Princess or Sunseeker

Hello and thanks for all help and good tip.

I need them all.
I do see the point with more weight on the flybridge boat, making it more stabile and easy to maneuver around.
But, it also will look and FEEL a lot bigger than a express of the same size......So, today I am off to test a V50 from 05 and a new V42, just to get the feeling of them, and comparing to the flybridge.

What I do see as one draw back on some express boats is that there is "just" a soft top. Making it less user friendly as a entertaining boat, if there is wind, rain or during winter.If one does not go for the hard to version.

Ok, have to go, be back with more info and how it did go with the express testing today, hear from me in the evening.

Hello

Back from my test drive with the V42 Princess.
Oh, what a boat, very good one.

First, yes it got one "floor" less than the flybridge one, but at the same time less things to look after. Like covering up the flybridge when docking and so. Also, when the weather gets bad, the flybridge is going to be used, so maybe no need for it here on the lake. Keeping in mind the short traveling time I am going to do........The only thing os that the flybridge is offering a larger saloon on the first deck, with a sliding door.
Not so with the V type express, there one need to use a soft type door. But still it is a hard top, with a sliding roof.

Then to the handling, the new V42 did got the Volvo IPS pod drive, so when one learn to use it it will be easy do dock the boat. Same goes for a flybridge boat to.

So, what will I get?

So far, I have gone from a flybridge to a express. And I think I will stay with the express boat.
Why?
It offers me what I need,, two cabins for 4 adults, a nice galley lay out, good space for 4 in comfort, hardtop, take less wind when docking, don`t look so big when moving in closer and smaller docks, and it will use less gas to, I guess when comparing to a flybridge boat.

So, on friday I am off to test a V42 and one flybridge 42 once more, just to be sure before I make up my mind.
Then, when I am 100% sure, I will go for the boat style. But, yes, it will be a Princess/viking.

(Right now, my heart is set for the V42 hardtop( Or a older soft top). A nice boat, good size for me, great to drive; I think so, and offering good value for he money when looking at a Sunseeker-Sealine or Fairline , so I think it will turn out to be a Princess V42 for me....... .

Hi all

Well, I have had a great week

First I went out and tested a P50 05 model and then a V42, the flybridge 42 have to wait. But, theP50 did give me a good idea of the layout/style.

Also, had a boat mechanic to test them for me, he is also working as a boat licensee teacher.

First me; I do like the flybridge layout, but the upper deck is not that user friendly here, maybe it is in south florida or south Spain, but here it is wind and more rain, cold and so. So, the extra space, price and WORK to cover it, have made me sure it is to much work and not enough gain for me and my use. Also, the extra weight and drag from wind will increase the dies it need. I think so, but input on these is good.

THe saloon is smaller on the express, and when sitting down stairs, it does give a kind of basement feeling. What is better on a flybridge is the lower helm/saloon space. That IS better than the one on the V42.
Also, the hardtop is great, but it does not have the sliding door, as the flybridge have.

But, I do like the express more and more.
The helm/saloon space is good, nice wet bar and so. Good for summer dinners without the soft "door" on. In winter and windy/rainy days the soft door is not that hard to putt one/use.
With it one, the saloon will be warm even in winter time to.
The basement feeling in the gally/saloon is not that bad,I kind of like the closed/coupe feeling it gives. And for 2-4 adults, it is just fine.

Docking can be a bit easier with a flybridge style, but that is all I se as a + point for me.
Docking with the P50 with bow and stern trusters was not as hard as I had in mind. Not saying I am a captain, but it was easier than docking with my old Windy.

For me, it will be the V42 that is my next boat. It is just what I had in mind, delivers what I need and also great to look at. And that also helps making up my mind.
THe flybridge will not be used so much, so why pay for it? Why have the extra work and fuel burned?

Express for me it is.

So, the expert. He did go out on another day with the V42.
Well.......He was not as happy, by far, as I was with it. Not easy to maneuver, hard to se and judge when docking. Bow and stern trusters NOT working as they shall.
Engine, to noisy for its kind, so need to spend $$$$ on that to he sad.....
Then the electronics was working ok, not good but ok. Not sure what to make of that. But, will talk more with him next week.
Toilets not flushing as they shall, more $$$ I guess.

But, all in all, not to bad he sad.

Well, as I sad I will meet him next week and talk more about it in details, but it do not sound to bad.

Oh, getting late.

Well, talk to you all later

Thanks mate

I will get more information on the repair cost next week.
If they are to high, maybe I will go for a newer one. Not sure, but yes, it is a V42 for me

Thanks, I will try that way when I dock next time.

Yes, he is a mechanic, and also thats why I asked him to look at the boat, from a mechanics point.

I will talk more with the dealer, tell what the mechanic told me, what I have learned here and do my best to get the price down.
If not, no deal.
Then I will move one and keep looking around.
I am not that desperate to get the boat now, that I need to buy one that I also need to spend a lot of money on, getting her is sailing condition.

Will keep you all informed.