Prestige 500 (2011 - 2019) Rivals

Which yacht is best for you? As always, it’s all about personal choice. Some people choose a yacht on its characteristics (incidentally the 500 has won a staggering 5 awards, most recently for "Above 45ft"). Some people choose their yacht based on its power credentials and the planing hull of the 500 delivers speeds of up to 29 knots.

Accommodation

If your priority is guest accommodation then the Prestige 500 offers well-appointed accommodation for up to 6 guests with its 3 cabin layout option. The 500 benefits from a full-beam master cabin with an en-suite bathroom, a private stairwell and hull side windows is a standout. The Princess F49 and Azimut Fly 50, although designed for slightly smaller groups of 6 guests in 3 cabins, still offer an exceptional level of comfort for family getaways.

Performance

When it comes to cruising speed, the Prestige 500 has been designed for those not in a hurry, with the slowest cruising speed of the group at 24 knots and a top speed of 29 knots. The Prestige 500 emphasizes stability and comfort over outright speed and its target audience will be those who enjoy the journey over the destination. The title for the fastest cruising speed goes to the Princess F50 which has an impressive cruising speed of 30 knots powered by its twin 600hp Volvo Penta D8-IPS800 engines and can reach a top speed of 36 knots. This is closely followed by the Princess F49 with a notable cruising speed of 31 knots and top speed of 35 knots.

Unique Characteristics

Each yacht also brings unique features to the forefront. The Azimut Fly 50 impresses with its extensive range of 520 nautical miles, ideal for long voyages. The shallow draft of the Gulf Craft 48 allows it to navigate waters inaccessible to deeper vessels. The Princess F49 focuses on performance and efficiency, with a cruising speed of 31 knots. Meanwhile, the Princess F50 offers the best raw performance, with a maximum speed of 36 knots.

Summary

Despite stiff competition, the Prestige 500 stands out with notable features and design elements. These yachts cater to a wide range of preferences and needs, making the choice a matter of personal taste and specific requirements in the world of luxury yachting.

When considering a new (or indeed used) yacht, it’s certainly important to wonder about the alternatives in the Prestige Flybridge Line range or indeed its competitors. Browse our hand-picked selection of 6 competing models.