Princess Y85 (Gen 1, 2019 - 2022) Rivals

Which yacht is best for you? As always, it’s all about personal choice. Some people choose their yacht based on its power credentials and the planing hull of the Y85 delivers speeds of up to 32 knots. Some may even choose their yacht based upon features such as: impressive forward cockpit, four en suite cabin layout with crew quarters, fast cruising performance and separate crew access.

Accommodation

If hosting guests overnight is your top priority, then the Princess Y85 offers well-appointed accommodation for up to 8 guests with its 4 cabin layout option. Nonetheless, competitors like the Azimut 26M and Horizon E81 have a slight edge in guest accommodation, with the capacity to sleep up to 10 guests in 5 cabins. This makes them more suitable for those looking to maximize the number of family and friends accommodated onboard. The Y85 benefits from a full-beam master cabin with an en-suite bathroom, hull side windows and full-standing headroom is a standout and all cabins have dedicated en-suite bathrooms for family or guest convenience. The Horizon E84 is tailored for somewhat smaller groups of 6 guests yet can still deliver an outstanding level of comfort for family vacations.

Performance

In terms of cruising performance, the Princess Y85 leads the way with an impressive cruising speed of 30 knots thanks to its twin 1,900hp MAN V12-1900 engines and maximum speed of 32 knots at 2,300rpm. Closely followed by, the Princess Y80 with a respectable cruising speed of 25 knots. The Ferretti Yachts Ferretti 860 also impresses with a cruising speed of 27 knots. On the other hand, for those not in a hurry the Horizon FD85, with the slowest cruising speed of 15 knots, emphasizes stability and comfort over outright speed and enjoying the journey over the destination.

Unique Characteristics

Each yacht also brings unique features to the forefront. The Ocean Alexander 85 impresses with its extensive range of 2,050 nautical miles, ideal for long voyages. The shallow draft of the Azimut 26M allows it to navigate waters inaccessible to deeper vessels. The Ferretti Yachts Ferretti 860 focuses on performance and efficiency, with a cruising speed of 27 knots. Meanwhile, the Princess Y80 offers the best raw performance, with a maximum speed of 32 knots. The Azimut 27M has an impressive gross tonnage of 145GT, the largest of the competitors here.

Summary

Despite stiff competition, the Princess Y85 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 Princess Y Class range or indeed its competitors. Browse our hand-picked selection of 22 competing models.