PRINCESS 58

When Princess began building boats 60 years ago, the firm was known as Marine Projects (Plymouth) Limited.

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Its first boat, the Project 31 was a handsome 31ft cabin cruiser launched in 1965 but it wasn't until 1969 that the Princess name first appeared on a new 32ft design. The first flybridge model, the John Bennett-designed Princess 37 followed for years later at the 1973 London Boat Show.

The Princess 58 featured here is a direct descendant of that 37 and was built from 2006 to 2010. It was replaced the following year by the Princess 60. At the time of its launch it was considered the pinnacle of modernity with a lavish full beam owner's cabin featuring triple vertical hull windows, two further guest cabins and a large saloon divided into an informal lounge area aft and a more formal dining area forward.

It still looks good today, especially that elegant exterior design with its flowing lines, relatively low slung flybridge and distinctive two tier saloon windows. The only thing that gives its age away is the location of the galley on the lower deck. These days cooking is seen as a social activity so the galley tends to be located on the main deck, often at the aft end so it ties in with the cockpit.

From the outset quality has been a hallmark of the Princess brand and today there can be no doubt that the company continues to make some fabulous boats. For many though, the late noughties represents the halcyon days when sumptuous furnishings, curvaceous mouldings, real wood cabinetry and deep gloss finishes ruled the roost. And that is good news for discerning boaters with half a million pounds to spare.

This 2009 model 58 is on sale with Swanwick-based Solent Motor Yachts for £549,950 including VAT.

THE OWNER'S OPINION