Princess S80 Review (2024 Edition)

Around the Marina

In this sector, there is a mix of approaches to drive systems. The Pershing 8X has jet drives, while the Azimut S8 uses triple IPS1350s, which come with joystick control. If joystick precision is what you’re after, that’s the one to look at. But if you want raw performance, the Pershing’s nearly hitting 50 knots, so it’s hard to beat on speed.

This S80 sits nicely between the two: you can opt for joystick control with the shaft drive, though our test boat didn't have it. Instead, we had twin throttles alongside proportional bow and stern thrusters. For slow-speed handling, splitting the throttles lets you turn or twist with precision - pivoting on the spot. The proportional thrusters give you more control, so a gentle push gives a light thrust, and going full throttle boosts it, allowing you to hold position on a quayside, for instance. And for stabilisation, there are two options available: fin stabilisers or a gyro. The test boat was fitted with a gyro, at its best when stationary.

In terms of which helm you are best berthing from, the lower helm gives a decent all-round view. You’re seated high enough to see forward and to starboard with ease, and there’s a side door for quick communication with the crew. Plus, the flat deck lets you see down to the transom - almost right to the bathing platform.

Up on the flybridge, there's a great all-round view, with that shorter flybridge design there is a sightline through the deck hatch down to the cockpit to communicate with the crew. There’s also a third control station on the port side that pops out from the moulding - ideal for stern-to-mooring.  

At Sea

This boat is all about performance - equipped with twin 2,000hp MAN V12s, it delivers a solid 34-knot top speed, which is plenty quick for a cruiser this size. If you go for the S model instead of the X or Y, you can get twin 2,200hp MAN V12s and with that setup, you’re potentially looking at a top speed close to 40 knots - which is a serious feat.

It takes a moment to spool up, of course - quad turbos on these MANs mean when you bury the throttles, there's a pause, and then the surge hits. Once you’re in the torque zone, it’s a smooth, deliberate push forward, and before you know it, you’re at 30 knots drinking 600lph. Settle at around 25 knots, and you’re only sipping fuel at 240 litres per hour on both engines. Drop to 10 knots, and you can cover hundreds of nautical miles, thanks to the boat's 7,000-litre fuel capacity. 

But we're not here to talk about displacement speed because this 80-footer is designed to be driven. At 20 knots, when you turn the wheel she'll bog down slightly, but push her up to 30 knots, she reacts beautifully to the helm at that pace - the whole boat feels like it's up on its toes, a bit more agile.

When you swing her into these turns, they're still fairly wide - this is still an 80-foot yacht, not a RIB. But she turns gracefully, and you can spin the wheel back the other way, and before you know it, she's heaving herself around in the opposite direction. It's a fabulous feeling with that backbone of torque from the monstrous MAN V12s.

There are quite a few turns from lock to lock but the turning circle is quite tight for something of this size. And at 30 knots, you shed very little speed in the turn. I don't imagine many owners will spend much time flinging her about like this, but it's nice to know that if you want to, you absolutely can.

As eye-popping as the top speed is, however, it's the comfort of cruising that most stands out. The V12s are signing at 30 knots and the S80 will crush point-to-point cruises at this speed. Whether it's from the visceral surroundings of the upper helm or the refined hush of the lower helm, the S80 is a lovely boat to eat up the miles on. 

The Princess S80, part of the S Class range, is a blend of power and comfort, made in Plymouth, UK with styling by Princess, Olesinski design and Pininfarina. Sharing its basic platform with the Y80 and X80, this yacht is the sporty one; the high-performance one. And, being a sportsbridge, it aims to strike balance between the sleek styling of a sportscruiser and the space of a flybridge.

The main deck prioritises maximising the cockpit space and connecting it to the main saloon. The design is clever, with sliding doors and pop-up windows creating a fabulous inside-outside feel. Stand in the cockpit, and you'll be treated to incredible views through the enormous windows into the saloon. The aft galley is smartly positioned to serve the outdoor area, though there's no internal dining space, making it ideal for lining up food and drinks for those in the cockpit.

Many Princess S80 owners will likely run the yacht themselves, and this trend has led to the open galley and helm design. Both of these areas can be closed off but doing so would mean losing that great vista and open atmosphere that Princess has worked hard to create on this model.

Guest accommodation on the Princess S80 is thoughtfully laid out, the lower deck mirrors the arrangement found in the Y80 and X80, with four cabins. The owner's cabin is located amidships, with a VIP cabin forward and flanking either side, two guest cabins; a double and a convertible twin.

There's a lovely lower deck lobby area, with the option to include a washer and dryer. A generous storage void extends under the steps leading down, extra space for belongings. The only thing that might help this area further is a fridge so guests to grab a cold drink at night without trekking up to the galley.

The standard wood option is Rovere oak in a satin finish, but if you want something different, there's the option of ash or silver oak in satin, or walnut available in either satin or gloss.  

Engine Room

The engine room on the Princess S80 is a well-organised, accessible space with some nice design touches. There's good access via the crew space; there’s also a ladder connecting directly up to the cockpit. 

On the starboard side, the generator sits neatly, and the Seakeeper, an optional stabilisation system, hums away under its cover. If you opt for fins instead, you free up a chunk of space, making the area feel less hemmed in. The hydraulic pack for the thrusters sits atop this arrangement.

The engines themselves are straightforward to work with. The raw water strainers, positioned for easy visual inspection, are easy to get to, while the fuel filters are conveniently located for maintenance. Twin generators, one on your way in and another in the corner are both easily accessible for quick inspections or more involved mechanical work

All the pipework is labelled, so you know exactly what you’re dealing with, should you need to trace any leaks. The headroom is pretty good, with the only intrusion being the front of the tender garage. However, it doesn’t impede movement, allowing you to move comfortably between the engines. It’s a bit tight to get outboard of the V12 blocks, but day-to-day inspections are perfectly doable.

The galley has a healthy array of appliances, including a huge Sub-Zero fridge paired with freezer drawers, induction cooking, and a dishwasher. Storage is all over the place, with both drawers and cupboards, there's more than enough space to stow your provisions.

The galley extends into a breakfast bar, with bar stools. However, the real treat lies in the saloon's expansive floor area. No dedicated interior dining space means the layout is very open. Enormous windows frame the seating and TV area, allowing you to drink in glorious views while seated. 

The sportbridge design truly shines with its impressive sunroof. It is vast. When opened, it changes the atmosphere in the saloon, welcoming the air and sunshine in. Those triple helm seats set the tone that this is a driver's boat, making the most of the environment, and providing a nicely ventilated and brightened forward saloon area. 

Owner's Cabin

Spanning the full beam, the owner's cabin has plenty of headroom and a king-size bed sits in the middle, directly opposite the largest TV on the accommodation deck.

A lovely bureau on the port side pops open to reveal integrated jewellery storage and a mirror, with a comfortable chair as well. This piece, like much of the cabin, has lovely detailing, including underlighting that creates a nice ambience, especially at night.

Storage is a primary focus, with a walk-in wardrobe sharing the beam with the spacious ensuite bathroom, and additional storage options under the bureau and in handy drawers - ideal for shoes and bags. This cabin feels like a space where you could live comfortably for extended periods, even though, amazingly, the S80 could might be used primarily as a day boat.

One of the standout features is the beautiful sofa, perfectly positioned to drink in the views offered by the enormous hull windows. These windows provide an incredible connection to the outside.

The ensuite bathroom offers a twin sink arrangement with big drawers underneath and is outfitted with modern, black bathroom wear, including the towel rail and shower fixtures. The separate shower cubicle, finished in contrasting wood and featuring a rain shower head and a handheld wand option, is a real treat. Small details, like the lit storage section, are lovely. And, despite the machinery running through the bulkhead, sound levels are impressively quiet, clocking in at just over 40 decibels.

VIP Cabin

The Princess S80's VIP cabin is a well-designed space. It's appointed with a private ensuite, with a big separate shower cubicle, and a hull window for light and ventilation.

In terms of layout, there's plenty of floor space, allowing you to move about easily and get changed without feeling cramped. A bureau provides a spot for makeup or jewellery. Storage solutions are well thought out, with space on both sides, knee-level lockers, and drawer storage beneath the bed. A slightly higher lip on the storage areas would stop items from sliding off though.

Though there’s no skylight, there is an escape hatch leading up to the foredeck. Still, lovely hull windows allow reflections from the water to dance on the ceiling, bathing the space in natural light. Portholes on both sides, so you won't necessarily need to rely on air conditioning unless the temperature climbs. 

Double Cabin

On the starboard side is a double ensuite cabin. There's plenty of room around the bed, and though the headroom dips a bit further aft, the floor drops down to compensate for that. The cabin features an independent sound system, allowing guests to control their AV, and air conditioning for personalised climate control. Natural light streams through the hull window, while storage is good, with a huge hanging locker and eye-level lockers. The bureau is practical, and the bathroom, complete with a separate shower cubicle, is a nice self-contained space.

Twin Cabin

On the port side, there's a twin cabin, but it's quite a clever one. Princess does have a knack for versatile design. The ability to slide the berths together electronically, changing them into a double bed. This is something we see everywhere now, and it's great for chartering, but Princess has installed a panel underneath. So a bedside table will always be there, regardless if it's set up as a twin or double.

The space, while not enormous, is enough to slither down the side when laid as a double. The headroom remains decent, and though you're walking between beds, the space doesn't feel cramped. The cabin includes AV up on the wall and independent climate control as well. Storage is generous and this cabin shares an ensuite with the dayhead, offering near-enough private facilities since every other cabin has its own bathroom.

Crew Accommodation

Crew space is accessed through a hatch in the transom, but a consequence of the tender garage layout is that the space dedicated to the crew cabin is pushed to one side. It's quite a compromise as the space needed to house a tender means there's less room left for crew quarters.

If you're expecting to have more than a captain or deckhand on duty, you might find this arrangement a bit of a letdown. The crew cabin here is essentially a sleeping area; no mess which is found in models like the X or Y. 

That being said, there's a washer-dryer stacked and the bunks, while on the snug side, do offer overhead storage, and there's a surprisingly decent chunk of storage space tucked away further inside. The bathroom has a separate shower cubicle with a seat.  

Upper Helm Station

The upper helm station of the Princess S80 is a bit of a mixed bag. The helm seats are not quite high enough for an unobstructed view over the bow, but they do have a comfortable armchair-like feel. You can slide them forward or back, and keep a good grip on the wheel. With the armrests, it's a bit like settling into a comfy chair at home, and it should make longer cruises more enjoyable.

Guests aren't left out; they can sit in lounge seats on either side of the central helm station. Guests can sit both aft-facing and forward-facing, making the helm quite social. 

However, the low windscreen needs looking at; a bit more protection from the wind is needed. Sunseeker and Absolute use a perspex slide that deflects the wind over the heads of skippers. A similar feature would improve things greatly.

The dash with the dual-station Böning system is well-positioned, and all systems for navigating are easily accessible. The switch gear isn't too much of a stretch, either.

Lower Helm Station

For the first time ever Princess S80 has introduced triple helm seats so three people can enjoy the ride and the commanding view over the dashboard. With the helm positioned to starboard, passengers can move freely without disturbing the skipper.  There is a U-shaped dinette to port as well, a nice spot on the move and when the boat is at rest.

Control over the helm seat is quite comprehensive, you can slide in and out, and adjust up and down. While the dashboard's layout is simple with black leather on top, the lower shiny section seems to attract scratches and fingerprints, a matt material would be better.

Navigating and control systems include twin Böning screens and navigation displays - it might seem a bit much to have two Böning screens, but having constant access to engine information and the ability to monitor all the cameras across the boat, including in the cockpit and engine room, provides excellent oversight. One minor problem is the air conditioning vents are flush with the dashboard, making it hard to direct the airflow; raising them just a bit would improve this.

The lower helm has a great view, and communication with passengers is easy, thanks to the open layout and side door. With the sunroof closed, the area remains bright; the option to open it allows for natural ventilation and being a bit more in touch with the outside - an advantage over the Princess X and Y models.

Sportbridge

When opting for a sportbridge yacht, you will be trading some upper deck space compared to a traditional flybridge. However, at 80ft, the Princess S80's sportbridge is anything but cramped. Unlike the Pershing 8X, which offers more of a sun deck, the S80 has multiple living areas.

The sportbridge includes a sizeable wet bar, complete with a double grill, sink, and a generously sized drawer fridge. Opposite, you'll find an ice maker and an optional pop-up TV; this space is fully equipped to host a party. Seating wraps around the edges, with a bench that can be unpinned and moved up to the fixed table to accommodate additional guests.

If you are considering dining al fresco, protection from the elements is a must. A fixed hardtop is available, but it might break the yacht's beautiful lines. To keep them intact, there's a hydraulic bimini which pops out and provides shelter, folding down in front of the windscreen.

Tender Garage & Bathing Platform

One of the most obvious places on the Princess S80 that sets it apart from the Y and X Series is the tender garage. It has an electro-hydraulic door and an electric winch with space to accommodate a Williams 435 or a similar-sized tender. With the tender away, the sleek lines of the yacht are intact, maintaining the high-performance design focus.

The hydraulic platform itself is an integral part of the tender launch system with the ability to handle 550kg. You can opt for chocks to carry a jet ski. However, be prepared to launch it each time you open the tender garage. On the other side is access to the crew space and engine room. 

Cockpit

The cockpit is cleverly zoned, with distinct areas for dining, lounging and sunbathing. The dining area sits under the overhang, with a table that opens up when needed, thanks to a central leaf. There's plenty of room here, and it's interesting to note that the cockpit's size is notably larger compared to the Y80, highlighting the S80's roomy layout.

A standout feature is the brand new (for Princess) outdoor air conditioning system. This split gas system heats and cools, proving its worth by extending the living space. You can also enclose the cockpit area for a fully insulated area.

Flexibility is key with this cockpit. The seating components can be unpinned and repositioned to create L-shaped configurations or face them towards each other. Freestanding coffee tables add to this flexibility. Overhead, a pop-out sunshade provides shade from the sun over the sun pads. These are split into sections, allowing two people on each side with a central walkway leading straight to the bathing platform.

On the practical side, a servery offers a fridge and sink, adding extra utility alongside the galley. Two wine fridges are on the starboard side, also an ice maker, and a beautifully backlit drawer for glassware - all very Princess. 

The foredeck doubles as another living space. A huge sofa and low-set coffee tables are installed here; a nice sociable design allows guests to face forward, or turn back to chat with others, all while enjoying the glorious view of the S80 stretching behind. There's also a cooler to keep drinks chilled.

Forward, the twin anchor lockers house the dual anchors so ground tackle and mooring gear are well-organised. The flat layout is a bonus, giving a surface free from obstacles that you could stub your toes on. 

Princess has not provided a specific figure as yet but an S80 to the spec of our test boat will be around $10 million.

Our Options & Pick

Our test boat included roughly $1,000,000 in optional extras. Among the most expensive are the Seakeeper 26 gyro and a stern thruster, the sunroof, twin 28kW generators, a premium AV system, 19in MFDs, Gulf Spec Air-Con and the flybridge bimini. 

All of these options are pretty much a necessity but you may consider fins over the gyroscope as they'll have a positive effect on stability at higher speeds. A hard top is an option on the S80 but it somewhat undermines the gorgeous profile of the boat so we'd stick with the electro-hydraulic bimini.