Princess V40 Mk 2 Review (2019 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

Nick starts with the bathing platform, detailing the options available. The platform can either have a sun pad that extends over the area for a dinghy to sit on, or the dinghy can be stored underneath to provide a larger sunbathing area. Currently, the platform is fixed for easier navigation when the dinghy is on it, but there is the availability of a hi-lo platform as an option. He then points out the transom shower for a hot water shower after swimming.

Upon entering the boat, there is a dinette area with a height-adjustable table that can convert into a sunbathing area. There's a canopy to enclose this area, currently used as a sunshade. The open-backed hardtop and fabric roof cockpit are much appreciated, and this provides a massive opening to the front, giving the feeling of being on an open boat.

The boat also features a wet bar with a barbecue, top-loading fridge, and storage underneath. The twin-helm seats are lift bolster, providing additional standing space if needed, and are very nicely upholstered.  The helm is nicely finished with marine instrumentation, a plotter, and switch gears, and there's even a joystick option for maneuvering the boat.

Moving downstairs, the light oak interior is admired, lending the boat a very classy look. The galley features a glass backsplash and electric cooking appliances, with ample storage space and a soft-close mechanism for drawers. The boat is equipped with a Fusion hi-fi system and a distribution panel for the twelve-volt systems, with an option for air conditioning. The saloon area has a big skylight, infill cushions to convert the table into a double bed, and blinds for the large windows.

The master cabin is located in the bow, and has ample storage space, including drawers underneath the bed and a wardrobe. He likes the illumination and the opening hatch for ventilation, along with a glass panel behind the hatch for additional light. The head is ensuite to the master cabin and includes a separate shower stall. The second cabin also impresses with its full headroom, ample storage space, a seat, and a wardrobe.

The engine room has a pair of Volvo Penta D6-330 straight-6 turbo diesel engines, which provide a top speed of around 36 to 38 knots. He appreciates the neat labeling and accessibility of the engines and commends the well-laid-out and finished engine room, despite being smaller than the engine rooms in larger boats.

Nick expresses his liking for the Princess V40, praising it as a great value boat. He stresses that even though it's the cheapest boat in the range, it still maintains the quality and feel of a Princess product, making it a worthy purchase.