With an interior to die for and sparkling performance, the Princess 68 looks to be the whole package
On the face of it, the Princess 68 looks like another perfectly rounded, effortlessly capable if somewhat straight-laced flybridge. The exterior is handsome and timeless, typically restrained and likely to still look fresh in a quarter of a century.
Inside, though, the designers have added some real sparkle – not just through the detailing and quality of the fit-out but in the layout itself.
The saloon will blow you away with how spacious and open it is, not to mention the sheer size of the glass area in this main living space.
The central lounging area is the perfect focal point for entertaining and your galley is located aft, just inside the sliding doors.
When it’s time for bed you can nip down your private access stairway to the spectacular master cabin with the jaw-dropping, one-piece hull windows.
Okay, Prestige has been doing this sort of thing for a while on much smaller boats than this but Princess’ execution of this layout is right on the money. So far, so Princess but what is she like on the water?
Performance
Our test boat had a thumping great pair of V12 MAN diesels with 1,400hp each side making for performance on par with sportscruisers half the size of this four-cabin bruiser.
The MAN’s really are monstrous power plants, thrusting you back into your seat even when you accelerate from 30 knots.
And who knows how they do it but the handling and steering for a boat of these dimensions and weight is absolutely sublime.
Downsides? It has to be said that in what wasn’t a particularly fierce chop the ride was a bit fidgety (to use a hackneyed motoring journo term) and there were a few too many squeaks emanating from the furniture.
Slightly disappointing but then that is the pay off such vast amounts of space. The 68 is broad, beamy and tall, which is why the interior is so cavernous and room on board is exactly what customers want.
Look out for the full test of the Princess 68 in the New Year.
Pros
- Stunning saloon
- Separate access to the master cabin
- Classy finish
- Strong performance
Cons
- Upwind ride felt harsh at times
- Lack of handholds in the saloon
Verdict
It's hard not to be impressed by the Princess 68's interior spaces and its performance and handling. Some will argue that it's not exciting enough to look at, though.
Details
Length: 69ft 9in (21.25m)
Beam: 17ft 8in (5.38m)
Fuel capacity: 900 gal (4,100 litres)
Water capacity: 183 gal (836 litres)
Draught: 5ft 2in (1.58m)
RCD Category: B
Displacement: 36.9 tonnes
Test engine: Twin MAN V12 1,400hp
Top speed: 35 knots
Cruising speed: 28 knots
Price (as tested): £1,391,621 ex VAT
