Princess V65

The V65 represents Princess at their most focused. The deep-V hull is proven, the MAN V12s are bulletproof, and the build quality is exactly what you expect from Plymouth. The sliding roof isn't a gimmick—it fundamentally changes how you use the boat. The engine room layout shows they're thinking about the technician who has to service this thing, not just the designer who has to draw it. That matters over a 10-year ownership cycle.

This boat is for the owner who's done the math and realized that the jump from 65 feet to 80 feet doubles the operating costs without doubling the utility. You're getting four real cabins, a genuine 34 to 36-knot top end, and a layout that works for weekend trips without requiring a permanent crew. You're not getting a liveaboard or a long-range cruiser. If you're planning to spend a month in the Bahamas with four couples, look at the Princess Y72. If you're doing three-day weekends and you want to get there fast, this is the boat.

Resale on V-Class boats is strong because Princess owners tend to stay in the brand. The MAN engines hold value better than some alternatives, and the service network in the U.S. is solid. Expect to hold 60-70% after five years if you keep hours under 500 and maintain it properly. The real cost is fuel—at 26 knots you're burning 80-100 gallons per hour. Budget accordingly. This is a boat for people who understand that speed costs money and have decided it's worth it..

— Tony Smith, Founder, Minted Yachts