Princess V65 Review (2000 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

Nick admires the Princess V65 for its style and layout, considering it a cool-looking and well-designed boat. An unusual feature is the boat's two gauges, originally designed for a jet ski and a jet boat, though this particular boat has been modified to include a larger crew cabin and only one gauge.

The Princess V65 stands out to Nick because, unlike most modern sports cruisers, the yacht is all cockpit on the upper decks rather than having a deck saloon. This design choice fosters a sense of unity among passengers when cruising, with all amenities conveniently located in this area. The boat's massive opening roof section, made of canvas for larger opening capabilities, also contributes to an open-air atmosphere that Nick appreciates. Other notable features include the boat's well-spent refurbishments, such as new Navgil and Simrad screens, and a helm that allows four people to sit facing forward together.

Descending from the cockpit, Nick praises the yacht's lower deck saloon, admiring its glass-top bar area, large seating around a table, and illuminated sections. The high gloss cherry finish, typical of this era of Princess, is also an appreciated detail. The lower deck also contains a well-equipped galley and cleverly designed storage solutions.

On the downside, Nick acknowledges that the boat's cabins are not as large as those found on modern 65-foot sports cruisers. Despite this, he values the trade-off, arguing that the spacious lower deck saloon more than compensates for the smaller sleeping quarters. The master cabin and VIP cabin are both well-appointed and comfortable, with the latter being almost as good as the master, offering potential for the owner to choose either.

He then heads back to explore the crew area, engine room, and utility area. The owner has modified the crew area to accommodate a double bed.

The engine room is spacious and houses big, accessible MAN diesel engines, capable of propelling the boat to speeds of around 35 knots.

To conclude, Nick confesses his fondness for the Princess V65 Mark I, considering it to be great value for money. He appreciates its unique features, high specification which make it ideal for extensive cruising.