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Princess S78 review
Mega yacht · 81 ft (25 m) · France
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- Princess Yachts
- Model
- Princess S78
- Length
- 81 ft (25 m)
- Guests
- 8
- Cabins
- 4
Verdict
The Princess S78 is the flagship of the S Class, delivering near-40-knot performance with a sleek Pininfarina/Olesinski design. It excels in speed and style, offering 8-guest accommodation across 4 cabins, though its value proposition is tempered by high acquisition and operating costs typical of fast sportbridges.
Pros
- +Near-40-knot top speed with twin 1,900hp MAN V12 engines
- +Flagship S Class design by Pininfarina and Bernard Olesinski
- +Four en-suite cabins accommodating up to 8 guests
- +Large fuel capacity (6,000L) enabling 410–650nm range
- +Teak deck with GRP hull and superstructure for durability
Cons
- −High acquisition price starting at £3.2M (€4.03M for 2019 model)
- −Fuel-intensive operation at cruising speeds reduces range efficiency
- −Crew quarters limited to 2 persons in one aft cabin
- −Draft of 5'10" limits access to some shallow anchorages
- −Premium maintenance costs for high-performance MAN engines
The Princess S78 stands as the flagship of Princess Yachts' S Class, blending sportbridge aesthetics with mega-yacht accommodation. Its exterior, designed by Pininfarina and Bernard Olesinski, features a sleek GRP hull, teak deck, and a beam of 18'11" that maximizes interior volume. The layout includes four en-suite cabins for eight guests, plus a dedicated aft crew cabin for two, all filled with natural light and finished to British luxury standards [1][2][3].
On the water, the S78 delivers exhilarating performance, reaching 39 knots with twin 1,900hp MAN V12 engines. It cruises efficiently at 35 knots, with a maximum range of 410–650nm depending on speed and fuel load. The planing hull and hydraulic thrusters ensure sharp handling and excellent maneuverability, placing it in the top 5% of global speed for its size class [1][2][3][5].
Comfort and livability are strong, with spacious cabins, four guest heads, and a standout aft deck lounge for outdoor dining. However, the high fuel consumption at speed and premium maintenance costs for the MAN engines impact long-term value. At £3.2M new (€4.03M for a 2019 model), it commands a premium but justifies it with rare speed-accommodation balance in the 24–30m range [1][3][4].
For buyers seeking a fast, stylish yacht that doesn't sacrifice guest comfort, the S78 is a top-tier choice. Its combination of near-40-knot performance, four-cabin layout, and iconic design makes it a standout in the sportbridge segment, though operating costs require careful budgeting [2][3][7].
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