Princess - The Review

Princess is sedan style boat sailing from Richardson's Stalham boatyard - boat details and booking - and there are two in the class (I hired No. 2).

She is very similar to Executive which is of the same design, just the interior and layout being slightly different.

At 7ft 9" she is not too tall so will pass under Ludham unless a very bad day at all states of tide, and there should not be much cause of concern for Yarmouth as long as you don't passage outside the usual time/tidal window.

A partial re-fit makes the inside a very comfortable place, with light wood effect and real wood finishes, a large full size cooker and a very light and airy saloon not to mention well proportioned cabins and two heads (one of which is ensuite). 

Frankly a giveaway price being able to be hired from Thursday to Tuesday (5 nights) for the same price as a Friday to Monday (3 night) break.  £418.00 for almost a week including fuel and waivers in May means this is a very affordable boat for parties up to 6 in size. 

Of course there are some cons, the fact the engine (an old hot running BMC) is on hydraulic drive - so you get that whine of these systems when underway coupled with vibrations of an older engine design.  The hot water tank is not lagged so don't expect warm water to last through the night and the view from the helm is rather limited. 

That said, very comfortable to live on, sleep on, cook on and that attractive price makes it hard to pull too many holes in this very practical cruiser.