Yacht comparison
Sunseeker vs Princess
Sunseeker and Princess are the two giants of British yacht building — both based in Poole and Plymouth respectively, both producing 50-100 foot flybridges that compete directly with the Italian builders for the international buyer. Both have strong Mediterranean dealer networks and active second-hand markets.
A
Sunseeker
British performance flybridge
Pros
- Stronger styling — more dramatic exterior lines
- Iconic Predator line — performance flybridge benchmark
- Sunseeker International brand recognition globally
- Faster cruising profile — Sunseeker hulls run at higher speeds
B
Princess
British classic flybridge
Pros
- More conservative styling — ages better aesthetically
- Better interior volumes for the same LOA (slightly fuller hulls)
- Princess Y-class compete with Italian superyacht segment
- Strong resale on the V-Class (V40, V50, V58, V65)
Spec comparison
Sunseeker vs Princess, side by side.
| Dimension | Sunseeker | Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1969 (Poole) | 1965 (Plymouth) |
| Headquarters | Poole, England | Plymouth, England |
| Design philosophy | Performance + drama | Conservative + comfortable |
| Signature line | Sunseeker Manhattan, Predator | Princess Y / Yacht / V-Class |
| Top speed | 28-35 knots | 25-32 knots |
| Range focus | Active cruising + lifestyle | Comfortable family cruising |
| Bond films | Yes (Pierce Brosnan era) | No |
Ownership costs
Real running costs, compared.
2026 figures based on NewSail closed transactions and operating data from active Mediterranean owners.
| Item | Sunseeker | Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Annual berthing (Med peak) | €20,000–€55,000 (Predator/Manhattan 70ft) | €18,000–€50,000 (Princess Y/V 65-72) |
| Annual insurance | €10,000–€22,000 | €9,000–€20,000 |
| Annual refit reserve | €25,000–€70,000 | €20,000–€60,000 |
| Crew (part-time) | €40,000–€80,000 | €40,000–€75,000 |
| 5-year refit cycle | €140,000–€340,000 | €120,000–€300,000 |
Market velocity
Days on market & resale retention.
Days on market (used)
100-180
120-210
Listing-to-sale discount
7-12%
6-10%
Resale 5 years from new
50-60%
55-65% (Princess holds slightly better)
Owner profile
Who buys which?
Sunseeker owner
The Sunseeker owner values drama and the British performance brand. Often an active charter participant or a destination-focused cruiser. Common in Monaco, Saint-Tropez, Mallorca winter berths. International buyer profile (UK, Middle East, Russia historically).
Princess owner
The Princess owner values conservative styling and predictable comfort. Often a longer-tenure owner (7-10 years vs 4-6 for Sunseeker). More European resident profile, less display-focused. Strong UK + Northern European buyer base.
Buying checklist
What to verify before you buy.
- 01Verify import VAT status (many UK-flagged Sunseekers post-Brexit have ambiguous status)
- 02Hydraulic platform + tender garage mechanics (failure-prone)
- 03Volvo Penta IPS or shaft drive — different service profiles
- 04Hardtop condition (UV cracking after 8-10 years)
- 05Princess: standing rigging if Princess sailboat (not motor); skip otherwise
- 06Both: electronics generation, radar capability, autopilot brand
- 07Both: foredeck teak — refit candidate if 8+ years
- 08Insurance scarcity for older UK-flagged hulls in Mediterranean
NewSail verdict
Which to buy?
Sunseeker for the buyer who wants drama, performance, and the international 'Sunseeker' brand recognition. Princess for the buyer who wants conservative styling, larger interior volumes, and slightly better long-term resale. Both are credible Mediterranean cruising platforms. NewSail handles both lines through our Italian and Spanish broker network.
Other comparisons
Continue exploring.
Speak with a broker
Want a recommendation between Sunseeker and Princess?
Every buyer is different. Send us your requirements — budget, cruising area, sailing experience — and we will recommend the right yacht for you between Sunseeker, Princess, and other market options.