Princess V65 for Sale

Princess V65 Specifications

The V65’s headline engineering story is the Olesinski deep-V hull. Designed using Olesinski’s proprietary Hull & Hydro software and validated with OpenFOAM computational fluid dynamics and Nastran finite element analysis, the hull features pronounced chines for lift and spray deflection, moulded spray rails, and propeller tunnels that improve efficiency while reducing draft. The deep-V form delivers superior rough-water handling compared to flatter-bottomed competitors, allowing the V65 to maintain higher average speeds in a seaway — a practical advantage that experienced owners consistently cite as the primary reason for choosing Princess over Italian alternatives.

Construction uses Princess’s resin infusion process, adopted across the range from approximately 2005. Non-crimp glass fabrics are laid in open moulds, sealed beneath an airtight membrane, and low-viscosity polyester and vinylester resins are drawn through the laminate by vacuum via a computer-controlled network of pipework. The process achieves a 60:40 fibre-to-resin ratio — double the fibre content of traditional hand layup — producing stiffer, lighter, stronger structures with better cosmetic finish and lower VOC emissions. Below the waterline is solid resin-infused laminate; topsides use closed-cell foam-cored sandwich construction for added rigidity and insulation. Princess applied this technology to the 40M superyacht hull in 2012 — at the time, the largest resin-infused hull in the world.

The engine choice deserves attention. The Mk4 offers twin MAN V8-1200 as standard (2,400 HP total) or optional twin MAN V12-1400 (2,800 HP total). Both share the same 128 mm × 157 mm bore and stroke, with the V12 adding four cylinders and 8.08 litres of displacement for an extra 400 HP and significantly more low-end torque (4,680 Nm vs the V8’s 4,010 Nm). Forum consensus is clear: the V65 was designed around the V12. The V8 option lowers the entry price but leaves the 36.5-tonne hull somewhat underpowered for its displacement. Buyers of used Mk1 and Mk2 examples should pay particular attention to engine specification — V10-powered boats from those generations are widely considered underpowered.

Performance & Handling

Speed: With the V12-1400 engines, the Mk4 V65 reaches 34–36 knots at wide-open throttle. The Mk3 was marginally faster at 38 knots thanks to 6 tonnes less displacement. Fast cruising speed sits at 26–29 knots, where the deep-V hull settles into a comfortable, predictable attitude with minimal bow rise. At economy speed of 10–12 knots, the 4,100-litre fuel tank delivers approximately 320 nautical miles of range — adequate for Mediterranean coastal cruising but limiting for longer passages. The Princess F55 flybridge variant, by comparison, carries less fuel but burns it more slowly at displacement speeds, offering superior range for passage-making.

Sea-keeping: The Olesinski deep-V hull is the V65’s defining engineering advantage. The pronounced deadrise angle, combined with hull chines that generate lift while deflecting spray, allows the V65 to slice through head seas where flatter-bottomed competitors begin to slam. This translates directly into higher maintainable average speeds in anything above calm conditions — a quality that matters more to experienced owners than quoted top-speed figures. Combined with the Seakeeper gyro stabiliser, which reduces roll by up to 95%, the V65 delivers a level of comfort and composure that belies its sport-cruiser classification.

Low-speed handling: The V65 uses traditional shaft drive with high-speed balanced rudders, hydraulic bow thruster, and hydraulic stern thruster with remote control as standard. This gives excellent close-quarters manoeuvrability through differential thrust and independent thruster control, though it lacks the integrated joystick docking system available on IPS-equipped competitors like the Sunseeker Predator 65. Aftermarket Dockmate remote docking systems have been fitted to V65s by owners who want wireless helm-free docking capability.

Noise: Princess has invested heavily in NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) engineering across the V-Class range. The resin-infused construction, careful engine mounting on resilient mounts, and foam-cored topsides contribute to a remarkably quiet cabin environment. The smaller Princess V55 records just 64 dB(A) at cruising speed; the V65 achieves comparable per-foot noise levels, making sustained cruising at 25+ knots a genuinely pleasant experience rather than an endurance test.

Interior Layout & Design

The V65’s interior revolves around one of Princess’s most significant Mk4 innovations: the flush galley-to-cockpit flow. In previous generations, the galley sat a step below the main deck level; the Mk4 raises it flush so that the entire living space — from cockpit through galley and saloon to the forward helm station — exists on a single plane. Combined with triple sliding glass aft doors that retract fully to one side and an aft window that lifts upward, the cockpit and saloon merge into a single open-plan entertaining space that transforms the boat’s social dynamics.

The hardtop features a 9-square-metre electric retractable sunroof — 37% larger than the Mk3 — that floods the saloon with natural light. An electrically operated awning deploys from the hardtop on carbon-fibre supports, providing additional shade over the cockpit. The cockpit itself features a folding table with grain-matched timber, a fully equipped wet bar with sink, grill, fridge and storage, and direct access to the hydraulic swim platform and tender garage.

Below deck, the V65 accommodates eight guests across four cabins — a significant advantage over most competitors in this segment, which typically offer three. The full-beam master cabin is positioned amidships (a layout innovation introduced in the Mk2), featuring an en-suite bathroom, settee, and wall-mounted television. The forward VIP cabin has a double berth with overhead deck hatch and en-suite. A third cabin provides twin single berths, while the fourth offers bunk-style berths suitable for children or additional guests. All four cabins have en-suite heads. An optional single crew cabin aft provides dedicated crew accommodation with direct engine-room access.

The galley is fully electric: Miele oven, four-burner electric cooktop, full-height fridge-freezer, dishwasher, and double sink. The all-electric approach eliminates the safety considerations of gas systems aboard and simplifies servicing. It does, however, increase generator dependency — the standard 13.5 kW Onan (EU specification) or 21.5 kW Onan (North American specification) handles the load, though buyers who anchor frequently may want to consider the higher-output option.

The helm station features dual Garmin multifunction displays, GMR624 xHD2 6 kW high-definition radar with a 4-foot open array, GHP20 marine autopilot, and integrated Seakeeper and trim tab controls. The audio system uses a Garmin Fusion head unit with JBL speakers throughout, controllable from the Garmin MFDs via Fusion-Link. Full air conditioning is standard throughout the yacht.

Princess V65 Ownership: What to Expect

The V65 sits in the premium sport-cruiser segment, with ownership costs reflecting the quality of the build, the twin MAN engine installation, and the complexity of onboard systems:

• New pricing (Mk4): Princess does not publicly list prices. Based on competitive positioning against the Sunseeker Predator 65 (approximately GBP 3.5 million) and Riva 68’ Diable (approximately EUR 3.3 million), the V65 Mk4 is estimated at GBP 2.5–3.0 million depending on specification. Contact an authorised Princess dealer for current pricing.
• Used market (Mk3, 2018–2023): Well-maintained examples from approximately USD 2.2 million. Earlier Mk3 models from EUR 1.0–1.5 million depending on engine hours, specification, and maintenance history.
• Used market (Mk2, 2006–2009): GBP 267,000–759,000 depending on condition. Look for V12-engined examples.
• Used market (Mk1, 2000–2004): EUR 360,000–418,000 / USD 450,000–490,000. Interior ageing is the primary concern at this price point.
• Annual operating costs: Insurance at 1–2% of hull value (GBP 25,000–60,000); marina berth GBP 20,000–40,000 (varies dramatically by location); twin MAN engine servicing GBP 8,000–15,000; Seakeeper annual service; hull maintenance GBP 5,000–10,000; fuel (100 hours at cruise) GBP 35,000–50,000; generator servicing; winter storage GBP 5,000–12,000. Budget 5–10% of purchase price annually.

Princess yachts demonstrate among the most predictable depreciation patterns of any UK builder. In the 8–15 year age range, well-maintained V65s depreciate at approximately 5–8% annually — slower than the steep initial years. Complete service records add 10–15% to resale values, and the V65’s four-cabin layout commands a meaningful premium over three-cabin competitors in the used market because it widens the pool of potential buyers.

The MAN V12 engines are well-proven marine powerplants with a strong reliability record and an established global service network. Parts availability is excellent. The MAN common-rail fuel injection system is sophisticated but well-supported by authorised service centres worldwide. For used purchases, prioritise boats with documented MAN service history and fewer than 1,500 engine hours.

How to Buy a Princess V65

Choose your generation: The four V65 generations represent fundamentally different boats. The Mk1 and Mk2 share a hull platform and offer entry-level pricing from under GBP 300,000, but buyers should expect interior refreshment costs and potential component-level issues. The Mk3 introduced a completely new hull with significantly improved construction, triple aft doors, hull glazing, and contemporary systems. The Mk4 refines the Mk3 platform with the flush galley, larger sunroof, and updated electronics. For buyers who want a modern sport cruiser with current technology, the Mk3 is the sweet spot of value and capability.

The Princess V-Class range: The V65 sits at the top of Princess’s V-Class lineup, above the V55 and V50. For buyers who want a sport yacht with an elevated helm station, the S-Class (S65, S72, S80) offers a sport-bridge configuration — essentially a V-Class with a raised second helm and social area. The F-Class (flybridge) range prioritises interior volume and alfresco dining. Understanding which Princess configuration suits your cruising style is the most important decision before selecting a size.

Key Considerations for Buyers

• Engine specification: Always verify which MAN engine variant is fitted. The V65 was designed around the V12 — V10-powered Mk1/Mk2 examples and V8-powered Mk4 examples are available at lower prices but leave the hull underpowered relative to its displacement. The V12 delivers both superior performance and stronger resale value.
• Interior condition (Mk1/Mk2): Owner forums consistently report that early V65 interiors age poorly — faded timber finishes, milky or cloudy lacquers, sagging headliners, and delaminating wall coverings are common on 15–20-year-old examples. Budget for a complete interior refresh if buying a Mk1 or Mk2.
• Black engine vents: The large side-mounted engine ventilation mouldings finished in black are known to blister over time across all generations. This is a cosmetic issue rather than structural, but it is virtually universal and should be factored into any purchase assessment.
• Component survey: Hull construction quality is consistently praised — no osmosis issues are documented on Princess hulls. Problems tend to manifest in components: steering systems, generators, air conditioning, and ancillary electrics. A thorough mechanical and electrical survey is essential for any used purchase, with particular attention to Seakeeper service history and hydraulic swim platform operation.
• IPS vs shaft drive: The V65 uses traditional shaft drive. Buyers who specifically want IPS pod drives (for joystick docking and improved fuel efficiency at low speeds) should consider the Sunseeker Predator 65 instead. The V65’s shaft drive delivers higher top speeds and is cheaper to service, but requires more skill to dock in tight marinas.

As one owner on the YBW forums put it: “If you can find a good boat and stay on top of it, then it’s a lovely thing.” The V65 rewards proactive maintenance and careful buying. The hull is robust, the engines are proven, and the deep-V ride quality is genuinely class-leading. The key is buying the right example with the right engine and a documented service history.

Princess V65 vs Competitors

The 65-foot sport cruiser segment is one of the most competitive in the motor yacht market, with established offerings from British, Italian, and German builders. The V65’s competitive position rests on its four-cabin layout, deep-V hull performance, and the practical refinement that defines Princess’s engineering philosophy.

Princess V65 vs Sunseeker Predator 65

This is the definitive British sport-cruiser rivalry. The Sunseeker Predator 65 uses Volvo Penta IPS pod drives (IPS1200 standard at 2×900 HP, IPS1350 optional at 2×1,000 HP), giving it integrated joystick docking and superior low-speed manoeuvrability. The V65 counters with substantially more total power (2,800 HP vs 2,000 HP), higher top speed (36 vs 35 knots), and crucially, four guest cabins against the Predator’s three. The Predator features a carbon-fibre sunroof and bolder, more aggressive styling. The V65 offers a deeper deep-V hull that handles rough water better. At approximately GBP 3.5 million new, the Predator 65 commands a price premium. The choice typically comes down to IPS convenience versus shaft-drive performance, and three cabins versus four.

Princess V65 vs Riva 68’ Diable

The Riva 68’ Diable represents the Italian alternative: twin MAN V12-1550 engines (standard) or V12-1650 (optional), delivering up to 40 knots. The Riva is faster, wider-beamed (5.29 m vs 5.04 m), and carries the cachet of 180 years of Italian boatbuilding heritage and Officina Italiana Design exterior styling. The V65 counters with four cabins (Riva offers three for six guests), a deeper-V hull for better rough-water performance, and a significantly lower price point. The Riva appeals to buyers who prioritise speed, Italian design prestige, and Mediterranean style. The Princess appeals to those who want practical accommodation, refined engineering, and sea-going confidence.

Princess V65 vs Pershing 7X

The Pershing 7X is a pure performance machine — twin MAN V12-1800 engines (3,600 HP total) push it to 50 knots. At 21.11 metres, it is slightly longer than the V65 but accommodates only three cabins for six guests. The Pershing prioritises outright speed above all else, with a price tag (approximately EUR 3.8 million) and fuel consumption to match. The V65 is the more versatile yacht: slower at the top end but more practical for extended cruising with its extra cabin, larger fuel tank, and lower running costs. The Pershing suits buyers who treat speed as the primary criterion; the V65 suits those who want the best all-round package.

Princess V65 vs Fairline Targa 65 GT

The Fairline Targa 65 GT (2017–2023, now discontinued) was the V65’s closest British competitor. Both offered four cabins, deep-V hulls, and MAN engines. The Fairline was slower (32 knots) but achieved significantly greater range (717 nm vs 320 nm) — a decisive advantage for passage-making. Original new pricing of approximately GBP 2.1 million made the Targa 65 substantially more affordable. On the used market, the discontinued Targa 65 represents strong value for buyers who prioritise range and economy over outright speed. The V65’s advantage is performance, continued production, and the strength of the Princess dealer network.

For a full interactive comparison between the Princess V65 and other models, visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool.