Princess V85-S

One of those factories is responsible for the company's line of production small boats, their smallest being 42 feet while this, the V85-S is out of their second, larger plant.

This boat differs from the 85 Motor Yacht in that it features an inconspicuous fly bridge rather than a full-blown helm station with undercover entertainment suite atop.

In these days of element awareness, in particular skin damage from the sun, this boat suits those who like the fresh air, some sun and the open-boat experience who may partake that from within the opulence of a spacious saloon. The V-series of boats feature sliding sun roofs that alleviate the necessity to climb to the bridge.

Essentially this is a long-range cruiser equipped with all of the necessary comforts of a luxurious apartment although it is more spacious and luxurious than many on the hard.

Fully air-conditioned throughout, the list of cooling plants on board is nothing short of mind boggling! Reverse cycle units totalling a capacity of 96,000 BTU comes standard. There are two at 12,000 BTU in the saloon, one each at 18,000 BTU in the dinette and helm with the latter having auxiliary heating for window demisting.

The master stateroom and its bathroom have one each of 12,000 BTU while the other cabins have units of 12,000 and 9,000 BTU with ducting to their ensuite bathrooms.

27 and 13kW 220/240 volt generators back each other and are the standard fit with the second able to be optioned up to 17.5kW.

This section of the window is fixed but the other two thirds slides across to give the saloon an open and airy aura.

An additional docking station with bow thrusters and engine throttles is situated under a hatch in the top of the cockpit coaming. Its position allows the helmsman to view the gunwales for the full portside length of the boat when docking or throwing the lines.

Strolling into the saloon a large C-shaped lounge on the port side faces across the walkway to a straight version opposite, behind which the large flat screen televisions rises. The accessories and sound system controls are located in a cabinet next to the lounge and forward of that a plush leather inlaid bar top is the place to mix cocktails; the bar fridge and ice maker are in the cupboard below with plenty of crystal secured in travel-proof racks.

The dining suite seats eight, four on chairs and the other four on a fixed L-shaped lounge and with so much glass about the saloon this area is bright and spacious.

The floor of the saloon and galley are planked wenge timber which is a multi-coloured exotic hardwood with a mix of coloured grains giving a generally light appearance overall. It it feels very hard underfoot and is similar to a coarse-grained jarrah.

The helm station features a full brace of Furuno 3D navigation equipment and the usual auto pilot and other function headsets spread over a large panel with seating for skipper and a passenger. Quick access through the cabin wall here allows the crew to get on deck without travelling through the saloon.

What appears at first glance to be a chart table forward of the dining suite and under the sloping front windscreen is actually a roof structure for the galley below and skylights in its top lighten up the benches below.

The U-shaped bench is black amethyst granite and covers cupboards hosting fridges and freezers secured with robust catches, a Miele dishwasher, garbage compacter, microwave and standard oven as well as a four-point cooktop.

The galley is on a slightly lower-level mezzanine and from there the next level down has a companionway that leads to the state room at the bow which features a large bed tapered into the ‘V’ of the hull and surrounded by cabinets.

The opulence of rich polished timber inlaid with embossed leather panels is found here and the larger stateroom aft and an ensuite bathroom is situated off to the port aft corner of the room.

Two other guest rooms with two single beds each are situated off the companionway moving aft and at the end one finds the main stateroom.

This room runs across the full beam of the boat allowing for natural cross ventilation when the windows are opened. You could liken its size to an good-sized motel room.

With a small lounge setting set against the starboard windows the bathroom sits aft of that. On the starboard side an office table with drawers and cupboards resides under the windows and in the aft corner, a door leads to the walk-in wardrobe with full-length hanging space either side.

There is an aesthetic mix of timbers throughout the Princess, with light oak door and cupboard panels, the wenge floor boards and the teak outer decks; in all, not too heavy, not too light.

The bridge on the 85-S is unobtrusive, almost hidden amongst the superstructure but functional all the same. The staircase leading to it runs up from the aft starboard cabin coaming.

This boat is geared for a crew of three which for a vessel this size would normally be a skipper, engineer and a cook.

Their accommodation is accessed off the starboard side through a vault like door and a staircase takes one down to the quarters which consist of a single bunk room and the other a double. They have at their disposal a small galley and bathroom with all amenities.

The powerplant consists of twin MTU 16V 2000 M93 engines rated at 2434mhp each of which will give a speed range of between 36 and 38 knots.

The engine room offers full head height and easy access to strainers, filters and oil checking dip sticks with battery banks handy to the companionway as well.

This companionway between the engines is covered with alloy checker plate and small fences around these inserts catch tools and parts should they be dropped, before they find their way into the bilge.

Standard on this boat is power-assisted hydraulic steering and a 300kgf hydraulic bow thruster and stern line mooring winches are fitted in each aft corner.

One is in awe after looking over this Princess. Coming from impeccable lineage she does what true royalty is meant to do; stand out from the rest.