel consumption drops to approximately 35 litres per hour, giving a theoretical range exceeding 600 nautical miles. At cruising speed (25 knots), consumption rises to approximately 260 litres per hour combined, providing roughly 240 nautical miles of range with reserve. For owners planning Mediterranean island-hopping or transatlantic repositioning, this fuel advantage is a genuine operational differentiator.

The hull is built using vacuum resin infusion rather than traditional hand layup, achieving a fibre-to-resin ratio of approximately 2:1 (two-thirds glass fibre, one-third resin) compared to hand layup’s typical 1:1 ratio. The result is a lighter, stiffer structure with fewer voids — Princess states this process yields weight savings of approximately 12–15% over hand layup for comparable components. Some 95% of mouldings across the Princess range now use resin infusion, a commitment that extends from the smallest V-class to the flagship 40M. The process also virtually eliminates styrene emissions during production — an environmental benefit that reflects Princess’s investment in manufacturing technology.

Performance & Handling

Top speed: The standard twin Volvo Penta D13-900 shaft drives — each delivering 900 HP from a 12.78-litre inline six with 3,300 Nm of torque at 1,300 RPM — produce a top speed of approximately 33 knots in the Mk2. The boat transitions cleanly from displacement to planing speed at around 16–18 knots, without the dramatic bow-rise that can unsettle passengers on some competitors. On test, reviewers noted the hull irons out rough water with ease, taking stiff south-westerlies in its stride. The running attitude at cruise settles at approximately 8–10 degrees.

Handling: The F55’s handling has consistently surprised reviewers. Motor Boat & Yachting described it as “far more playful than expected for a boat of this style,” with just 2.5 turns from lock to lock delivering responsive steering that allows confident hand-steering through challenging conditions. The hull banks eagerly into turns and will spin within a couple of boat lengths — approximately 35 metres — unusual agility for a flybridge of this weight. Trim tabs work automatically to maintain an even keel in turns, with very little lean.

The Olesinski hull: Bernard Olesinski has been designing Princess hulls since 1980, building over four decades of hydrodynamic data into each new model. The F55’s deep-V hull features a variable deadrise — steep forward for wave penetration, moderating aft to promote efficient planing — with aggressive downturned spray strakes along the running surface that deflect spray and generate dynamic lift. Olesinski’s proprietary Hull and Hydro software automatically optimises hull form, volume, centre of gravity, and deadrise for each design iteration, supplemented by CFD simulation. The result is widely regarded as the best rough-water hull form in the 55–60 ft flybridge segment.

Noise levels: Sound levels at the lower helm barely exceed 70 dB(A) at cruising speed, with the saloon measuring approximately 73 dB(A) at 25 knots — genuinely quiet for a motor yacht of this class. This makes the lower helm an exceptionally comfortable position for covering distance, and contributes to the sense of refinement that distinguishes the F55 from more agricultural competitors.

Docking: The standard bow thruster provides adequate low-speed control. The optional Volvo Penta joystick system — which integrates the twin shaft drives with variable-speed Sleipner bow and stern thrusters — delivers pod-style joystick docking from a conventional shaft-drive setup. Reviewers describe it as “not quite as smooth as IPS but not far off.” The Mk2 also offers Dockmate wireless remote control, allowing the skipper to stand on the side deck or swim platform and manoeuvre the boat remotely during berthing. The optional Seakeeper 9 gyro stabiliser (550 kg, up to 95% roll reduction) transforms comfort at anchor and at slow speeds.

Interior Layout & Living Aboard

The F55’s standard layout is three cabins below decks. The master cabin sits full-beam amidships with a centreline island berth, walk-around access, generous wardrobe storage, and a private en-suite head with separate shower stall. Forward, the VIP cabin offers a double berth with access to the shared day head. To starboard, a twin cabin features a convertible arrangement — an electric mechanism slides the two berths together or apart, allowing the space to serve as either a twin or a double. An optional fourth cabin aft provides a skipper’s berth or additional guest accommodation — a genuine advantage over the Manhattan 55, which offers three cabins only.

The Mk2 galley represents a meaningful step forward. Domestic-grade appliances — a full fridge-freezer (replacing the smaller marine units of the Mk1), induction cooking, and a dishwasher — make extended liveaboard periods practical. The interior by Princess Design Studio — a 14-person in-house team based in Plymouth with a satellite office in Mayfair, London — offers a choice of walnut or silver oak finishes with metal inlay detailing, moving the cabin ambience away from the traditional mahogany aesthetic of earlier Princess boats towards a more contemporary, lighter feel. Owners can personalise layouts, soft furnishings, and lighting through the studio’s curated palette of hundreds of fabric and finish options.

The flybridge is spacious for the class, with a wet bar, generous seating, a dining area, and a helm station providing excellent all-round visibility. Most owners spend the majority of their time here in fair weather. The foredeck offers an additional sunbathing area accessible via wide side decks with secure handholds — an increasingly important lifestyle feature on modern flybridges.

The aft cockpit flows naturally from the main-deck saloon and offers direct access to the bathing platform. The combination of flybridge, main deck, cockpit, and bathing platform provides four distinct living zones — a level of versatility that makes the F55 genuinely suitable for extended cruising rather than just weekend use.

The former LVMH ownership connection facilitated a partnership with Fendi Casa for interior furnishing options on larger Princess models, and that design DNA influences the material quality across the range. A dedicated Non-Standard Options team works with over 50 brands across furniture and textiles, handling bespoke requests that go beyond the standard specification sheets — a level of customisation typically associated with yachts significantly larger than 55 feet.

Princess F55 Ownership: What to Expect

Owning a 58-foot flybridge motor yacht requires a realistic annual budget. The F55’s principal running costs are broadly consistent with the 55–60 ft flybridge segment:

• Insurance: 1.5–2.0% of hull value. For a boat insured at £1.0–1.4 million, approximately £15,000–£28,000 per year. Mediterranean cruising grounds typically sit at the lower end; transatlantic deliveries increase premiums.
• Marina berth: A 17–18 m berth in the UK costs £8,000–£15,000 per year. Mediterranean marinas range from €15,000–€25,000, with premium locations (Antibes, Porto Cervo) commanding significantly more.
• Engine servicing: Twin Volvo Penta D13 engines require routine servicing every 100 hours or annually (oil, filters, coolant checks) at approximately £3,000–£5,000. Major service intervals (500–1,000 hours) can reach £8,000–£12,000. Raw water impeller pumps have a typical two-year lifespan and require proactive replacement.
• Haul-out and antifouling: £5,000–£8,000 for a boat of this size, including travel lift, pressure wash, antifouling, anode replacement, and hull inspection.
• Seakeeper servicing: The Seakeeper 9 requires annual servicing at approximately £1,300 (∼$1,650). The unit carries a 2-year or 2,000-hour warranty and is designed for the operational life of the vessel with proper maintenance.
• Approximate total: £50,000–£80,000 per year depending on location, usage, and maintenance philosophy. This is consistent across the flybridge segment and reflects the realistic cost of responsible ownership.

Owner feedback — strengths: Olesinski deep-V hull handling in rough water, low noise levels at cruise (under 70 dB at the lower helm, 73 dB in the saloon at 25 knots), resin infusion build quality delivering 12–15% weight savings over hand layup, convertible twin cabin flexibility, optional fourth cabin, class-leading fuel capacity (727 US gal), responsive steering (2.5 turns lock-to-lock), Mk2 galley specification (domestic appliances), Dockmate wireless remote docking option, and the 2019 Motor Boat Award win validating its position as best-in-class.

How to Buy a Princess F55: What to Look For

Generations explained: The Mk1 (2017–2022) and Mk2 (2022–present) share the same Olesinski hull form and basic layout but differ meaningfully in specification. The Mk2 has larger hull windows, a reshaped flybridge canopy (removing the GRP spear that intruded into the Mk1’s saloon windows), Pininfarina exterior design collaboration, improved sound insulation, upgraded electrical systems, and the D13-900 as standard. Mk1 boats with D13-800 engines are available from approximately £850,000; Mk2 boats start around £1.2 million on the used market. New Mk2 boats list from approximately £960,000 ex-VAT, with well-optioned examples reaching £1.78 million including VAT.

Known Issues to Inspect

• New-build snagging: Multiple owners have reported significant snagging lists on delivery. One documented case involved a 2017 model requiring 9+ weeks of dockside rectification before being deemed fit for handover. Industry expectation is that snagging can take 1–2 years to fully resolve — not unique to Princess but a reality of semi-custom yacht production at this scale. When buying used, check whether all snagging items have been resolved and documented.
• Upholstery degradation: Owners report leather fading, bubbling, and becoming sticky on sun-exposed surfaces, particularly the bow cockpit seating. Budget for re-upholstery on boats that have spent significant time in Mediterranean or Caribbean climates.
• Mediterranean mooring: The F55 is not ideally configured for stern-to Mediterranean-style mooring. Owners report ergonomic challenges in this configuration. Consider the optional stern thruster and joystick system if Mediterranean use is planned.
• Volvo D13 maintenance: The D13 is a proven, reliable marine diesel with 3,300 Nm of torque and electronically controlled unit injectors. Raw water impeller pumps have a typical two-year lifespan and require proactive replacement. Ensure complete Volvo service history is available and that all software updates have been applied. Boats without full documentation should be priced accordingly.

Seakeeper: Standard or Option?

The Seakeeper 9 gyro stabiliser is an option, not standard equipment. However, most new F55 builds now leave the factory with one fitted, and it has become an expected specification on the used market. The unit weighs 550 kg, consumes 1,250–2,000 watts during operation (up to 3,000 watts during the 55-minute spool-up), and delivers up to 95% roll reduction. Boats without a Seakeeper typically trade at a discount of £30,000–50,000. For owners who plan to anchor regularly, particularly in open roadsteads, the Seakeeper transforms comfort. When buying used, confirm the Seakeeper service history — these units require annual maintenance at approximately £1,300.

What to Check on Survey

Beyond the items above, a pre-purchase survey should include: a full sea trial at all speed ranges (displacement, semi-displacement, and planing), inspection of all door and window seals, testing the convertible twin cabin mechanism, checking generator hours and condition, inspecting shaft alignment, verifying bow and stern thruster operation, and confirming all electronic systems are fully functional. Complete Volvo Penta service documentation is essential. If a Seakeeper is fitted, request the unit’s hour log and service history.

Princess F55 vs Competitors

The 55–60 ft flybridge segment is the most fiercely contested bracket in motor yachting. The Princess F55 sits at the centre of a competitive set that includes the Sunseeker Manhattan 55, Azimut 55 Fly, and the now-discontinued Ferretti 550. The Princess vs Sunseeker comparison generates the most buyer interest — two British builders, headquartered within 100 miles of each other in the south-west of England, targeting the same buyer at every size.

Princess F55 vs Sunseeker Manhattan 55

The defining rivalry of the flybridge world. The F55 carries 25% more fuel (727 US gal vs 581), offers an optional fourth cabin, and has 2.5-turn lock-to-lock steering that makes it feel more like a sports cruiser than a flybridge. The Olesinski deep-V hull is widely regarded as the superior rough-water platform, with sound levels barely exceeding 70 dB(A) at cruise. The Manhattan 55 counters with a powered glass galley window, a larger beach club, bolder exterior styling, and a flybridge claimed to be 25% larger than the class average. The Manhattan outsells the F55 on volume, but the Princess commands respect among experienced motor yacht owners who prioritise range, sea-keeping, and the flexibility of a fourth cabin. Both boats hold their value well. The choice often comes down to styling preference and whether range or lifestyle features matter more.

Princess F55 vs Azimut 55 Fly

Italian sophistication versus British engineering pragmatism. The Azimut 55 Fly offers carbon fibre construction options, distinctive Italian styling, and a wider range of interior material choices. It runs on either Volvo or MAN engines and delivers comparable performance. The F55’s advantages are its larger fuel capacity, Olesinski deep-V hull form (widely regarded as the best rough-water hull in the class), and the proven Princess dealer network for after-sales support. The Azimut typically costs more and appeals to buyers who value design-led interiors and the Italian boating aesthetic.

Princess F55 vs Princess V55

The first decision for any buyer entering a Princess dealership at 55 feet: flybridge or sports cruiser? The F55 offers a flybridge, a fourth cabin option, more fuel capacity, and a more traditional motor yacht character. The V55 trades the flybridge for a lower profile, an opening sunroof, standard Seakeeper stabilisation, and a more performance-oriented identity with noise levels as low as 64 dB at cruise. The F55 suits families and couples planning extended cruising; the V55 suits performance enthusiasts who want open-air driving and a sleeker aesthetic. They rarely cross-shop in practice — the flybridge decision is usually made before entering the showroom.

For a full interactive depreciation comparison between the Princess F55 and competing models, visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool.

Owner feedback — concerns: While the F55 is an accomplished flybridge, prospective buyers should weigh several recurring owner concerns: new-build snagging requiring extended dockside resolution, upholstery degradation on sun-exposed surfaces, ergonomic challenges with stern-to Mediterranean mooring, and the Mk2’s increased displacement which some owners feel affects responsiveness at low speed. The Mk2 is the heavier boat, but the upgraded D13-900 engines compensate with an additional 100 HP per side, and the improved specification justifies the weight increase for most buyers. None are dealbreakers, but all should be factored into the buying decision. The F55 remains one of the strongest all-round packages in the 55–60 ft flybridge segment.