British builder Princess has been making waves with its highly successful X Class yachts, known for their ample volume and impressive scale. Yet, at the opposite end of the spectrum, there's another story unfolding — one just as remarkable. The entry-level V40 sports yacht has been flying off the shelves, with hundreds finding happy owners.
Following suit, the V50 model, introduced in 2018, proved to be equally popular, offering even more onboard space while maintaining its sleek, sporty design and exceptional maneuverability. Therefore, the new V50 has some significant expectations to meet. It holds a crucial position in Princess's lineup, bridging the gap between its entry-level model and the higher-end V55 and V60.
Princess V50 Key Facts
- LOA 16.02m
- Model Year 2022
- Cabins 2
- Max Speed 31 knots
- Status In Production
- Generations 3
- Yacht Type Sportsboat
- Use Type Weekending
The previous and this brand new V50 appear strikingly similar on paper. Both yachts boast Volvo Penta IPS pod drives, a feature pivotal not only for the V50's swift yet smooth handling but also for its exceptional full-beam owner's cabin, with engines situated aft to maximize below-deck space.
With a consistent two-cabin layout and a lower salon and galley, both models share identical cockpit designs. Crucially, the new V50 continues to offer a choice between the Open cockpit model, featuring a sunpad and tender garage, or an enclosed deck salon design with cockpit doors, sans garage but with ample outside seating.
However, numerous new features distinguish this iteration, noticeably enhancing key aspects. Externally, the new V50 retains the sleek, sporty aesthetic of its predecessor, complemented by Princess's favoured blue accentuating the roofline. Notably, the hardtop windows have been enlarged, enhancing both light ingress and visibility without altering the profile.
Moreover, the distinctive shard of black glass, a hallmark of all V Class models, now extends deeper and farther aft, implying increased glass area below decks.
Beyond the exterior design adjustments, notable changes are evident throughout the interior finish. The new yacht showcases lighter, brighter tones in the salon and cabins, complemented by deep, natural wood accents on the sole, seat bases, and steps for added contrast. The result is a more sophisticated ambience with a distinct large-yacht personality. Reflecting the sports pedigree of the V Class, subtle detailing enhances the interior, while a revamped helm station now boasts proper twin seats for added comfort and style.
In terms of performance, the V50 achieves a respectable 31 knots with the 435hp IPS600 system. While the V60 can reach 38 knots and even the towering X80 hits 30 knots, the V50 prioritises usable, practical fast cruising over outright speed. This focus is underscored by the standard-fit Volvo Penta's enhanced Dynamic Positioning System, which aids in close-quarter manoeuvres.
The V50 we inspected featured the enclosed deck salon configuration, retaining the same salon design and layout as its predecessor. However, the updated finish brings a significant improvement.
Princess' sleek and meticulously designed interior style, though somewhat uniform, shines particularly well in smaller spaces, as demonstrated here. The new light fabrics and cabinetry create a striking contrast against the rich oiled timber sole and furniture bases. Positioned slightly higher, the lounge and high-low dining area are complemented by an extended stretch of sideboard and bar cabinets. While enclosed deck salon models typically have smaller sunroofs compared to open yachts, the V50 boasts a generously sized sunroof with expansive glass panels flooding the space with natural light.
Below Deck Success
If the deck salon is designed for enjoying the day, the lower salon exudes the perfect ambiance for evening relaxation or quietly welcoming the morning. Positioned opposite the galley, this cozy lounge features another high-low table that can be lowered to create an occasional berth. While the sofa comfortably seats six guests, it's ideally set up for four individuals to enjoy. While there's an option to swap the lounge for a bunked third cabin, doing so would enclose what currently feels like an open and inviting lower deck.
The galley boasts a pleasantly understated style, blending into its surroundings. However, it offers ample storage space, including specialized drawers for cutlery and crockery, as well as a full-height fridge freezer. A deep sink is integrated into the countertop, although the only drawback is the absence of any raised edges on the counter.
The lower lounge is undoubtedly a standout feature of this sports yacht, but it's overshadowed by the full-beam owner's suite. While the layout of this V50's owner's cabin appears similar to its predecessor, with the sofa positioned to port and cabinets to starboard, it exudes a brighter and possibly more spacious feel. The enhanced window line certainly contributes to this perception, yet it seems that the designers at Princess spared no effort in maximizing every available inch of depth and width. The result is a generously sized cabin with full-standing headroom and ample space surrounding the double berth.
The forward guest cabin showcases scissor berths that seamlessly convert from twins to a double, providing versatility and maximizing floor space at the foot of the bed. Large sections of glass adorn the bows, offering ample natural light, while an overhead hatch enhances ventilation. Both cabins boast well-appointed ensuites, with spacious shower stalls. Additionally, the guest ensuite conveniently offers dayhead access from the salon, enhancing functionality and ease of use.
Princess has been at the forefront of helm station innovation for over two decades. Recognizing the significance of this critical area, the brand has devoted considerable design effort to ensuring its helm stations are not only functional but also provide a tactile and ergonomic experience akin to automotive standards.
The V50 carries on this legacy with two luxurious and comfortable seats positioned in front of a thoughtfully designed console, ensuring that all controls are easily accessible and providing ample space for two MFD screens. Its expansive single-piece forward windscreen and deep side windows offer exceptional visibility, with the glass to the immediate starboard able to be lowered at the touch of a button.
The test yacht's enclosed deck salon features sturdy stainless cockpit doors that open onto an aft deck adorned with the same social seating arrangement seen on the previous V50 model.
The alternative Open model maintains a hardtop but opens up the back, providing a single expansive cockpit deck that extends to a sunpad and tender garage. In our enclosed test yacht, the aft deck boasts a sleek teak high-low table, convertible into a sunpad, complemented by a nearby wet bar for guest convenience.
Both models offer excellent deck access, with two sets of steps from the hydraulic swim platform leading to the side decks and foredeck. A lift-out cushion and backrest facilitate portside access from the cockpit, while starboard access is easily navigated with a walk-through.
Our Verdict
The V50 has long held its position as a market leader, and the latest version's enhancements only reinforce its status. The brighter interior design is complemented by increased window area both on and below decks. Performance, like the entire yacht, prioritizes enjoyment and ease, with a highly user-friendly 30-knot IPS package as standard.
The main question for buyers lies in choosing between the deck salon model we examined and the Open version. While we haven't yet seen the new Open model, we're familiar with the previous version. The appeal of the tender garage and open cockpit will undoubtedly attract many, yet we're partial to the deck salon design, which offers buyers the flexibility of two distinct and captivating deck-level lounges to relish.
Reasons to Buy
- Deck salon or Open versions
- Two ensuite cabins
- Two interior lounges
- 30-knot IPS performance
- Excellent helm design with twin helm seats
Things to Consider
- Yet to see the Open version
Looking to own a Princess V50? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Princess V50 Yachts for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Princess V50, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used yachts for sale and find your perfect yacht today!
Rivals to Consider
The 50ft sector is hotly contested for flybridge yachts, but there is less activity and so rivals for a 50ft sports yacht. Plenty of yachts are a meter or so (3ft) on either side of the V50, but a meter makes a big difference in space and price at this level.
The obvious rival in design, quality, and style is the new Fairline Targa 50GT, also available as the 50 Open and offering the same choice of deck salon or open cockpit and tender garage. The fellow Brit delivers two cabins and a lower lounge.
We rarely discuss Princess without mentioning Sunseeker, so we’ll continue that trend. The Predator 55 Evo is a full 1m longer but offers a similar layout and set of features.
If we look beyond new models, the Sea Ray 520 Sundancer is an interesting option. There is a different feel to the yacht inside, the clean styling includes a big galley aft salon with two good cabins and the option of a third cabin in place of the lower lounge.
Considering a new yacht? Explore Princess' entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.
Specifications
- Builder Princess
- Range V Class
- Model V50
- Length Overall 16.02m
- Beam 4.08m
- Draft 1.09m
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 2
- Berths 6
- Yacht Type (Primary) Sportsboat
- Use Type (Primary) Weekending
- Max Speed 31 knots
- Fuel Capacity 1,550 Litres
- Fresh Water Capacity 364 Litres
- Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta IPS600
Princess V50 Layout
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Main Deck
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Standard enclosed main deck
![Main Deck Princess V50]()
The deck salon model still has a big aft deck, the layout shows the starboard deck break in the seating, with an infill to make it one big lounge.
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Lower Deck
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![Lower Deck Princess V50]()
A conventional sports yacht layout almost perfectly delivered, the cosy lower lounge will convert to a berth, the full-beam Owner's cabin is class-leading.
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