Princess V40 Review (2025 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The Princess V40’s exterior has been tailored for actual offshore use while staying approachable for owner-operators. This special edition celebrates Princess's 60th anniversary with unique hull graphics, upgraded 380hp D6 engines, and stitched commemorative logos on the upholstery.

A hi-lo bathing platform is fitted on the tour boat - which is an option on this size of boat but well worth it. The transom features a convertible seating setup, where an extended base transforms into a full-beam sunbed. Beneath that, there’s storage for a tender which slides underneath via a clever sliding section in the sunbed module. The whole aft setup allows for easy tender stowage without robbing you of lounging space. There’s a deep locker under the aft sunbed with internal access, plus a deck shower tucked into the transom corner.

Moving forward, the cockpit layout is wrapped in practical luxury. There’s a folding teak table for casual dining, just the spot for fish and chips on a weekend cruise. Opposite sits a compact bar unit with a grill, sink, bin, and generous locker below, which could happily swallow lifejackets or even a spare tender cover. Overhead, the fabric roof fully powers back to open the boat up for sun and air, while a removable canopy enclosure can convert the cockpit into an enclosed deck saloon in cooler weather. Deck-level mood lighting and overhead spots are fitted throughout, giving this area a distinctly evening-friendly atmosphere.

At the bow, you’ll find sunbathing cushions with a high-quality finish. Although they appear to offer lift-up headrests, they are fixed in place. There’s a one-piece windscreen, fender racks built into the anchor locker, and robust rails running the full length for secure movement. Navigation and communications kit is mounted on top the radar arch, including radar, GPS antenna, searchlight, and TV dome. The silver spray finish on the arch is a very classy visual upgrade.

The interior gives you everything you’d expect from a much bigger Princess: scaled down, but not dumbed down. Walnut cabinetry in a satin finish adds warmth without making the space feel heavy, and the attention to detail is where this boat punches above its size. Soft-close drawers, lined lockers, stainless trims, and stitched leather grab rails all speak to the kind of craftsmanship you’d expect in a V70.

A raised saloon features a large dinette with a drop-down, height-adjustable table. There's an infill cushion so this can be made into a temporary berth if needed. Big hull windows draw in light and are fitted with drop-down blinds. A skylight above the dinette opens the whole space to the elements. There’s plenty of storage behind the seating and in overhead lockers, one concealing AV equipment and stemware racks.

The galley is compact but nicely specced. Two fridge drawers (one 12V and one that switches automatically to 240V on shore power) sit under the counter. A microwave is neatly hidden, and the stainless splashback glass finish and fittings are nice additions. The electrical control panel lives opposite which logically is split between 12V systems (lighting, water pump, stereo, nav lights) and 240V shore power items (water heater, microwave, hob). Battery status, water tank levels, and holding tank monitors are also integrated here.

Owner's Cabin

Forward lies the owner’s cabin which is light, spacious, and nicely detailed. A central island berth makes this feel like a proper master suite, not like a forward V berth. Hull windows are matched with blinds, and there’s a large opening hatch overhead plus a fixed skylight. A vanity unit/dressing table sits to port, and wardrobe storage is split between full-height hanging space and overhead lockers with stainless trim. Lined drawers under the bed make good use of space.

Finishing throughout is high calibre: stitched fabric headboard, stainless detailing and ambient lighting. No bare GRP here, and the level of finishing continues even inside the lockers.

This cabin has ensuite access to the day head.

Guest Cabin

The guest cabin is aft and runs under the cockpit sole. It’s a clever layout with a twin that can convert to a double via a sliding bed base. There’s good headroom as you enter and then a step down into the sleeping area. Though headroom is reduced in the sleeping area, there’s still space to sit up in bed. A wide hull window with an opening port adds light, and there’s a full-height wardrobe, shelves, and drawers for proper storage.

The cabin could work for another couple on a weekender. Nicely trimmed, with natural light and ventilation, it’s also great as a flexible space for kids, gear, bags or overflow.

Accessed via the cockpit, the engine space is neat and surprisingly get-at-able for a 40-footer. The boat is powered by twin Volvo Penta D6-380s, an upgrade over the standard 340s. Performance with these is quoted at 34-36 knots flat out, with comfortable cruising in the mid-20s and a range of around 200 nautical miles. All wiring and plumbing is labelled with Princess’s blue tags, showing what each component is and where it’s routed.

There’s an automatic fire suppression system fitted, with manual activation in a dedicated safety locker aft. The generator is also located down here, along with neatly boxed batteries and fuel tanks. Ventilation is well considered, and thick silver-backed insulation lines the space for sound-deadening.

Despite being a compact sportscruiser, the engine bay feels uncluttered, and everything you need to access regularly is within arm’s reach.

The Princess V40 sits at the premium end of the 40ft sportscruiser bracket. You’re paying for that top-tier build quality, full-sized systems and refined execution. You're buying the smallest Princess, but it’s still every inch a Princess.

She’s ideal for two-handed cruising and low-effort weekend getaways, while still offering enough space and spec to entertain a small group in comfort. 

Expect maintenance to align with twin-diesel sportscruisers of this class, specifically routine servicing on the Volvo D6s, outdrive care, generator checks, canopy upkeep and perhaps professional valeting to maintain the Princess-standard finish. Costs for berthing will vary significantly depending on location as marinas range widely from practical council-run pontoons to luxury facilities with premium amenities. With these considerations, budget roughly 5-7% of the boat's purchase price annually for realistic running costs, factoring in fuel usage at typical cruising speeds, insurance, and the inevitable additional expenses that come with premium boat ownership.

Comparable yachts in this class would be a French-made Beneteau Gran Turismo 41, a Bavaria Yachts SR38 or even a second-hand Princess V39, which the V40 replaced in 2017.

This special-edition Princess V40 hits that sweet spot between size, manageability and high-spec finish. It’s a offshore-capable cruiser, but one that’s as easy to handle solo as it is with a partner. Everything about it feels like a scaled-down version of Princess’s larger models; there’s no whiff of compromise, no signs of corner-cutting.

It’s very much a boat that could wear the Smuggler’s Blues 3 name. Classy, compact, and cleverly detailed, it’s got that mix of practicality and polish that makes it genuinely tempting.