The Y85 measures 26.2m (86ft) in length with a 6.1m (20ft) beam. Powered by twin MAN 1,900hp engines, she can hit up to 30 knots, which is pretty impressive for a yacht weighing around 70 tonnes.
It's the second largest model in Princess's Yacht range and forgoes the main deck owner's cabin of the larger Y95. There is space for a lovely full-beam owner's cabin on the lower deck, however, with three further ensuite guest cabins.
Princess Y85 Key Facts
- LOA 85.958ft
- Model Year 2022
- Cabins 4
- Crew 4
- Max Speed 30 knots
- Status In Production
- Generations 2
- Yacht Type Superyacht
- Use Type Cruising
Review Video
The Princess Y85 changed in 2022. Princess Design Studio, working with long-standing naval architects Olesinski and Pininfarina, has redesigned the yacht to bring it into line with the rest of the Y class - specifically new elongated glazing across the hull, giving light to the lower deck accommodation.
Princess also reimagined the aft deck seating arrangement. Alongside the traditional U-shaped bench across the transom, there is now the option to have bench seating looking at each other across the cockpit, with a table in the middle. Another new layout here is the ‘infinity cockpit’ layout. With a glazed transom, it feels much more open and you're granted uninterrupted views out to the swim platform. The ‘infinity cockpit’ option is particularly clever, featuring seating on an electrically sliding mechanism and a table that goes from a relaxed coffee table into an alfresco dining area.
There are more options on the flybridge and saloon - you can opt for a tender/crane aft on the flybridge or replace the sun pad with a jacuzzi with freestanding furniture. The open-plan saloon can be divided with a sliding door and electronic divider over the bar, therefore shutting the galley off completely if needed.
Something that shows off Princess's experience in yacht design is the placement of the owner’s cabin. In the Y Class range, they place the bathroom and wardrobe behind the bed. This provides an extra buffer against sound/vibration from the engine room. The Y85’s formula seems spot-on, with little to fault.
The saloon feels incredibly homely. A spacious seating area on the port side is opposite a nice, large sofa. You’ve got a TV that pops up from behind, and then there's a round dining table served by a bar. The round table, which can expand to accommodate more guests, is a more social setting than a traditional long table. Perfect for dining, playing cards, or enjoying drinks, it sits beside a large window, offering great views even on a rainy day. The walnut woodwork contrasts beautifully with the white seating.
The bar itself, complete with bar stools, is a proper feature. There's also a split in the bar counter, where a partition can rise to connect the ceiling. This open-plan design has a lovely family feeling, like a home away from home. If privacy is needed, especially when the crew is onboard cooking, the partition can be raised to provide a nice degree of seclusion for both guests and crew. When it is closed off, there's still good access to the galley for the crew with a side door on the port side.
It truly feels like a house with its open-plan dining, living, and kitchen areas. The galley has a generous countertop, housing all the necessary appliances: a large dishwasher, induction cooker, oven, and a big fridge paired with two-drawer freezers. Also, there's a wine cooler and two microwaves - it's well-specified.
Owner's Cabin
The owner's cabin on the Y85 is full-beam and an absolutely lovely space, with loads of floor area and headroom over 6ft. The big TV up on the bulkhead and over on the port side, a bureau and storage.
The detailing is delightful. Lighting runs up the wooden battens, merging into the material halfway across. A feature of the Y Class range, and even now seen in the smaller F Class, is placing the bathroom and wardrobe behind the bed, so it's sandwiched between the engine room aft of the bulkhead and the owner's sleeping space.
In the bathroom, there's space for twin sinks, a separate shower cubicle, and a separate toilet. The shower, beautifully fitted out, has a big, fabulous window, allowing for a lovely view when you're anchored and taking a shower.
VIP Cabin
The floor space in the VIP cabin is huge and it's oozing luxury, featuring a double bed that might even be close to king-size. Positioned at a good height, it's easily accessible thanks to the steps leading up to it. Hull windows offer a decent amount of natural light, along with an overhead escape hatch. No skylight, but natural light won't be lacking.
The cabin has a private bathroom. Although slightly smaller than the other double, it's just as nicely put together. Storage is cleverly designed, with access under the bed. Princess has clearly thought of the practicalities here.
Guest Accommodation
The Y85 has a four-cabin layout. The starboard side hosts a twin cabin, equipped with sliding berths. You simply press a button, and the beds slide together to form a double. This simple addition helps with keeping the sleeping arrangements flexible. The cabin also has a double wardrobe and a private ensuite. Thanks to a day head located on the main deck, there's no need for an additional day-head access here, streamlining the lower deck layout.
Across the corridor on the port side is a fixed double cabin. While it doesn't have the flexibility of converting to a twin, it compensates with its lovely detailing behind the bed and a well-placed double wardrobe in the corner. The private bathroom here is slightly larger, featuring a rain shower head. Each room is equipped with individual AV and air conditioning systems. Amidships, just past the guest cabins, you'll find an invaluable addition: storage above and a washer-dryer below. Guests can handle their laundry without needing to bother the crew or use crew spaces.
Crew Space
The Y85 is going to be a crewed boat most of the time so their quarters play a key role. Accessed via the transom, there's a modest mess area centrally located. It’s not generous in size, seating all four crew members at the same time can't be done. With two bunked cabins on either side of the mess, it accommodates four crew members.
When some are on duty, others can take a break, grab a bite, and perhaps catch up on the TV. However, the absence of a screen for system oversight is a notable omission. An extra Böning screen should have been added down here, allowing crew members to monitor the yacht’s systems directly from their quarters as they are quite far from the bridge.
Despite the compact mess, the cabins themselves aren't too closed in so crew members should avoid feeling overly claustrophobic. There's space to change comfortably in the cabin, and there's a wardrobe, but the crew have to share with their bunkmate. Space for the crew is always at a premium, even more so on a yacht of this size. The shared bathroom is a decent size, not just a wet room, as it has a proper shower cubicle and a bit of storage.
Laundry facilities include a separate washer and dryer, not a combo. They’ll manage bedding, table settings, and their clothes here, and even guest items if necessary. This is in addition to the laundry space in the lobby of the guest accommodation - always a plus, as guests can have the convenience of managing their laundry should they choose.
The upper helm station is incredibly well put together - it's classy and slick. There are the Raymarine MFDs, which can be tailored to your preference. Whether it's radar or a chart, you have the flexibility to customise what's shown.
In the middle is the Böning screen, an impressive piece of kit that integrates the digital switching for all of the boat's systems. You can interact and control everything from this spot, effectively managing the yacht's operations from the flybridge. It's lovely to have such comprehensive oversight, even when outdoors.
There are twin throttles, a steering wheel, and a pair of helm seats. Being centrally placed, this helm provides an equal view from either side, which is spot-on for mooring. You can easily pop to either side of the flybridge to check your nearness to the quayside.
They've cleverly designed the lower helm area so the crew can keep the skipper company, and guests can join in and soak up the experience. The area can also be a private and quiet space, designed for crew - with a sliding door to close the area off.
The helm station is very commanding, featuring two Böning screens and a pair of MFDs; good robust systems and control - the same as the upper helm. The helm seats are fully adjustable and comfortable, good for long journeys.
Talking of long journeys, when cruising at displacement speeds, the Y85 can cover over 1,000nm of range, meaning you can go great distances.
The generous bathing platform at the aft end has been designed for tender operations. It's hydraulic, allowing it to lower into the water, helping both the launch and recovery of the tender. Plus, it's the perfect spot for a Seabob. Access to the crew space is also integrated here, alongside the machinery space.
A wonderful detail is the teak nosing on the steps, which runs down the back of the boat like a waterfall. The curvature of the mouldings, complemented by the glass 'infinity' transom, really makes for an inviting, open atmosphere. When lit up, it should be an absolutely enticing entrance.
Now, moving on to the cockpit. You'll navigate through robust mooring gear, featuring winches on both sides to tighten lines. Boarding gates are positioned on each side, good for high quayside access. The steps, with their underlighting, beckon you up to the flybridge. In the cockpit, the benches face each other across the boat with a table in the centre. I find this layout much better as everyone gets to enjoy the sea views instead of one person looking inwards towards the boat.
Side Decks & Foredeck
Navigating the starboard side deck might be a bit of a trek given how long the boat actually is, but it's a straightforward walk. There's plenty of room to place one foot next to the other comfortably. On the port side, one side door opens to provide access into the galley, making movement throughout the yacht as smooth as possible - especially for the crew. A fantastic living area unfolds across the foredeck - it's a vast space. The walkways are in nice teak, and a bench sits snugly under the windscreen, and just ahead, you find the main sun pad. The backrest here can be adjusted flush, so it can double up as a bench with a view into the boat or as a nice big sunbathing area when laid flat. Tasteful touches are everywhere, with things like silver mouldings and cup holders.
Twin anchors stored in a split anchor locker, Lumar windlasses, and substantial cleats with integrated fairleads are all part of the package, emphasising the yacht’s solid build. Storage is well thought out, with large lockers on both sides to stow away big fenders. This is particularly handy for a crewed boat for easy stowage and retrieval of fenders as they run along the decks.
Flybridge
In the aft section of the flybridge, there's room for a couple of chunky sun loungers, which look very inviting. The scale of this flybridge is impressive, and there's a bimini neatly tucked away in a slot. If you're lounging on the sun pad and fancy a bit of shade, you can summon it with a button press. A very nice touch.
Amidships, the bar area is equipped with all essentials: a cooktop, fridge, and sink. There aren't any bar stools - no space to pull up for a drink - but the bar is conveniently positioned opposite the dinette. The dinette has a good-sized wrap of seating, for a spot to dine al fresco. Overhead there's protection by a vane-style sunroof which can be tilted or closed flush.
Near the upper helm, there are lovely L-shaped seating areas on either side, perfect for a couple of extra passengers to enjoy the ride. The upholstered section here serves as a makeshift chaise longue for a comfortable spot to lean back and relax. The Y85's flybridge is brilliantly conceived, with no element dominating the area. There's a clear division between dining and sunbathing zones, and it all works well. Princess has done a cracking job on this flybridge.
Two big MAN V12 engines are situated down here in the engine room but there's still plenty of room to move about. The headroom is excellent; it's towering above me.
The Spot Zero system draws in water from the dock and purifies it. This means you're washing the boat with essentially purified water, leaving no streaks or watermarks - a dream for the crew. Twin Onan generators are stacked on top of each other. The hydraulic pack for the Sleipner system is ready to manage both the fin stabilisers and bow and stern thruster. The stabilisers on the Y85 are zero-speed, working brilliantly to stop the boat rolling at anchor, and they also prove their worth when the boat is moving along.
The Dometic system is down here too, managing all the air conditioning, with chillers sending cold air throughout the boat. Fuel tanks sit up ahead, alongside the Mastervolt system that oversees all electrical operations.
Twin shaft drives extend from the back of the V12 engines, and it's just a faultless design. Princess, with years of experience in building boats and engine rooms, proves their expertise in spaces like this.
Our Verdict
The Y85 is a boat that simply oozes class and it's no wonder that it's been in the Princess for line-up for a little while. Why change a formula that hangs together so well? The interior spaces are impeccably well-judged and the attention to detail is superb across the board. Yes, it lacks the main deck owner's cabin of the Azimut Grande 26m but that is rare in this class. With a combination of over 1,000nm range and a top speed of 30 knots, the Y85 is a multi-talented performer which shows Princess at its best.
Reasons to Buy
- Clever cockpit layout
- Loads of space in owner's cabin
- Home away from home feel
- Stylish detailing
Things to Consider
- Crew mess is a bit tight & no MFD
Looking to own a Princess Y85? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Princess Y85 Yachts for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Princess Y85, 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 Azimut Seadeck 9 positions itself as a top contender against the Princess Y85, particularly with its ability to host more guests. With an extra cabin, it can accommodate up to 10 guests, making it a brilliant choice for those who regularly entertain large groups. While the Princess Y85 offers a luxurious full-beam master cabin with ensuite amenities, the Azimut capitalises on its additional space, appealing to those seeking a bit more capacity without sacrificing style or comfort. Notably, the Seadeck 9 includes a hybrid propulsion system, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions, a forward-thinking feature that's becoming increasingly important in yachting.
The Pearl Yachts 82 also gives the Princess Y85 a run for its money, especially if you prioritise speed and style. With a healthy top speed of 32 knots, it edges slightly past the Y85’s 30 knots. The Pearl Yachts 82 doesn’t just stop at speed; it also matches the Y85 in luxury, providing a cruising experience that is both fast and comfortable. It’s a better bet for those who want a bit more pace without compromising on elegance. Another interesting point is its unique use of space; the Pearl 82 boasts a beach club area which, when the transom door is lowered, provides an intimate connection with the sea.
The Schaefer Yachts Schaefer 25M is another yacht to watch. It boasts an impressive top speed of 34 knots, thanks to its triple Volvo Penta D13-IPS1200 engines, targeting those who want to feel a burst of power beneath their feet. Though it offers fewer cabins, the Schaefer is ideal for thrill-seekers who don’t mind the trade-off. The Schaefer 25M also incorporates a hydraulic swim platform.
The Sirena Yachts 88 stands out with its astonishing 2,100 nautical mile range, perfect for those long-haul journeys. This is a yacht for the explorers at heart, whereas the Princess Y85’s focus on comfort and luxury makes it more suited for leisurely cruises. The Sirena’s range is a real treat for those who want to venture far beyond the usual haunts. What’s more, the Sirena 88 is designed with an emphasis on eco-conscious cruising, integrating solar panels that support its electrical systems.
The Azimut 26M, with its shallow draft, offers unrivalled access to shallow waters, a slight advantage over the Princess Y85. This feature makes it a smart choice for those who enjoy exploring secluded bays and coves that deeper vessels simply can’t reach. The Azimut 26M is perfect for adventurers who want to get up close and personal with their surroundings. Additionally, this yacht includes a carbon fibre superstructure, which enhances its performance by reducing weight.
The Ferretti Yachts 860 brings a different kind of performance to the table, focusing on efficiency and speed with a cruising speed of 27 knots. For those who value performance and fuel efficiency, the Ferretti is an appealing alternative. It’s a yacht that proves you don’t always have to choose between speed and efficiency, and it might just raise a smile from those who appreciate engineering prowess. Another thing to note is its smart use of space; the Ferretti 860 features a flybridge design that maximizes outdoor enjoyment with a well-protected helm station and generous lounging areas.
Finally, the Sanlorenzo SD90/s has a significant gross tonnage of 155GT, offering a feeling of space that’s hard to match. The Princess Y85 might not compete on mass, but it holds its own with a beautifully crafted interior and exterior design. For those who prioritise space and presence, the Sanlorenzo is hard to beat, but if elegance and luxury are your primary focus, the Y85 remains a strong contender. The SD90/s also stands out for its customisation options, allowing owners to tailor the yacht's interior layout and finishes to their personal tastes.
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 Y Class
- Model Y85
- Length Overall 85.958ft
- Beam 20.538ft
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 4
- Berths 8
- Crew 4
- Yacht Type (Primary) Superyacht
- Use Type (Primary) Cruising
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 2,890 Gallons
- Fresh Water Capacity 343 Gallons
- Engine Model 2x MAN V12-1900
- Engine max range (speed type) 425 (nm)
Princess Y85 Layout
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Flybridge
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Standard flybridge layout
![Flybridge Princess Y85]()
There's a great mix of seating and lounging space on the big flybridge
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Optional layout with tender and crane
![Flybridge Princess Y85]()
There is the option to stow the tender on the flybridge to keep the platform clear
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Main Deck
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Standard main deck layout
![Main Deck Princess Y85]()
There is a day head on the main deck, just after of the helm
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Optional aft cockpit dining table
![Main Deck Princess Y85]()
There is the option to have a larger, fixed dining table in the cockpit too
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Optional aft deck dining table with sliding seats
![Main Deck Princess Y85]()
The "Infinity View" layout in the cockpit, which works so well
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Lower Deck
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Standard lower deck layout
![Lower Deck Princess Y85]()
The owner's ensuite acts as a sound barrier between the cabin and the engine room
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Optional master suite layout with sofa
![Lower Deck Princess Y85]()
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