Princess Yachts: Legacy, Innovation & Luxury

A Storied Beginning in Plymouth

Princess Yachts was founded in 1965 in Plymouth, England, under the name Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd. The company began its journey in a rented shed along the River Tamar, building a 31-foot motor yacht called the Project 31. This modest vessel quickly gained attention for its seaworthiness and build quality, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the most respected yacht brands in the world.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Princess expanded its range, introducing larger flybridge models that appealed to owners seeking both performance and onboard comfort. The company’s commitment to engineering precision and fine craftsmanship helped it stand out in a growing global market for leisure motor yachts.

In 2001, the brand officially adopted the name Princess Yachts International, signaling its position as a truly global player. Over the decades, it has embraced technological advancements, from hull designs developed in collaboration with renowned naval architects like Olesinski, to the integration of advanced composite materials and efficient propulsion systems.

The Princess Yachts Factory: Past and Present

The story of Princess Yachts is not just about the boats themselves, but also about the place where they are built. The very first Project 31 was constructed in a modest rented shed along the River Tamar, using traditional methods and a small, highly skilled team of craftsmen. This early workshop embodied the resourcefulness and ambition of a company that would eventually become one of the most respected names in luxury yacht building. As demand grew through the 1970s and 1980s, Princess gradually expanded production into larger facilities, investing in better equipment and bringing more specialized trades into the fold.

Today, Princess Yachts operates from multiple sites in Plymouth, including its headquarters at Newport Street, the Coypool facility, and the impressive South Yard at Devonport Dockyard — a location with deep maritime heritage once tied to the Royal Navy. These modern factories span hundreds of thousands of square feet and employ over 3,000 people, making Princess one of the largest private employers in the region. Within these walls, advanced processes such as vacuum resin infusion, precision CNC machining, and state-of-the-art hull testing are combined with meticulous hand-finishing and traditional woodworking. This blending of innovation and craftsmanship allows Princess to produce yachts that range from sporty 35-foot cruisers to nearly 100-foot superyachts, all while keeping the entire production process firmly anchored in the same city where it began more than half a century ago.

Three Significant Models from the Past

1. p (1965)

The yacht that started it all, the Project 31, was a compact motor cruiser with a practical yet elegant layout. Many of the original units are still in use today, a testament to Princess’s build quality. In 2015, to mark the company’s 50th anniversary, Princess restored one of these classics, showcasing the enduring charm of their first design.

Key Specs:

• Length: 31 ft (9.45 m)
• Engine: Twin petrol or diesel options
• Notable for: Practical interior layout and robust seaworthiness

2. Princess 45 (1981)

Launched in the early 80s, the Princess 45 became an icon of the luxury flybridge segment. It offered an exceptional combination of performance and liveaboard comfort, with a spacious saloon, multiple cabins, and strong offshore capability. It helped cement Princess’s reputation in the high-end yacht market.

Key Specs:

• Length: 45 ft (13.72 m)
• Engine: Twin diesel engines
• Notable for: Innovative flybridge design for its time

3. Princess V65 (1999)

Representing a shift toward performance-oriented sports yachts, the V65 was part of the Princess V-Class range, appealing to owners who valued speed without compromising luxury. Its sleek hull, powerful engines, and stylish interiors set new benchmarks for large open yachts.

Key Specs:

• Length: 66 ft 9 in (20.35 m)
• Top Speed: Around 35 knots
• Notable for: Blending sports performance with luxury cruising comfort

The Current Lineup: Innovation Meets Elegance

Today, Princess Yachts offers a diverse range of models across multiple series — the F Class (flybridge), V Class (sports yachts), S Class (sportbridge), and Y Class (superyachts). Here are some standout examples from the current range:

Princess X95 – The ‘Superfly’ Yacht

The X95 breaks traditional yacht design rules with its “Superfly” layout, offering 10% more outdoor space and 40% more indoor space than a typical yacht of its length. Its long-range cruising capability makes it ideal for extended voyages.

Key Specs:

• Length: 95 ft 4 in (29.0 m)
• Beam: 22 ft 3 in (6.77 m)
• Top Speed: 21–23 knots
• Price: Approx. USD $13.5M / CAD $18M*

Princess Y85 – Flagship Luxury

The Y85 represents the pinnacle of Princess luxury, blending timeless exterior styling with cutting-edge interior design. It’s perfect for those who want superyacht amenities without crossing into the 100+ foot range.

Key Specs:

• Length: 86 ft 0 in (26.2 m)
• Beam: 20 ft 8 in (6.3 m)
• Top Speed: 30 knots
• Price: Approx. USD $7.8M / CAD $10.4M*

Craftsmanship and Sustainability

Princess Yachts continues to invest in sustainable manufacturing, including resin-infusion technology to reduce material waste and fuel-efficient hull designs to lower environmental impact. They also have partnerships to support marine conservation, aligning the luxury yachting lifestyle with ecological responsibility.

Conclusion

From the humble Project 31 to the cutting-edge X95, Princess Yachts has spent over five decades perfecting the art of luxury yacht building. The company’s ability to blend performance, elegance, and innovation has kept it at the forefront of the industry. Whether you’re looking for the nostalgic charm of a classic or the advanced technology of a modern superyacht, Princess Yachts offers a vessel to match your vision.

*Disclaimer: Prices are approximate base prices in 2025 and may vary depending on configuration, options, and currency exchange rates.