Princess V52 Review (2011 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The Princess V52 is a handsome 15.2m sports cruiser, and this example has been treated to a thorough refit since it's launch in 2011. The work includes a complete replacement of the original teak with Elite Teak synthetic decking. The random plank layout mixes tone and grain to look convincingly natural while staying entirely maintenance-free.

At the stern, the hi-lo bathing platform lowers to launch or recover a tender with ease. There’s a deck shower by the transom door and a locker that hides the shore power connection. The passerelle is a cassette type that extends from the transom - handy for Med-style mooring when needed. Stainless guardrails trace the side decks, giving a secure route forward.

On the bow, new sunbathing cushions sit above the anchor locker and twin deck hatches that serve the guest cabin. The windlass is fitted with deck buttons, and there’s stowage for fenders and chain below. The radar, antennas, lights, and horns are mounted high and clear on the hardtop arch, with a round TV antenna aft.

The sliding roof has been completely removed and resealed during the refit, eliminating a common ageing fault on this model. It now opens smoothly and seals tight. When open, the hardtop floods the main deck with sun. The electric side window beside the helm drops fully, giving the driver and guests direct connection to the cockpit.

Inside, the refit lifts the boat’s presentation to nearly-new condition. All carpets and upholstery have been replaced, and the leather throughout the saloon is new. The old soft-touch surfaces that tended to go tacky over time have been stripped back to the GRP and refinished with a durable, solid-surface coating.

The saloon layout remains pure Princess - elegant and practical. There’s a folding table, low cabinetry with drawers and lockers, and a neat bar area with glass storage and subtle lighting. The old ice maker has been removed and replaced with a tall locker and freezer, better suited to extended stays on board. A rise-and-fall TV lifts from the sideboard.

At the helm, twin bucket seats sit behind large, clear windscreens. The dash houses Caterpillar instrumentation, electronic throttles, trim tabs, multi-function displays, and proportional bow and stern thrusters. A yacht controller remote system lets the skipper handle the boat from anywhere on board - especially useful for single-handed docking.

The open-plan saloon flows directly to the cockpit through wide, folding glass doors. When the roof is retracted and the side window lowered, the main deck becomes a single social space from helm to bathing platform.

Down below, this boat features the two-cabin layout with a lower dinette instead of the optional third cabin. It makes the lower deck feel far more open. The dinette table drops to form an occasional double berth when needed. The high-gloss oak joinery and re-leathered trims give the area a bright, modern finish.

The galley has been completely reworked. The original stepped countertop has been replaced by a single-level layout with a small extension island, improving both function and flow. The sink, tap, and appliances are all new, including a larger and more efficient refrigerator. There’s deep drawer storage, crockery lockers, and fitted blinds. The galley sits under the windscreen, making it light and airy yet still tucked away from the saloon above.

Electrical panels are housed near the dinette, with clear access to 24V DC and 240V AC distribution, battery switches, and generator controls. Air conditioning runs throughout the interior.

Owner's Cabin

The full-beam owner’s cabin sits amidships, framed by the large hull windows seen from outside. It’s a calm and private space with good headroom and a clean layout. AV equipment is fitted, and there’s a compact dressing table, hanging locker, built-in and long run of storage cupboards along the hull side.

The angular leather sofa from the original fit-out has been replaced by a new curved version, giving the space a softer, more inviting feel. Blinds cover the hull windows for privacy. The ensuite is the largest on board, featuring a separate shower, vanity unit, and good storage.  

Guest Accommodation

The forward guest cabin has scissor berths that slide apart to form two singles or push together for a double. Drawers under the beds and a hanging locker provide ample storage. AV equipment and air conditioning controls are fitted. Two skylights (one fixed and one opening) bring in plenty of light, each with its own sliding blind, one opaque and one blackout.

The guest cabin links directly to the day head, which also serves as its private bathroom at night. The space features a teak-grated sole, separate shower stall, toilet, and under-basin storage. 

Crew Accommodation

The V52 does include a compact aft cabin accessed from the bathing platform. It has a single berth, toilet, sink, and air conditioning. On this example, it’s used for storage rather than live-aboard crew. It would work as a temporary overflow cabin for guests, but the boat is clearly owner-operated in use.

The cockpit hatch lifts to a solid set of steps with a grab rail for safe access to the machinery space. For a boat of this size, the engine room offers decent headroom and clear access around both engines.

Power comes from twin Caterpillar C12 ACERT diesels rated at 715hp each. They drive through V-drive gearboxes, which allows the engines to sit further aft and frees up more interior volume. The boat’s top speed sits in the mid-30-knot range, with a comfortable cruise at around 22–24 knots. The estimated range is roughly 250 miles, depending on conditions and throttle use.

The machinery layout is tidy and well organised. Fuel tanks sit outboard of the engines. The fire suppression system is automatic, with a manual activation cable topside. Sound-deadening panels line the bay, and the generator, battery chargers, and boxes are all within easy reach. The cassette passerelle mechanism sits neatly at the back of the compartment.

With an asking price around £500,000, this 2011 Princess V52 sits at the upper end of the market for a used 50ft sports cruiser. However, the refit resolves most of the usual ageing points on this model, including soft-touch interior linings, weathered teak, and roof seals that tend to fail with time. Even so, a buyer should treat it like any used boat and carry out a full survey.

A marine survey should confirm the quality of the refit. Moisture testing across the hull, decks, and superstructure will show whether any water has entered the laminate, particularly around fittings, cleats, and hatches. The synthetic teak should be checked for sound bonding and sealed edges. The sliding roof and electric window need to move freely and seal properly, as both can be costly if they leak or jam.

Service records for the Caterpillar C12 ACERTs should show oil changes, coolant checks, and valve clearance intervals. A sea trial should confirm clean acceleration, correct operating temperatures, and no vibration. The surveyor should also check the shaft seals, couplings, and propeller alignment. The generator, air conditioning, and electrical systems should all be run under load.

A check of the electrical and plumbing refit is worthwhile. It is sensible to verify that each circuit is properly fused and that pumps, lighting, and appliances are grounded. Documentation from the refit company or the contractors should match the work seen on board. Synthetic decking reduces long-term care, though small gaps can appear at the seams over time. The renewed interior linings and roof seals should hold up well if installed correctly.

With a proven hull, refreshed interior, and updated systems, the Princess V52 is a ready-to-enjoy owner-operated sports cruiser that combines pace, practicality, and Princess build quality in one well-finished package. The V52's place in the range was later succeeded in 2018 by the second generation of the Princess V50, which continues the same formula with a newer hull design and pod-drive efficiency.