Our pick of the top five must-see boats at the Southampton Boat Show
MBY’s pick of the Top 5 new launches at the PSP Southampton Boat Show.
1. Princess 43
Berth no M483
The all new entry-level flybridge for the popular Princess range has a lot to live up to but the omens look promising. Huge saloon windows, two good cabins below decks and a contemporary new interior design matched to dependable shaftdrive engineering should appeal to newcomers and traditionalists alike. The V48 is also worth a look if you missed its launch at the British Motor Yacht Show in May.
2. Fairline Squadron 48
Berth M181
Another new British flybridge and the first one since the big shake-up at the Fairline yard in Oundle. It uses the same IPS drive hull as the Targa 48 Open, which performed so well in our recent sea trial (MBY Sept 2013), but with three double cabins including a big new full beam ensuite it should make for an even more luxurious cruising experience.
3. Sunseeker 68 Sport Yacht
Stand CO80
The first of Sunseeker’s new crossover craft that aim to combine the sleek looks of a sportscruiser with the elevated driving position and outside space of a flybridge. It shares its hull and dramatic z-shaped windows with the Predator 68 so expect plenty of get up and go but the extra deck is far more than just an outside helm with room for sunpads and a dinette too.
4. Monte Carlo 5
Berth tbc
The boat that finally puts Bénéteau onto the same playing field as Princess, Fairline, Azimut et al. Using all the experience the group has learned from the successful Monte Carlo Yachts range, the French company has created a much more affordable but no less luxurious 50ft model. Look out for a full sea trial in the November issue of Motor Boat & Yachting.
5. Hardy 62
Berth M64
An absolute beast of a boat from the masters of all-weather cruising. Go-anywhere styling, a chunky semi-displacement hull and a pair of stonking great 1200hp diesel engines gives Hardy’s new flagship the kind of presence and ability which Her Majesty’s Royal Navy would be proud of. It’s enough to make you want to whip out the Union Jack and start singing the national anthem.
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