Princess 40MPrincess 40M
Sunseeker 131 YachtSunseeker 131 Yacht
VS

Princess 40M
vs.
Sunseeker 131 Yacht

By Carl Richardson

Two British heavyweights go head-to-head with two very closely matched tri deck superyachts. 

The Sunseeker 131 and Princess 40M are near-identical in dimension and space, with semi-custom five-cabin layouts that include a main deck Owner’s stateroom. Both yachts are of GRP construction and designed for fast cruising and crew operation. Planing hull designs can hit around 23knots, with slow efficient passage-making also possible.

Interested in owning a Princess 40M or Sunseeker 131? Explore all globally available Princess 40M for sale and Sunseeker 131 for sale verified through YachtBuyer MarketWatch, free of fake listings, or check out all similar models from Princess for sale or Sunseeker for sale.

At a Glance

Princess 40M

Status
Discontinued
2013 - 2019

Sunseeker 131 Yacht

Status
In Production
2016 - Present
Princess 40M illustration
40.16m  

Beam 8.02m

Draft 2.29m at Half Load

LENGTH : BEAM Ratio

0.00
:
1

12 Guests

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12

10 Guests or 12 is Optional  

5 Cabins Optional 6 Cabin Layout

7 Crew

Sunseeker 131 Yacht illustration
40.06m  

Beam 8.09m

Draft 2.85m at Full Load

LENGTH : BEAM Ratio

0.00
:
1

12 Guests

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12

10 Guests or 12 is Optional  

5 Cabins    

9 Crew

Performance

As planing yachts, the Sunseeker and Princess can easily hit 20knots powered by conventional twin shaftdrives running on the excellent MTU 12V M93 block. The Sunseeker 131 is powered by twin 3140hp engines, the heavier Princess (228tonnes v 195tonnes) needs the uprated 3508hp version to hit its straps. 

For efficient or long-distance cruising, the 131 has optional extended fuel tanks that take fuel capacity from 21,650l to 26,700l extending the range from 1500nm to over 2000nm at 11knots. The Princess comes with near-30,000lt tanks as standard and can stretch to a similar 2000nm range.

Both yachts offer zero speed stabilisers, incredibly useful for longer slow-speed passages, delivering a smooth stable onboard experience whether running or at rest.

  • Cruising Speed

  • Princess 40M
    0
    knots
  • Sunseeker 131 Yacht
    0
    knots

  • Top Speed

  • Princess 40M
    0
    knots
  • Sunseeker 131 Yacht
    0
    knots

Range

*Optional additional fuel tanks

Fuel Capacity

  • Princess 40M

    -

  • Sunseeker 131 Yacht

    -
    OR
     
    *Additional fuel tanks

Interior

In terms of layout and overall space, there is little to choose between these two superyachts. The tri deck design creates two lounges over the main and upper decks. The main deck salon is the largest, with an open-plan sweep of space and light leading to a dining area. Both yachts work in lots of glass with the Princess adding full-height side doors leading to two drop-down balconies off the lounge area.

Both galleys are discreet, crew-style affairs but can be opened up to make a more social design, the Princess also having a useful serving pantry.

That still leaves the upper deck skylounge, an elevated and more private space that affords wonderful views and leads onto its own private deck. The exact layout of the skylounge is very much left to the Owner’s desires, with everything from a straightforward social area to a full gym possible.

Princess 40M, Interior Princess 40M, Interior
Princess 40M
Sunseeker 131 Yacht, Interior Sunseeker 131 Yacht, Interior
Sunseeker 131 Yacht

Accommodation

The Sunseeker and Princess deliver excellent main deck Owners’ staterooms, the elevated position creating better views and a sense of privacy and distance from the four guest cabins below decks.

Both cabins feel big, with the en suite right forward, in the bows, the Owner is free to enjoy the wider part of the yacht for a study, walk-in wardrobes and lounge area.

The standard layout has four guest cabins, all ensuite, with two VIPs and two twins. The Princess also offers a five guest cabin layout, using its palatial amidships VIP to deliver two versatile double cabins - a useful charter option when chosen.  

Princess 40M, Accommodation Princess 40M, Accommodation
Princess 40M
Sunseeker 131 Yacht, Accommodation Sunseeker 131 Yacht, Accommodation
Sunseeker 131 Yacht

Helm Station

As pilothouse designs, both the Princess and Sunseeker have highly professional helm stations that integrate a Captain’s cabin and office. Each bridge sits on the upper deck and offers a broad stretch of displays and touch screen controls. There is a range of seating options with space for guests or crew to join the Captain.

Each bridge is easily accessed from the main and upper deck with doors out to the foredeck area where a wing station can be optioned in.

Princess 40M, Helm Station Princess 40M, Helm Station
Princess 40M
Sunseeker 131 Yacht, Helm Station Sunseeker 131 Yacht, Helm Station
Sunseeker 131 Yacht

Deck Areas

The tri-deck design creates three exterior decks, with two tiers of aft deck terraces for dining and lounges and a full sundeck at the very top of each yacht. 

With so much space to play with, each sun deck can be laid out in various ways. The options are myriad, with easily enough room for a bar, lounge, dining table, Jacuzzi and free deck area for loungers.

The upper deck aft runs off the skylounge and presents a more private place to retreat to, again there are plenty of options on the final layout. 

Both of these yachts create quite special lounges on their raised foredecks. Exhilarating when underway, these forward lounges are very private in port when the yacht is moored stern-to. The Sunseeker has a U-shape seat and table, while the Princess creates a longer sweep of lounge and sunbathing space. 

Princess 40M, Deck Area Princess 40M, Deck Area
Princess 40M
Sunseeker 131 Yacht, Deck Area Sunseeker 131 Yacht, Deck Area
Sunseeker 131 Yacht

Flybridge

A superb place to enjoy days or nights on the water, this raised deck and driving position adds another dimension to yacht ownership and the driving experience.

Princess 40M, Fly Deck/Sportdeck Princess 40M, Fly Deck/Sportdeck
Awaiting Supply
Sunseeker 131 Yacht, Fly Deck/Sportdeck Sunseeker 131 Yacht, Fly Deck/Sportdeck
Sunseeker 131 Yacht

Compare Layouts

These semi-custom yachts are very similar in layout and overall tri-deck design, with the main deck Owner’s cabin, pilothouse, skylounge, sun deck and foredeck all matching up. Flexibility on finish and layout are equally good, the Princess offering a six-cabin 12 berth option, with five cabins below decks.

Proportions across the key areas of cabins, salons and decks do vary, but not enough to matter. The Sunseeker may have a slightly larger skylounge and salon, the Princess has its balconies and might win on Owner’s cabin space. 

The crew quarters are both forward, with six berths for the Princess and eight for the Sunseeker. Both yachts work in proper mess areas for the crew to relax in. 

Sun Deck

Princess 40M

Sun Deck

Standard

Sun Deck

Optional helm position Option

Sunseeker 131 Yacht

Sun Deck

 

Upper Deck

Princess 40M

Upper Deck

 

Sunseeker 131 Yacht

Upper Deck

 

Main Deck

Princess 40M

Main Deck

Standard

Main Deck

Optional master cabin his & hers en suite Option

Sunseeker 131 Yacht

Main Deck

 

Lower Deck

Princess 40M

Lower Deck

Standard

Lower Deck

Optional 6 cabin layout Option

Sunseeker 131 Yacht

Lower Deck

 

LIVE: Used Price Guides

Find out how much a pre-owned version of these models may cost based upon the asking prices of all yachts listed for sale globally in the last 3 years according to YachtBuyer Market Watch & our current sales listings.

Princess 40M Used Prices

Discontinued: Built 2013 - 2019

  • Average Price* £11.4m
  • Price Range † £8.1m - £15m
  • Average Age 9 years
£
£
£11.4m
£8.1m
£15m
£11.4m
Princess 40M For Sale

*Based on 4 yachts offered for sale in the last 3 years.
†These yachts ranged from 5 - 12yrs old.


Rivals to Princess 40M

Sunseeker 131 Yacht Used Prices

In Production Since: 2016

  • Average Price* £11.6m
  • Price Range † £9.1m - £15.7m
  • Average Age 7 years
£
£
£11.6m
£9.1m
£15.7m
£11.6m
131 Yacht For Sale

or Build Your Own

*Based on 8 yachts offered for sale in the last 3 years.
†These yachts ranged from 4 - 11yrs old.


Rivals to Sunseeker 131 Yacht

Specification Data

Model Name:Princess 40M131 Yacht
Builder:PrincessSunseeker
Range:Princess M ClassSunseeker Superyacht
Principal Characteristics
Body Type: Superyacht Superyacht
Use Types: Oceangoing, Cruising Cruising
LOA: 40.16m 40.06m
Max Beam: 8.02m 8.09m
Draft: 2.29m  (Half Load) 2.7m  (Half Load}
Gross Tonnage:395 GT348 GT
Displacement: 228 Tonnes  
(Approx)		 197 Tonnes  
(Full Load)
Hull Material: GRP / Fibreglass  (GRP) GRP / Fibreglass  (GRP)
Superstructure: GRP GRP
Fuel Capacity: 29,345 Litres 21,650 Litres  ( 26,700 Litres )*
Fresh Water Capacity: 5,100 Litres 4,950 Litres
Black Water capacity: 1,400 Litres 1,450 Litres
Yacht Designers
Exterior Designer: Princess Sunseeker
Interior Designer: Princess Sunseeker
Accommodation
Guests: 10 (Optional 12) 10 (Optional 12)
Cabins: 5 - 6 5
Berths:3x Double4x Single3x Double4x Single
Guests Heads: 8 7
Crew
Crew:7 9
Crew Cabins: 4 5
Crew Heads: 4 5
Engines & Performance
Max Speed:23 knots23 knots
Max Range: 2,050 NM @ 12 knots 1,526 NM @ 11 knots
Engine Options:

Compare Engine Options

 -
Brand: MTU MTU MTU
Model:12V 4000 M93L12V 4000 M73L12V 4000 M93
Qty: x2 x2 x2
Power: 3,460 bhp (2 Kw) each
@ 2,100 rpm 2,895 bhp (2 Kw) each
@ 2,050 rpm		 3,140 bhp (2 Kw) each
@ 2,100 rpm
Max Speed: 23 knots 23 knots 23 knots
Cruising Speed: 20 knots   - 18.5 knots @ 1800 rpm 
Economic Speed: 12 knots   12 knots   11 knots @ 1000 rpm 
Max Range at Full Speed: - - 541 nm @ 23 knots
Cylinders: 12 Cylinder 12 Cylinder 12 Cylinder
Bore: 170 mm -

*With additional tank

Speeds/Ranges Are Approx. - Subject to Load, Sea Conditions & Variables.

Rivals

The 40M is now out of production but remains the largest yacht so far from Princess. The current largest models are the somewhat smaller 29m X95 and Y95. By contrast, Sunseeker has not looked back since it entered the superyacht market decades ago. Its 131 is a proven best-seller and has new sister ships at 35m, 40m and 48m. 

Sitting at the very top of production yachting, you will find a good deal of competition from Italian yards such as Benetti, Sanlorenzo and Custom Line. Indeed, today’s market offers buyers an incredible array of high-quality yachts around 40m, the biggest differentiator being speed, split between fast planing yachts such the Princess and Sunseeker, and full displacement models. You can see all the main rivals here.

Check out the rivals for the Princess 40M or the Sunseeker 131 Yacht.

Interested?

Find out more about the...

Princess 40M For Sale 131 Yacht For Sale

Carl Richardson

WRITTEN BY

Carl Richardson

WRITTEN BY

Carl Richardson

Carl is a writer, editor, presenter and content creator specialising in yachting as well as men’s luxury. A former magazine editor, Carl has amassed some 20 years of hands-on experience with motorboats, testing over 350 models.

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