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Princess V55 Express Review – Full Specs, Performance, and Features Explained

The Princess V55 Express is a bold and modern sport yacht that embodies the brand’s unmistakable blend of elegance and raw performance. As part of Princess Yachts’ iconic V Class, the V55 is purpose-built for those who love the thrill of fast cruising yet demand a level of comfort and sophistication usually reserved for larger vessels. With its striking profile, expansive cockpit, and contemporary interiors, this yacht delivers both power and presence on the water.

Designed with long weekends and spirited offshore runs in mind, the Princess V55 offers an exhilarating ride paired with generous onboard living spaces. It provides owners with a sense of freedom that comes from being able to cover serious distances quickly, while still enjoying all the luxuries of a floating seaside retreat. Whether it’s entertaining guests, exploring new coastlines, or simply enjoying quiet evenings at anchor, the V55 Express captures the spirit of adventure and refinement in equal measure.

Intended Purpose of the V55 Express

The Princess V55 Express was crafted to serve as a performance-driven express yacht with real cruising credentials. Its primary purpose is to deliver a thrilling, responsive ride while accommodating owners and guests in style. Unlike some yachts that lean heavily toward either luxury or performance, the V55 strikes a balance that allows it to excel as a high-speed cruiser without compromising on comfort.

The boat is versatile enough for day trips, weekend escapes, or even extended coastal voyages. Its deep-V hull ensures it can handle offshore waters confidently, while its spacious deck and cabins make long stays enjoyable. In many ways, it’s designed for those who want a yacht that is as fun to drive as it is to relax aboard.

Who Is the Princess V55 For?

The Princess V55 Express is tailored for owners who want their yacht to double as a lifestyle statement. It’s perfect for couples who enjoy fast-paced getaways, families looking for a balance of performance and comfort, or experienced boaters stepping down from larger flybridge models who want something easier to manage without sacrificing quality.

This yacht also appeals to those who enjoy entertaining. With expansive social spaces both above and below deck, it works as well for hosting cocktail parties at anchor as it does for private family cruising. Thanks to intuitive controls and strong build quality, it’s a model that balances sophistication with practicality, making it approachable for a wide range of owners.

How Does the Princess V55 Compare to Other Offshore Boats?

In the competitive field of 50–60 ft express yachts, the Princess V55 holds its own with a rare mix of agility and space. Compared to the Sunseeker Predator 55 EVO, the Princess offers a more refined interior finish and a slightly larger salon space, though the Predator leans more heavily on aggressive styling. Against the Pershing 7X, the V55 is not quite as radical in terms of speed, but it delivers a more balanced experience that prioritizes comfort and efficiency alongside performance.

Where the V55 stands out is in its versatility. It doesn’t just aim for maximum speed or maximum luxury—it provides both in equal measure. This makes it particularly attractive to owners who want a yacht that can keep up with faster sport models while still offering the creature comforts of a proper cruising yacht.

Design & Specifications

Type: Express Cruiser
Length Overall (LOA): 58 ft 6 in (including pulpit)
Beam: 15 ft 3 in
Draft: 4 ft 1 in
Fuel Capacity: 660 gallons
Engines: Twin Volvo D13 900 (900 HP each) or D13 1000 (1,000 HP each)
Top Speed: 32–35 knots (depending on engine choice)
Cruise Speed: 25–28 knots
Hull Design: Deep-V planing hull
Seating Layout: Expansive aft cockpit with convertible dining/lounge area, twin helm seats, forward sunpad, and large salon with galley below

The Princess V55’s design reflects the brand’s reputation for sleek lines and contemporary elegance. Its sporty silhouette is complemented by large hull windows that flood the interior with natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere below deck. The cockpit is a highlight, with a versatile seating arrangement that transforms easily between lounging and dining.

Below, the yacht features a spacious full-beam master stateroom, a forward guest cabin, and a third cabin that can be configured with either twin berths or a single berth. The galley and salon are designed for both practicality and style, with high-end finishes that reflect Princess’s craftsmanship. Overall, the V55 Express offers a perfect balance of open-air enjoyment and private comfort.

Performance & Handling

When it comes to performance, the V55 lives up to its “express” name. With twin Volvo D13 engines, it achieves a thrilling top speed of up to 35 knots, depending on configuration. More importantly, it maintains an effortless cruising speed of around 25–28 knots, giving owners the ability to cover distance quickly without sacrificing efficiency.

Handling is precise and confidence-inspiring. The deep-V hull cuts smoothly through waves, while the responsive helm ensures that the yacht feels nimble despite its size. Joystick docking technology makes close-quarters maneuvering simple, which is especially valuable in tight marinas. For owners who love to be at the helm, the V55 offers an engaging, rewarding driving experience that sets it apart from more sedate cruising yachts.

Safety and Seaworthiness

Safety on the Princess V55 is enhanced by its robust construction and thoughtful deck design. Wide walkways and stainless-steel grab rails make it easy to move safely around the yacht, even in rougher conditions. The helm provides excellent visibility, ensuring the captain can make informed decisions while underway.

With a deep-V hull and substantial fuel capacity, the V55 is well-suited to offshore conditions, capable of handling unexpected weather with confidence. The boat is engineered for serious cruising, but as always, owners should remain mindful of fuel planning, particularly when running at higher speeds for extended periods.

Practical Trade-Offs

Every yacht has trade-offs, and the V55 is no exception. While it offers excellent interior space for its class, taller guests may find headroom in the third cabin slightly restrictive. Additionally, with its emphasis on performance, fuel consumption at top speeds can be significant, so owners will want to balance efficiency with the thrill of running fast.

Another point to consider is that, as an express yacht, it does not offer the same elevated visibility or extra outdoor spaces that a flybridge model might. Buyers who prefer higher vantage points may find themselves comparing the V55 against Princess’s own flybridge offerings.

Features That Enhance Ownership

The Princess V55 is full of features that make it a pleasure to own and operate:

  • Retractable sunroof in the salon for an open-air feel
  • Hydraulic swim platform for easy tender launch and water access
  • Spacious galley with premium appliances for longer stays
  • Convertible cockpit seating that adapts to different social settings
  • Panoramic windows that connect the interior with the sea

Each of these features isn’t just for show—they directly improve day-to-day use, ensuring the V55 feels practical as well as luxurious.

Owner Feedback and Impressions

Owners often describe the Princess V55 as the “perfect middle ground” between performance yachts and traditional cruisers. Testimonials frequently mention the yacht’s smooth ride, high-quality finishes, and versatility. Many highlight how the boat feels manageable to run without crew, despite offering the amenities of much larger yachts.

Professional reviews consistently praise its combination of design, performance, and craftsmanship, noting that it competes strongly with Italian sport yacht brands while maintaining British refinement.

Comparative Insights

Compared to its main rivals, the Princess V55 Express is more versatile than the high-performance Pershing line and more performance-focused than the Prestige 590. It offers a sportier ride than the Azimut Atlantis 55 while providing more interior refinement. Buyers looking for a yacht that excels both in speed and comfort will find the V55 to be one of the strongest contenders in its segment.

Ownership Costs and Storage

Owning a Princess V55 means budgeting for premium-level costs that align with its performance and luxury status. Fuel consumption will depend heavily on usage patterns, with cruising speeds offering reasonable efficiency compared to other boats in its class. Maintenance and storage costs should be factored in, especially for owners in seasonal climates where winterization is required.

That said, the V55 benefits from Princess’s reputation for reliability and strong resale values, which help offset long-term ownership expenses.

Final Verdict

The Princess V55 Express delivers an exhilarating boating experience without compromising on comfort or usability. It’s sporty yet luxurious, versatile yet refined, and perfectly suited for those who want to enjoy the best of both worlds. Whether you’re entertaining friends, exploring coastlines, or indulging in high-speed runs, the V55 provides an unmatched combination of thrill and sophistication.

For many buyers, it represents not just a yacht, but a lifestyle upgrade—one that offers excitement at the helm and serenity at anchor.

FAQ

How many cabins does the Princess V55 have?
The V55 has three cabins: a full-beam master, a forward guest cabin, and a flexible third cabin.

What engines power the V55?
It is available with twin Volvo D13 900 or D13 1000 engines, delivering up to 35 knots.

Is the Princess V55 easy to handle without crew?
Yes. With joystick docking and intuitive controls, it’s manageable for experienced owners without the need for a crew.

What makes the V55 different from similar yachts?
It balances speed and luxury equally, unlike some rivals that lean heavily toward just one aspect.

Can it handle offshore cruising?
Yes. With a deep-V hull and strong construction, it’s well-suited for offshore waters, though fuel planning is essential.

Fly Yachts provides a full range of services, starting with a large inventory of yachts for sale and information about luxury yachts , super yachts, and center consoles, all easily found from their homepage. To learn about their company history, team, and expert knowledge, check their About Us page, and if you want a custom yacht built, visit Build a Yacht. They feature travel options to various charter destinations around the world and list many yachts charter choices for private bookings. If you want to sell your vessel, the Sell Your Yacht page explains their process and support. For private aviation, they offer a selection of aircraft for sale. You can stay up to date on industry updates and company activities on the Gulfstream News page, and find yachting tips or advice in their Compass Articles. For any help or to get in touch, you can use the Contact page.

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