The C48 Open is a new type of Princess
Princess describes the C48 Open as a luxury centre-console powerboat, moving the brand into a more open and performance-led category than its traditional flybridge and sports-yacht ranges. The walkaround layout is designed to keep guests close to the water and exterior social areas.
This broadens the company’s appeal to owners who may want a fast second yacht, a high-end dayboat or a primary boat for warm-weather cruising. The design prioritises outdoor use while still providing proper overnight accommodation below deck.
Triple V12 outboards deliver the headline speed
The most powerful configuration uses three Mercury V12 600hp Verado outboards. Princess quotes a maximum-speed range reaching 51 to 53 knots, making the C48 Open one of the fastest yachts currently offered by the brand.
High speed can be useful for long day trips and island hopping, but it also changes fuel consumption and handling expectations. Owners should judge the yacht at realistic cruise speeds as well as maximum performance when deciding how it fits their normal boating pattern.
Inboard power remains available
Princess also offers twin Volvo D6-480 inboard diesels, alongside lower-powered triple Mercury V10 outboards. The different installations allow buyers to choose between traditional diesel cruising and the acceleration, packaging and service model of large outboards.
That choice is particularly relevant in the United States, where high-horsepower outboard infrastructure is well established. European buyers may weigh marina access, fuel availability and dealer support differently depending on where the yacht will spend most of its time.
Four berths extend the dayboat concept
Despite its open-deck focus, the C48 Open can provide four berths, allowing owners to remain aboard overnight rather than treating the yacht purely as a daytime platform. A forward-cabin option can replace part of the lower saloon when additional sleeping space is required.
The result is a flexible yacht that can move between high-performance day use and short cruising trips. FLIBS should provide a useful test of whether Princess buyers see that combination as an extension of the brand or a genuinely separate ownership proposition.
Official sources: www.princessyachts.com; www.princessyachts.com.
