Glossary of boating terms | Princess Yachts

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Princess Yachts

Princess Yachts International plc was originally founded in 1965 as Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd to fit out and charter the Project 31, the first boat to be built at the Companys original factory facilities in Newport Street, Plymouth.

When the boat was subsequently sold, further orders were taken for Project 31s and the idea of fitting out boats for sale was realised. A number of new models followed ranging from 20 to 30 feet which were marketed as Projects and Pilgrims, until the first boat developed using in-house GRP hull mouldings was launched in 1970; the Princess 32.

More than 1,200 Princess 32s were sold over the following ten years, firmly establishing the Princess name in important markets across the globe and creating a lasting association between the Princess brand and timeless, elegant design, impeccable quality and class-leading performance at sea.

Over the ensuing years the Company has built on this reputation and has introduced more than 80 new model lines. The Company now owns and operates from over 1,000,000 ft2 (94,000 m2) of vertically integrated factory facilities and has become one of the most respected names in the marine industry.

Today they remain absolutely committed to creating some of the worlds most exciting hand-built motor yachts.

Underlying the elegant looks of a Princess are pioneering advances in hull design and construction to achieve higher speeds in safety and comfort, even in the most challenging seas.

The modified deep V hull incorporates propeller tunnels for improved propulsive efficiency and forward thrust, while also reducing draft. These tunnels have the hydrodynamic effect of keeping the boat more horizontal in the transition from displacement to planing, offering better visibility and control.

Hull lines are developed with advanced computer modelling using the latest CAD technology. This is further refined over many thousands of hours of testing in some of the toughest waters in the world.

Moulded spray rails roll water away to keep the boat dryer at higher speeds and to reduce frictional resistance, while a revolutionary curved chine and optimal deadrise at the transom ensure a softer ride and stable tracking in all sea conditions.

A Princess is designed to be responsive and easy to handle, whether running at speed or within the confines of a busy marina. Electronic engine controls and, where necessary, power-assisted steering and a powerful bow thruster, enable manoeuvring to be undertaken with absolute precision.

Raised bulwarks, extended stainless steel safety rails, moulded non-slip surfaces and teak decking ensure secure navigation around the boat, whilst toughened safety glass and clear forward screens optimise night vision and give you the confidence to fully explore the boats high-speed potential.

Composite construction delivers those extra few knots and provides superior economy for extended cruising range, while careful consideration of every safety feature ensures maximum security and comfort.

Clean uncluttered lines and a muscular, deep V hull give a Princess an undeniable presence. At the helm, figure-hugging seats are positioned for maximum visibility while wheel and throttle controls are placed within easy reach. A logical instrument layout, with clear and concise gauges, confirms that this is a craft designed for high-speed cruising.

Below, meticulously crafted interiors blend a delicate choice of the finest natural materials and fabrics, both classic and contemporary. Subtle lighting and exquisite detailing complement well proportioned layouts to create that unique Princess character.

Bespoke timber furniture is designed in house to maximize the space available in each model and is crafted by hand in a dedicated 128,000 ft2 (12,000 m2) facility.

A team of highly skilled craftsmen, including carpenters, upholsterers and lacquer technicians, take great pride in the creation of these interiors.

CAD software is used to identify non-structural areas where weight savings can be achieved. Once built, each piece of cabinetry and every complex capping or solid door frame is protected with up to seven layers of lacquer and rubbed down by hand between coats for a deep lustrous finish.

The superbly equipped galleys and luxurious cabins offer generous storage space in a fine balance of comfort, practicality and high-quality finish.

Each boat is constructed to a uniquely personal specification before being sea-tested and fine-tuned to ensure high levels of performance and handling, which are so crucial to the boating experience.

Decades of experience in marine engineering has set the foundations for class-leading technical design and build solutions that are at the heart of every Princess.

Each hull is hand laid using glass reinforced plastic (GRP) and enhanced performance gelcoat, with an initial lay-up of powder bound matt and isophthalic resin, providing important protection against osmosis.

The combination of these technologies provides greater heat and UVresistance and ensures significantly improved gloss, colour retention and freedom from distortion.

Areas of fibreglass accommodating through-hull fittings, such as raw-water inlets or bow thruster tunnels, are given particular attention. Here the laminate is reinforced with additional layers of solid fibreglass, creating a strong and durable structure to ensure hull integrity in the most rigorous conditions.

Increased torsional strength and insulation are achieved in the construction of deck and superstructure through the integration of GRP with balsa or PVC foam coring.

For comfort at higher speeds, every engine room includes the latest sound-deadening materials, while each model features a bespoke exhaust system, silenced and water-cooled, and configured both to minimise emissions and to conform to EU noise level requirements.

Stainless steel propeller shafts rotate through dripless shaft logs to keep the engine room bilge dry and are electrically bonded to large anodes for full cathodic protection.

N4 marine grade alloy fuel tanks and polypropylene water and holding tanks are custom made to maximise the use of complex spaces available in the engine room and bilges.

A strong engineering focus throughout allows the owner and guests to be insulated from, yet fully connected with, the onboard systems.