Palm Beach Show-goers applaud act II of the Princess V50

The Royal William Yard played host to the world premiere of the all-new Princess V50 this past February, followed by her first imperial appearance in March in North America on Ramp 4 of the 40th Anniversary edition of the Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) front and center among seven siblings including: the V55, V60, S66, Y72 and Y85.

Styling cues, clean lines and curved moldings make the model standout as an easily identifiable member of the V series slotted to the left of the V55. Remarkably, another of its strengths hails from simply drawing the canopy out as long as possible. Even though the size and beam equal that of its predecessor, it could be said that the sportcruiser “goes to great lengths” bestowing a much bigger feel when on board.

For Act II of the ageing V50, the Plymouth yard partnered with the global icon of Italian design Pininfarina and the naval architects of Olesinski. The end result was a collaboration done correctly fusing functionality and flexibility with a revitalized exterior and harmonized interior full of candor and luminosity.

On the outside, major functional modifications begin on the transom, in that; both sides now provide passage to the cockpit and directly onto the sidedecks. The narrower port side features a stainless steel, temperature controlled freshwater shower wand that pops out, and the starboard houses a shore power compartment tucked into the middle step. Another noticeable standout are the sturdy stainless steel cleats the boat lines are wrapped around, eliminating the constant chafing produced from the ropes rubbing up against the gel coat on the hull sides.

As one ascends onto the aft terrace, moving the rear seat back added an additional foot and a half more space to comfortably seat eight to ten people, as well, the port side walkthrough can be closed in with a sectional cushion.

The most coveted and inviting spot however, has to be the L-shaped corner couch. Protected from the elements thanks to hefty side coamings, the superbly situated seat facing the table provides a phenomenal view of the V50’s wake splashing against the horizon.

What’s more, the extended canopy not only blocks the midday rays for shady lunches, but also zips up to shelter the area on bad weather days. A second IPS joystick system including all engine controls even permits the pilot to join the party.

Inside the salon, the new version of the V50 doubles your pleasure with twin monitors and a pair of diamond-stitched, Bentley-eque sliding, bucket seats. Also sliding, but in this case open and closed, are the grandiose side windows and trio of huge glass panels built into the hardtop; both do their part to bring natural light and air in.

The floating helm and cut away shaping of the dashboard combined with the open central staircase permit light to filter down to the galley, where a domestic-size fridge and deep sink facilitate dining preparations. Past the galley and into the VIP cabin, eyes are instantly drawn to long knife-shaped windows, and flexible sleeping quarters enable the large bed to be arranged into a split berth.

Ramping up horsepower to 480, twin Volvo Penta IPS 656 engines now increase maximum speed to 32 knots (59 km/h), while toning it down to cruising at 25 knots (46 km/h) allows for a 250-nautical-mile (463 kilometers) range sea escape.

An open main deck version of the €1.44 million ($1.6 million) enclosed model geared toward warmer climates with no doors and a canvas sun roof, is also available. Judging from the Palm Beach show-goers lined up at the Princess display from the first hour on opening day to the last hour during the Sunday finale; the V50 is on its way to being a pivotal game changer in the sportcruiser segment.

Princess V50 specification

Princess V50 OPEN specification