Princess V45

It follows on from the 42 which for many years retained a soft bimini top over the bridge. Hard tops were the realm of much larger boats in the 52 and 58 models but with climate awareness with regard to abuse from the elements, potential buyers were looking for a more weather-friendly design; and they have got that in the V45.

Featuring a 16000 BTU reverse cycle air condition, the warm and cool air is ducted to supply the saloon and both forward and aft cabins.

Included as standard are a shore support changeover switch, automatic fire extinguisher and remote control panel for the ONAN 7kW/50Hz generator which is fitted with Hydrohush exhaust system.

In the navigation department, the V45 comes standard with Furuno’s 1834C combined radar/chart plotter with GPS and a two-foot Raydome ranging out to 36nm and displaying on a 10-inch screen, fitted at the helm-station.

A freshwater anchor wash and deck was system also comes in this package.

When it comes to push and pull dockside, a 75 kgf bow thruster is a standard fit.

Taking the portside path, one steps up onto the cockpit deck while passing the engine box which seconds as a large padded sun lounge.

Directly ahead, a GRP constructed module built into the topside mould features a cooktop and sink with a wet bar. Opposite on the starboard side an L-shaped lounge seats the passengers around a solid teak table.

Seating for another two is opposite the helm which itself has two comfortable and fully-adjustablehigh-back seats at the controls. Engine instruments are in an array across the back of the helm station while the navigation gear is closer to hand, surrounding the multi-position helm wheel.

Seated in the top saloon area, the benefits of the breeze coming via the open sunroof could be felt on a warm and humid Queensland day and with a push of a button, the sunroof silently closes to block out any of those damaging sun rays we all tend to worry about these days.

With the contoured lockable door slid aside one steps down into the galley and dining area.

A Waeco fridge is at the left hand at the bottom of the stair case and the galley off to the portside features a double-bowl stainless-steel sink and a three burner ceramic electric cooktop. Directly under the cooktop is a flush-mounted microwave cooker.

This and other benchtop surfaces in the bathrooms are constructed of tough Avonite making for a smooth and easy-to-clean surfaces.

There is ample food preparation area either side of the sink bowls which have flush fitting lids to add further to the flat top when preparing culinary delights. The front edge of the bench top is lipped to prevent items sliding off when on a roll.

The dining suite seating is a fixed lounge in a U-shape and the table is capable of swivelling to allow easy access. With the table collapsed, this area converts to a double berth if you should have extra guests.

Throughout the V45 the manufacturer has made extensive use of light oak timber finishes and being so light, the cabins maintain that look of spaciousness with contrasting colours to break up the expanse.

In the aft corner of the galley a door leads to the bathroom which services the dining area and also the twin cabin off to one side.

The shower hob is a raised circular platform under which features a curved shower screen keeping this area neat and compact yet with plenty of turn-around space. There are ample cupboards low down and above under the ceiling here for the usual stowage of bathroom goods.

The stateroom features a queen-sized bed that is chamfered into the bow point of the hull and a small step up each side at the foot of the mattress allows one to climb up.

The bed base has two large stowage draws in its end while there is cupboard space at ceiling level down the sides of the room. A three-quarter height hanging closet is built into the aft corner opposite the bathroom.

The bathroom leading off from the stateroom is compact but with extensive use of glass and mirrors the desired effect has been achieved; one of spaciousness.

Aluminium checker-plate decking here allows one to stay above the bilge, and the front of the motors have a plate safety guard to protect the crew from the pulley belt system on their front ends, should they be in operation.

From the safe side of the guard the dipsticks, filters and strainers are within easy reach.

When major overhaul time arrives these engines may be lifted directly out of the hull after removing the sun lounge upstairs.

That wraps up a walk-through of another lovely Princess. Nearly the smallest in their fleet but packed with the credentials you would expect from any of their larger boats; just on a smaller scale.

One can’t help but think that full blown, open entertainment fly bridges might well have passed their fashion phase as more of this style of boat moves into the market place. If so, Princess is well placed with a design that works in this V45.

Water: 395 litres
Fuel: 1000 litres
Berths: 6