Back
Performance, design, and a closer look at the Princess S, F, Y, and X Class lineup.
Princess Yachts builds its boats in Plymouth, England—yes, that Plymouth, the one with more than a little maritime history baked into its DNA. And while today’s Princess motor yachts may not be setting sail for the New World, they have carved out a formidable presence in the U.S. luxury yacht market all the same.
The builder has earned its reputation the old-fashioned way: by turning out reliable, sporty, and versatile yachts that perform as well underway as they do tied up at the dock. There are currently six model ranges in the Princess portfolio, though the Italian Yacht Group works most closely with the S, F, Y, and X Classes, representing buyers and sellers across each of these distinct segments.
What ties them together is a consistent through line—clean exterior lines, confident hull performance, and layouts that make sense for people who actually use their boats.
Knowing Princess Yachts Beyond the Brochure
I think you could make a very good case that when it comes to Princess, IYG is head and shoulders above other brokerage houses in terms of knowledge and experience with the brand
Boomer Jousma
Sales Director
We have built and sold numerous Princesses, and that has fostered a real connection with the yard. They may not be made in Italy, but we are still very comfortable buying and selling this brand.
Boomer is quick to point out that Princess yachts succeed because they balance livability with performance.
They’re great family boats, first and foremost,” he says. “You step onboard and you’ll notice that there are no sharp edges, and everything is rounded, which is obviously good for everybody but especially children. The layouts are also well suited to real boaters’ needs. They’re smart about it, everything is where it needs to be to have the best experience possible out on the water. The helms have good lines of sight, there’s plenty of stowage, and the fit and finish is at another level than many other builders in this class. And Princesses are also mostly enclosed, which we like, and sporty. A lot of the models are doing 35 or 40 knots, so they are fun and practical when you need to get somewhere in a hurry.
That last point is worth underlining. A 35- to 40-knot cruise on a luxury motor yacht isn’t just about speed—it’s about optionality. Weather window closing? Dinner reservation across the harbor? No problem.
Meet the S Class: Sport, Pure and Simple
Spend a summer afternoon around Sag Harbor and you’re likely to see a Princess S Class slicing through the bays. The current lineup includes the S65, S72, S74, and S80—sleek, low-profile sport yachts where the flybridge is pared down to the essentials: a helm and a cleverly integrated entertainment space that doesn’t interrupt the boat’s athletic lines.
If you are looking to rip around and go from bar to restaurant or whatever it is you’re doing, and do it in style, the S Class is the first thing I show to Princess-oriented clients.
The S Class is built for owners who prioritize performance, sharp handling, and a social cruising lifestyle. These are boats meant to move.
The F Class: The Do-It-All Sweet Spot
The F Class—F45, F50, F54, F58, and F65—shares much of the S Class DNA but leans more toward versatility. Here you’ll find larger, more protected flybridges and layouts designed for extended time aboard without sacrificing the ability to open the throttles.
The F Class is a little more versatile. You can do the runabout thing with them, but really this is a boat meant for longer cruises and more time spent aboard,” says Boomer. “They make ideal South Florida and Bahamas boats because you can stay onboard comfortably for a week if you choose to do so. These are the real do-it-all boats in their range, and also a great first boat for a lot of people.
For many buyers entering the luxury motor yacht market, the F Class hits that Goldilocks zone—large enough to cruise seriously, compact enough to remain manageable.
The Y Class: Stepping Into True Yachting
Move into the Princess Y Class and you’re squarely in “proper yacht” territory. These larger-volume motor yachts deliver expanded interior space, enhanced range, and the kind of onboard amenities that make longer passages and extended stays feel effortless.
IYG recently assisted a client in moving up from an S62 to a Y85.
It was a great move by them, and now they own a proper yacht and are enjoying the added interior volume and all the other benefits of a bigger boat.
At this level, it’s less about getting there quickly and more about how comfortably you arrive.
The X95: A Bold Take on 95 Feet
Then there’s the Princess X95, specifically the 2023 Princess X95 GEMINI, currently available through the Italian Yacht Group. The X Class introduces what Princess calls a “super flybridge” concept, delivering remarkable interior volume and exterior living space for a 95-foot yacht.
It’s a really high-quality boat. Loads of interior volume, a protected flybridge, a Jacuzzi on the bow, and an impressive transformer that extends the aft section of the boat by another 10 to 12 feet,” says Boomer. “You can have so much fun with this yacht, and also do some really serious cruising. It was the client’s first boat and it really got him hooked. I don’t think they could have made a better choice.
That extending aft platform changes the way the yacht interacts with the water, turning the stern into a proper beach club environment while maintaining the performance pedigree Princess is known for.
See Princess at the 2026 Palm Beach International Boat Show
GEMINI will be on display at the 2026 Palm Beach International Boat Show, one of the premier luxury yacht events in the United States. If you’re weighing which Princess makes the most sense for you, this is the place to step aboard and see how they really compare.
If you’re heading to the show, check in with your IYG broker ahead of time. Walking the right boat in person tends to answer questions a brochure never can.
