Princess V55 for Sale

Princess V55 Specifications

The V55’s hull was designed by Bernard Olesinski’s firm — now led by his son Justin — using their proprietary Hull & Hydro software, developed in-house over more than 30 years. The software creates mathematically fair hull forms and automatically manipulates volume, deadrise, centre of gravity, and running trim. These shapes are then validated through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using OpenFOAM, fed into artificial neural networks developed in collaboration with the University of Southampton, and iterated until optimal. The partnership between Olesinski and Princess spans over 40 years and has produced hull designs for more than 25,000 Princess yachts. The V55’s resin-infused construction — adopted across the Princess range since 2005 — uses vacuum-applied low-viscosity polyester and vinylester resins drawn through non-crimp glass fabrics, achieving a computer-controlled fibre-to-resin ratio of approximately 60:40 versus the 50:50 or worse typical of traditional hand lay-up. The result is a hull that is lighter, stiffer, and more consistent than conventionally built alternatives.

Two specification details set the V55 apart from every competitor. First, the Seakeeper NG9 gyro stabiliser is standard — not an option, not an add-on. At 550 kg, the unit uses vacuum encapsulation to spin the flywheel approximately three times faster than earlier designs, cutting flywheel weight by two-thirds and halving power requirements. Seakeeper claims up to 95% roll reduction at anchor and at slow speeds. Second, the tender garage accepts a Williams 345 (3.45 m) with electro-hydraulic door and electric winch, meaning the tender is stowed invisibly when not in use and launched via the 450 kg-rated hydraulic swim platform. These are features that competitors typically charge extra for or cannot accommodate at all.

Performance & Handling

Engines: The standard Volvo Penta D13-900 is a 12.8-litre inline-six diesel (131 mm bore × 158 mm stroke) producing 900 hp at 2,300 RPM through a twin-entry, water-cooled turbocharger with common-rail fuel injection. Each engine weighs 1,560 kg. The optional D13-1000 upgrades to 1,000 hp at 2,400 RPM, with a 17.1:1 compression ratio and a dry weight of 1,635 kg per unit. Combined output rises from 1,800 hp to 2,000 hp — a meaningful increase that provides noticeably more responsive mid-range acceleration and an extra 1–2 knots at the top end.

Top speed: With the D13-1000 engines, the V55 reaches 34–37 knots depending on load and sea state — with some sea trials recording up to 37 knots in optimal conditions. The standard D13-900 delivers approximately 34 knots. These are genuine, repeatable numbers from a 27.5-tonne sports cruiser, consuming 343 litres per hour combined at wide-open throttle. The boat reaches planing speed quickly and cleanly, without requiring trim tab intervention — reviewers consistently note that it handles “like a much smaller yacht.”

Cruising: The sweet spot is 25–28 knots at approximately 2,000–2,100 RPM, where the D13-1000 engines consume around 220 litres per hour combined. At this speed, the 2,500-litre tank delivers a cruising range of approximately 250–285 nautical miles. Drop to economy speed of 11.5 knots and range extends to 307 nm. At 20 knots with trim tabs engaged, consumption falls to approximately 170 litres per hour — a useful intermediate speed for longer day passages. The fuel capacity is adequate for Mediterranean coastal hops but more limiting for extended passages; the Princess F55 flybridge carries 2,750 litres for owners who prioritise range.

Noise: This is where the V55 genuinely excels. At cruising speed (mid to high 20s), cabin noise measures approximately 64 dB(A). At wide-open throttle, approximately 70 dB(A). To put this in context: 64 dB is comparable to background music in a quiet room. For a 58-foot sports cruiser making 25+ knots, these figures are exceptional. The combination of resin-infused construction, careful engine mounting on resilient mounts, and dedicated acoustic insulation creates an environment where you can hold a normal conversation at cruising speed without raising your voice. At the dock with the generator running, the genset is inaudible.

Straight shafts, not pods: Princess chose conventional straight-shaft propulsion for the V55 rather than the IPS pods used on the smaller V50. The rationale is straightforward: at this power level, shafts deliver more horsepower to the water, require less complex maintenance, and provide a more direct connection between throttle and thrust. The trade-off — no joystick docking from the IPS system — is mitigated by twin Side-Power bow and stern thrusters that provide optional joystick docking control. Experienced motor yacht owners will appreciate the shaft choice; less experienced operators retain the joystick convenience through the thruster system.

Interior Layout & Living Aboard

The V55 accommodates six guests across three cabins below decks. The full-beam master stateroom sits amidships with a centreline queen berth, panoramic knife-shaped hull windows at waterline level, a sofa beneath the window, matte walnut cabinetry, and a Miele wine chiller. The master en-suite includes a separate shower, electric toilet, and heated towel rail. A combined washer-dryer sits in the lobby area between cabins. The VIP cabin forward offers a queen berth convertible to V-berths, individual climate control, opening ports, and a dedicated en-suite with a proper shower compartment. The third cabin provides upper and lower bunks best suited to children, with two full-height wardrobes and independent climate control. An optional crew cabin aft adds a berth with dedicated head. Interior finishes are available in satin-finish alba oak, rovere oak, silver oak, or walnut, with handmade leathers and suedes throughout.

Above decks, the V55’s character is defined by two transformative design features. The electric opening sunroof — approximately 90 inches of GRP panel with glass sections — slides open at the press of a button, flooding the saloon with light and air and creating an open-air driving experience. In poor weather, it closes to form a fully enclosed hardtop. The second feature is the drop-down sliding patio door at the aft of the saloon: the entire rear window panel drops into a cassette, the sliding door section moves across, and the lower panel lifts into place, creating a seamless connection between the air-conditioned interior and the cockpit. Together, these two mechanisms transform the V55 from an enclosed cruiser to an open-air entertaining platform in seconds.

The Naim audio system — standard equipment since Princess’s partnership with the Salisbury-based audio manufacturer began in 2017 — centres on a Naim Uniti Atom streaming amplifier in the saloon driving two Focal speakers, with a further two Focal speakers in the master stateroom. The cockpit receives four JL Audio M6-650X-L waterproof speakers and a Focal P25F subwoofer with 1000F amplifier, creating a genuine outdoor audio system rated for the marine environment. A premium upgrade adds the Naim Uniti Star, uprated speakers, and additional zones in the foredeck and guest accommodation. Four Lumishore underwater lights (also standard) create a distinctive visual signature at anchor after dark.

The helm station features a Garmin 16-inch multifunction display incorporating Volvo engine instrumentation and autopilot software, plus a dedicated 10-inch Garmin chartplotter with GPS and external aerial. A Garmin 424 XHD2 radar with 48-inch open array, Class B AIS transponder, Garmin 315 VHF/DSC with intercom, and stern camera complete the electronics package. A second 16-inch Garmin display is available as an option. The dash is finished in matte to minimise reflections, with twin helm seats and a dished steering wheel.

Aft, the electro-hydraulic swim platform deploys to create a waterline-level area for swimming, water sports, or simply sitting with feet in the water. The tender garage is accessed through an electro-hydraulic door set between the teak steps to the side decks; when closed, the door doubles as part of the aft sun pad area. Inside, the Williams SportJet 345 — powered by a BRP Rotax ACE 903 engine producing 90 hp, capable of 46 mph, and seating five — is launched and recovered via an electric winch directly onto the swim platform. The Williams 345’s automatic bow inflation system simplifies garage fitment. The combination of tender garage, swim platform, and cockpit gives the V55 three distinct outdoor zones, providing versatility that belies the boat’s sport-cruiser profile.

Princess V55 Ownership: What to Expect

The V55 sits in the premium sport-cruiser segment where annual running costs are meaningful. A new V55 starts from approximately £1.5 million (USD 2.3–2.5 million), with typical as-delivered pricing of £1.7–2.0 million including common options. The V55 is designed to be owner-operated without professional crew, which eliminates the substantial salary costs that accompany larger yachts — a meaningful financial advantage over competitors that effectively require paid crew.

• Insurance: 1–2% of hull value. For a boat insured at £1.5–2.0 million, approximately £15,000–£30,000 per year.
• Marina berth: A 17–18 m berth costs £15,000–£30,000 in the UK South Coast. Mediterranean marinas are typically higher, and premium ports can command significantly more.
• Engine servicing: Twin Volvo D13 engines require annual servicing at £5,000–£10,000. The Seakeeper NG9 requires its own annual service. Budget £3,000–£8,000 additionally for generator, electronics, and miscellaneous systems maintenance.
• Fuel: At 100 hours per year at cruising speed (~220 L/hr combined), fuel costs approximately £15,000–£40,000 depending on diesel prices and usage intensity.
• Hull maintenance: Annual antifouling, lift-out, hull polish, and anode replacement at £5,000–£10,000.
• Approximate total: £73,000–£158,000 per year. The 5–10% of purchase price rule of thumb is broadly accurate for this class.

Owner feedback — strengths: Exceptional noise levels (64 dB at cruise), standard Seakeeper NG9 stabilisation, tender garage with Williams 345 capacity, hydraulic swim platform (450 kg rated), Naim Uniti Atom audio system as standard, Olesinski deep-V hull handling, resin-infused construction quality, Pininfarina exterior styling, and the transformative opening sunroof and drop-down patio door. The V55 is consistently praised by owners and reviewers as one of the most refined sports cruisers in its class.

How to Buy a Princess V55: What to Look For

Generations explained: The Gen 1 V55 (1997–2001) and Gen 2 V55 (2019–present) are completely different boats that share nothing beyond the name. The Gen 1 featured a 4.27 m beam, MAN D2848 or Volvo engines producing 600–788 hp per side, and traditional hand-laid GRP construction, available today from $175,000–$290,000. The Gen 2 is wider at 4.65 m, resin-infused, powered by D13-900/1000 engines delivering 900–1,000 hp per side, and includes Seakeeper as standard, priced from approximately $1.7 million used. These should not be compared or confused.

What to Inspect

• Seakeeper service history: The NG9 is a mechanical device with a finite operating life. Seakeeper warranty covers 2 years or 2,000 operating hours. Request the unit’s hour log and confirm that annual servicing has been performed. A Seakeeper approaching its service ceiling will require expensive refurbishment or replacement.
• Hydraulic swim platform: Test the full cycle: deploy, load (step onto it at waterline level), and retract. Check for leaks in the hydraulic system and confirm the 450 kg weight rating is maintained.
• Tender garage operation: Open the electro-hydraulic door, deploy and recover a tender using the electric winch. This is a complex mechanical system and the most likely area for operational issues. Check the garage door seals and the automatic bow inflation system on the Williams 345 if fitted.
• Opening sunroof and patio door: Test full open and close cycles on both the electric sunroof and the drop-down aft patio door cassette mechanism. Check seal integrity on the sunroof — it is a large moving panel exposed to weather and salt spray, and seal deterioration is a common maintenance item.
• Volvo D13 service records: Complete documentation is essential. Check for all software updates, raw water pump replacement history (every two years), and evidence of proactive maintenance. The D13 is a 12.8-litre diesel producing significant power and requires disciplined servicing to maintain reliability over the long term.

D13-900 vs D13-1000

The 1,000 HP upgrade adds approximately 1–3 knots of top speed (2,400 RPM max versus 2,300 RPM) and provides noticeably more responsive acceleration in the mid-range. Each D13-1000 unit weighs 1,635 kg versus 1,560 kg for the D13-900. Fuel consumption at cruise is similar between the two options — at 25 knots, both consume approximately 220 litres per hour combined. The D13-1000 is the more desirable specification on the used market and typically commands a modest premium. For buyers who will regularly load the boat to capacity or who value the additional performance margin, the 1000 is worth seeking out. For those who cruise at moderate speeds and prioritise engine longevity, the standard 900 is more than adequate.

Princess V55 vs Competitors

The 55–60 ft sport-cruiser segment is defined by a handful of models that compete across different national traditions. The Princess V55 represents the British approach: understated engineering, Olesinski deep-V hull excellence, Pininfarina styling refinement, and standard equipment that includes items competitors charge extra for. Italian builders offer more flamboyant styling and wider beams; other British builders offer different performance characters.

Princess V55 vs Sunseeker Predator 55

The closest rival in both geography and market positioning. The Sunseeker Predator 55 offers bolder, more aggressive styling with a carbon hardtop and retractable sunroof, a wider 4.93 m beam for more interior volume, and the choice between IPS pod drives and conventional shafts. However, the Predator runs smaller D11-725 engines (1,450 hp combined versus the V55’s 2,000 hp), carries a notably smaller 1,802-litre fuel tank, and does not include Seakeeper as standard. The V55 counters with standard Seakeeper stabilisation (a significant advantage at anchor), a full tender garage, lower noise levels, the superior fuel capacity and range, and the Olesinski deep-V hull that handles rough water with more composure. Both reach approximately 35–37 knots. The Predator suits buyers who want sportier aesthetics and IPS manoeuvrability; the V55 suits those who value refinement, silence, and the practical advantage of integrated stabilisation.

Princess V55 vs Azimut S6

Italian flair versus British understatement. The Azimut S6 (now Seadeck 6) is slightly larger at 18 m with a wider 5.05 m beam, offering more interior volume and a distinctly Mediterranean design aesthetic. However, the Azimut runs much smaller Volvo D8 engines producing just 960 hp combined — less than half the V55’s output — topping out at approximately 33 knots. The V55 is narrower, deeper-drafted, and dramatically more powerful, with a hull designed for open-water performance rather than harbour cruising. The V55’s standard Seakeeper is a tangible advantage that the Azimut cannot match without options. The Azimut competes strongly for Mediterranean-based buyers who value style, space, and indoor-outdoor living. For those who value offshore capability, speed, and engineering refinement, the Princess has a clear edge.

Princess V55 vs Fairline Targa 53 GT

The Fairline (now discontinued, produced 2016–2022) offered four cabins sleeping eight in a slightly smaller 16.92 m hull, making it the practical choice for families or owners who frequently entertained overnight guests. However, the Targa 53 GT ran smaller Volvo D11-725 engines, topping out at approximately 32 knots — notably less than the V55’s 37 knots. The V55 is the faster, more refined boat with superior noise levels and standard stabilisation; the Fairline traded performance for accommodation capacity. The Fairline typically cost less, positioning it as the value proposition in this comparison. Used Targa 53 GTs offer strong value for buyers who prioritise cabin count over outright performance.

For a full interactive depreciation comparison between the Princess V55 and competing models, visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool.

Owner feedback — concerns: The V55 is widely praised but prospective buyers should consider: straight-shaft propulsion means no native joystick docking, though optional bow and stern thrusters restore joystick control; fuel capacity of 2,500 litres limits range compared to the F55’s 2,750 litres; the boat’s displacement of 27,500 kg is heavy by sport-cruiser standards; the below-deck galley limits the cook’s connection to the social spaces above; Sub-Zero fridge capacity is limited; and as with all Princess builds, new-boat snagging items may require dealer attention during the first year. These are minor considerations in the context of an exceptionally well-engineered sports cruiser.