Princess F45 Review (2019 Edition)

Princess excels in utilising space effectively without compromising on style or functionality, setting the bar high with its flybridges, salons, and cabins. Its exterior styling remains sleek and purposeful, showcasing the brand's class-leading capabilities.

With the F45, Princess has reason to celebrate its accomplishments. While it's not the first yacht in its class to incorporate a full-beam master suite, it stands out as the best and most comprehensive example to date, surpassing competitors like the Absolute 45 Fly and the Bavaria SR41.

While the yacht boasts numerous attributes worth noting, the master suite undoubtedly commands attention. How has Princess achieved this feat so impressively?

Cabin Mastery

Until recently, yachts measuring between 13-14m (42-46ft) typically featured the master cabin forward, within the narrowing bows, except for aft cabin designs. However, relocating it amidships provides more beam, although achieving this below 15m (50ft) has been nearly impossible due to headroom limitations and the complexity of this area, with the salon directly above and an engine bay behind.

The success story of the F45's full-beam design hinges on two major elements. Firstly, the shift from shaft drive to Pods, with the IPS600 engines positioned aft, allows for more space for accommodation. Secondly, the galley has been relocated up and aft. In contrast, the previous Princess F43, slightly longer at 14.5m (48ft), had its galley below decks. By moving it up, the area below can be dedicated entirely to cabins.

To accommodate the height and volume required for the master cabin, the F45 appears to sit slightly taller and fuller in the water, requiring two steps up from the galley to the salon to create the necessary headroom below. This design approach is understandable.

However, the key to Princess's achievement of this full-beam design lies in incredibly clever and meticulous design. Observing the aft of the master cabin reveals how the mouldings arc and tier, maximising every millimeter of available space.

 Impressive Design

The cleverness evident across the yacht ensures minimal compromise, with the exception of the steps up in the salon. The ensuites are excellent, the forward VIP rivals most masters, the salon above is spacious and bright, and the flybridge is packed with features, offering the luxury of a larger yacht.

Princess goes beyond innovating the interior, incorporating an extended transom to maximize seating and deck space in the aft cockpit. While not a new idea, it enhances the functionality of this flybridge vessel.

The attention to design detail is remarkable, and although the finish may feel a bit sparse in some areas, it remains a highly impressive build.

We've discussed the sleeping quarters from a design standpoint, and they're equally impressive in terms of comfort. While the taller scissor berths in the forward guest cabin may not be as conducive to a natural twin or kids' cabin as low-set twin berths, it's still a commendable effort. The cabin offers ample storage and is accompanied by a very impressive ensuite and day head.

The master suite is impressive. The intricate deckhead, which undulates at eye level, never feels inhibiting, with the sole dropping away to accommodate any significant loss of headroom. The hull windows are excellent for a yacht of this size, while stowage space is very well-provided for.

Similar to the master suite, the salon above boasts an incredible panoramic surround of glass. The raised dinette and lounge seating make the most of the views outside, with a pop-up TV available for evening entertainment.

The galley aft is a straightforward setup with a molded and un-fiddled worktop, flush cabinetry, sink, and oven with an electric hob above. Despite its simplicity, it offers ample space and storage, complemented by a sideboard to port for extra worktop space if needed, and a dual refrigerator. Accessible through triple stainless steel cockpit doors leading to the deck, along with sliding side windows, ventilation is plentiful.

Practically speaking, the F45 lacks fiddles but compensates with the provision of grabrails conveniently within reach.

Both helm positions are well-organized. The dash designs are compactly built around the steering wheel, featuring two closely set Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) with every control easily within reach. The lower helm boasts a two-person adjustable helm seat with a useful amount of wraparound support. However, the best feature is the visibility forward, with a single-piece windscreen delivering a cinematic widescreen view.

The upper helm offers excellent visibility, as expected. It's worth mentioning that Princess has installed two separate bucket-style helm seats, which is the ideal setup for fast cruising, providing good support. Many larger yachts only offer one helm seat or a simple bench up top.

Being a flybridge yacht, let's begin with the upper deck, which sets a high standard for other 15m (50ft) yachts. The entire deck feels secure and spacious, with sturdy sections that still allow ample room for manoeuvring.

The layout is well-planned, making full use of every inch of the flybridge. A twin helm position and lounge area are located forward, while a dining area for six people wraps around the aft section. An L-shaped wet bar separates the two seating areas, which can be equipped with a fridge and barbecue in addition to the standard sink.

Descending the teak steps from the flybridge, you arrive at the aft cockpit featuring an extending transom seat, offering additional space for lounging or dining. Adjacent to the aft galley, there's a tidy corner seat with teak-topped rope lockers adding a touch of character.

Exiting through the dual transom gates onto the bathing platform, there are several intriguing options to explore. Set into the transom is a wet bar and grill, cleverly positioned away from the interior. Additionally, an optional hydraulic platform beneath offers a convenient tender launch system.

One notable design feature, unique even among Princess yachts, is the absence of a foredeck cockpit. Instead, you'll find a standard sun pad layout with backrests, enhanced by tasteful teak detailing that elevates the overall sense of quality.

Several optional extras are available for consideration, including the hydraulic bathing platform and the barbecues on both the flybridge and transom. However, the standard specification is comprehensive and thoughtfully designed, mirroring the overall quality of the yacht.

Included in the standard package are notable features such as the extending transom, teak decking throughout the bathing platform, aft cockpit, and flybridge stairs, basic navigation equipment for both helms (including a depth sounder and autopilot), and a fully equipped galley.

It's worth mentioning that deck cushions, upholstery, and canopies are part of the standard package, as these items are sometimes left out of standard specifications.

With the inclusion of these features, we think that purchasing a standard F45 and adding chartplotter and radar systems would result in a comprehensive setup.