Princess X90

Princess has been building yachts for over 50 years, and the X90 represents their most aggressive design departure in recent memory. The super flybridge concept works because they committed to it fully. The enclosed sky lounge is not an afterthought. The drop-down balconies are not gimmicks. The main-deck owner's suite with gullwing doors is a legitimate differentiator. Build quality should be strong based on the X80 and X95 track record, and the MAN V12 engines are proven in this application. Performance is appropriate for the displacement and intended use case.

This boat is for the owner who values outdoor space over speed and who understands that a yacht is a platform for living, not a vehicle for getting somewhere fast. It is not for the traditionalist who wants a yacht to look like a Hatteras from 1985. It is not for the owner who prioritizes a large salon over a large flybridge. And it is not for anyone who needs to make long offshore passages without refueling. The 300-nautical-mile range at cruise speed is adequate for coastal cruising but limiting for extended Bahamas trips.

The X90 will hold its value if Princess executes the build quality on the first few hulls. The X Class is still establishing its resale track record, and the design is polarizing enough that liquidity may be slower than more traditional models. Maintenance costs will be in line with the category, but the complexity of the drop-down balconies and gullwing doors adds potential service points. Budget for annual operating costs of 10 percent of purchase price, and plan to own the boat for five to seven years to avoid taking a hit on resale..

— Tony Smith, Founder, Minted Yachts