Princess F55

The F55 represents Princess at its most competent. The build quality is exceptional. Attention to detail in the engine room, the sculptural finish of deck hardware, and the execution of the interior joinery all point to a builder that sweats the small stuff. The twin Volvo D13-900s are the right choice. They provide effortless performance, and the shaft drive configuration is more reliable long-term than IPS in this size range. The hull rides soft in a chop, and the handling is more engaging than the styling suggests. This is a well-engineered boat.

This boat is for the experienced owner who values substance over style. If you need aggressive lines or Italian flair, the Azimut 53 or Sunseeker Manhattan 55 will appeal more. But if you want a boat that works as well on day 200 as it does on day one, the F55 is the better choice. It's designed for the owner-operator who plans to actually use the boat, not just show it off. The three-cabin layout is genuine. The systems are accessible. The ergonomics are excellent. This is a boat you can live on for two weeks without feeling compromised.

Residuals on Princess yachts are strong. The brand holds value better than most production builders, and the F55 benefits from timeless styling that won't look dated in five years. Maintenance costs are predictable. Parts availability is good. The dealer network is solid. If you're buying this boat as a long-term ownership play, the numbers work. Expect to hold 60 to 65 percent of your purchase price after five years with normal use. That's better than Azimut, Sunseeker, or Galeon in this size range. The F55 is a smart buy for the buyer who plans to keep it..

— Tony Smith, Founder, Minted Yachts