This new entry-level flybridge model from Princess Yachts is at risk of being distilled down to one, moderately ground-breaking, interior feature. However, it's crucial to recognize that this yacht offers an all-encompassing cruising package that few can rival.
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.
Our Verdict
Excellence, bordering on perfection, with an added dash of innovation and, ideally, a previously unseen feature or two — such is the expectation on a new Princess flybridge model.
We almost presume the yacht will be a class leader before its hull is even wet, but that is precisely what the F45 is. It delivers a heady package of space, style, specification, and something that falls into the 'new feature' category.
This is a truly excellent and highly-considered cruising yacht from bow to stern, but it will be most notable as being the first yacht to truly deliver a proper, no-compromise full-beam master suite layout at this length. We expect others to follow.
Reasons to Buy
- Full beam master suite at 45ft.
- Extendable cockpit
- Feature-packed flybridge deck
- Faultless proportions
Things to Consider
- Less family-friendly guest cabin
- Sparse fit-out in places
Looking to own a Princess F45? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Princess F45 Yachts for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Princess F45, 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
It says a lot about the maturity of the yacht market that the 50ft fly sector is probably bigger and busier than the 40ft, but that does not mean we are light on high-quality rivals to the F45.
The market can be split into two groups, those that have a full-beam Owner’s stateroom and those that don’t.
The Prestige 460 is so similar in layout and style that it is hard to separate these two yachts. From the galley aft salon to the full-beam Owner’s cabin and forward, scissor-berth guest cabin, these two 30-knot yachts have a lot in common.
Galeon offers two yachts, the 460 and 470, to rival the F45. Both are three-cabin, opting for twin cabins amidships over a full-beam Owner’s suite. The 470 is a hard-working Skydeck design with a smaller sportsbridge style upper deck, sunroof for the salon and an extending cockpit with fold-down platforms to each side.
That leaves what might be considered the market leader. The bold award-winning design of the Absolute 47 Fly manages to mix a three-cabin layout with what feels like a full-beam Owner’s cabin. The Italian builder manages this trick by creating a big and very clever cabin in the bows, using huge hull windows and an offset berth to create the space, style and specification of an amidships design. Handily, the concept also leaves space for a proper twin cabin and VIP. Add in a glass-clad galley aft salon and excellent flybridge and you have a very exciting cruising package.
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
Princess F45 Layout
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Flybridge
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![Flybridge Princess F45]()
Princess does flybridges better than most, this one feels very considered and safe with a simple but very effective design that works in a dining area, convertible lounge/sunpad seating, wetbar and a proper twin helm.
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Main Deck
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Standard main deck layout
![Main Deck Princess F45]()
The galley aft salon leaves a lounge forward with facing sofas, the design connecting the interior to the aft cockpit.
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Lower Deck
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![Lower Deck Princess F45]()
Princess has worked very hard to create a full-beam Owner's cabin with full headroom around the berth. Forward is a guest cabin with scissor berths easily switching between double and twins.
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