Princess F55 or Sunseeker Manhattan 55? We help you decide | Head-to-head yacht tour | MBY

Reporting from the 2023 British Motor Yacht Show, MBY editor Hugo Andreae takes us on a back-to-back tour of the Princess F55 and Sunseeker Manhattan 55 to see what sets these evenly matched flybridges apart...
Princess F55 specifications vs Sunseeker Manhattan 55 specifications
LOA: 58ft 0in (17.68m) / 56ft 6in (17.2m)
Beam: 16ft 0in (4.87m) / 16ft 0in (4.87m)
Engine: Twin 900hp Volvo D13 / Twin 800hp Volvo D13
Top speed: 32.5 knots / 32.5 knots
Fuel capacity: 2,750L / 2,200L
Starting price: €1.43m (ex. VAT) / €1.35m (ex. VAT)
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[@MrNicholasAaron]

Good video. If I may suggest a couple editorial changes for future videos in this style: first, to keep the model name of the boat visible throughout so that it’s always clear which vessel you’re talking about; and secondly, to watch the volume of the transition effects. Nearly blew my speakers.

[@hugoandreae3785]

Thanks for the feedback and I agree with them both.

[@michaelolsson5193]

F55. Always prefer Princess styling over Sunseeker.

[@davepritchard8239]

Excellent review. What both boats seem to lack is a side opening door. So valuable for an owner/operator boat. Absolute for me!

[@Toby_the_Glen]

The "shout door" 😃

[@hugoandreae3785]

Thanks Dave

[@varen6]

Fully agree, as owner operator it surely is one of the criteria for the next one, however facilities to get on and off the boat are also on my list. A few days ago I was out with the Portofino 53 and at the fuel dock I hardly got off and back on. Not acceptable for such expensive boats and I don't understand that Motor Boat and yachting does not spend more attention to this as most of the owners of these boats will not be at the age of 20 and well trained gymnastics. A simple folding stair construction hidden in the platform could solve that

[@beibei93]

Oui! Get the fenders!

[@DAW4T]

I have had this pleasant dilemma the last 6 months. I completed the purchase of a 2022 Princess F55 a few weeks ago. The primary deciding factor for me was the saloon layout. However, they are very similar and as stated in the video its down to styling and personal preference. great video thanks.

[@hugoandreae3785]

Congratulations on your new boat. Can’t go wrong either of these two.

[@coalitionperformance5901]

A very pleasant dilemma indeed to say the least 🙂 congratulations

[@Corvette_pilot]

Princess! Any day of the week!

[@JamesCollins26158]

Great to see you doing podcast on two boats that's a first for me 😊

[@blewyd]

Didnt know how similar the prices are. For styling and build quality, Id personally take the Princess. It seems that its exterior styling will hold up in time than sunseeker and they generally seem to spend more money in a quality design and structure.

[@rasferrastfarian739]

Both nice - decor/look Sunseeker for me but the Princess is so lovely too! - I would like to have seen the crew spaces for both btw.

[@jaffaholland4039]

Firstly, this is the way forward for your videos, its new and fresh, it really is helpful to see them side by side in one video. I have watched tons of reviews from various channels. The only grip I would have is that the flybridge was cut short, we could hear but not see the full impact of the wetbar. The ask is really challenging, so I would like a mix of both, the Sunseeker bar , hight of sideboards, sun pad and table at the front. However the high low TV, the styling and the Princess I like more. Especially the extra space in the owners cabin. One thing that I dont understand is why are TV in bedrooms not drop downs, I could not cope with an off-centre TV, from the bed. The Princess seems to have better access to engine room. I also like the extra handholds when waking the decks on the Princess, I dont like how cramped either of the helm positions are, but at least the Princess has separate seats, that seem much more adjustable. Wish you had shown the crew space. If I had to choose one, in this instance it would be the Princess, this is a surprise to me.

[@andrewingeneva]

Absolutely agree re the format - so helpful!!

[@JamesCollins26158]

Reading the comments great that you picked the princess I could not afford but do think it's brilliant that people can and do well done

[@peterjohnclayton]

Always wanted to buy a Sunseeker since I was a boy, but every model against the Sunseeker I'd buy the Princess as their interior design is far more stylish. Damn.

[@brianmiller6443]

Princess, the salon and galley are a better design. Also i prefer the Princess engine rooms over sunseeker on every size boat they build.

[@sohovulture87]

I didn't think it was going to be so difficult to choose between the two boats, but I'm still firmly on the fence! Very interesting format for this review, Hugo. Would be great to see an occasional repeat with other models. Very nicely presented as per usual, thanks for that and look forward to the next vid.

[@hugoandreae3785]

No problem, will work on doing some more

[@robertlangley1664]

Be careful of the splinters

[@RobertDevine-rg6uo]

Really enjoyed the video. Excellent way to decide 👌 Probably the Princess for me, but it was close 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@andretti321]

Well done Hugo, very fair comparison. 👏

[@hugoandreae3785]

Grazie Andrea!

[@stephencook6427]

that was brill, both boats at the same time hugo well i hope theres more of that, you have probably started a fashion , well done ......princess but just...but both no side door .... anyway it will keep the boat company on there toes, a big well done, keep doing this.......thanks

[@hugoandreae3785]

Thanks for the feedback and glad you enjoyed it

[@jaymoroscak4784]

Both are fantastic and I’d be thrilled with either. If I had to choose, I’d go Princess.

[@henryf9175]

We had this exact decision to make at the Southampton Boat show and ended up ordering a Princess F55. A few months into ownership really pleased we did. Styling on the Princess is a bit more timeless and the boat is a bit more practical to use. Cleats on the Sunseeker cause the ropes to rub and damage the gel coat, side walk way along the gunwale on the Sunseeker not as safe without hand rails and you get pushed out by the styling bulge, saloon in the Princess has a lot more seating. Overall the curves and detailing in the Princess give it more of a sense of quality and substance inside. It’s been great discovering various features as we start using the boat. Helm positions are ergonomically excellent and the boat is very stable - tick the Seakeeper 9 box- you’ll thank me later and I think you’ll get the money back when it comes time to re-sell. I personally don’t like sun bathing areas in front of the helm position, I want to see where I’m going particularly in a busy Solent. Power option on the large Bimini took me a while to decide on but glad we did - makes raising and lowering a doddle. Hi low saloon table also gives more flexibility. Galley on the Princess has more storage particularly when combined with the starboard cupboards, there’s a massive cupboard just aft of the saloon seat which wasn’t opened in the video. In the master cabin the Princess also has a very large storage area behind the TV which wasn’t opened in the video. An interesting format for the review.

[@DAW4T]

As a new owner of the F55 (first proper boat) I’m looking forward to getting to know it! Pleased to hear you’re happy with yours. 👍

[@henryf9175]

@@DAW4T I'm sure you'll be delighted. We've used ours in anger now and its performed well in a range of conditions. Gyro was a good option as was the power Bimini operation. We also find the hi- low saloon table provides versatility.

[@MrSilus2000]

Did you guys look at Riviera as well?

[@henryf9175]

Hi there. No we didn't, they tend to be quite Australian heavy in terms of market penetration and have an Australian / American design bias which doesn't really agree with our wants and needs. Aftersales support is also very important which in the UK might be limited.@@MrSilus2000

[@adrianhickson2772]

Fantastic format - great having a direct comparison. Princess all the way for me please 👍🥰

[@hugoandreae3785]

Good to know, thanks

[@nathanbayes21]

Great back to back comparison of two similar boats

[@clifbradley]

So used to Hugo never having a cameraman but himself. Weird to see him so much in the video and doing a great job as sort of the 'Nautistyles'-esque style of being filmed

[@coalitionperformance5901]

Defo the sunseeker, the bar, beach club, sun pad useage and bigger flybridge and style much nicer in my opinion. Which surprises me!

[@easybigun7825]

I used to be a real fan of Sunseeker but I think they've lost their way a bit recently. The 52 Manhattan was fantastic, more sociable seating, the collapsible helm chairs etc. The permanently on display TV instead of sociable seating, like the Princess, I find rather odd. From watching a Virtual Yachtbroker tour of the Manhattan 55 I got the impression that a fixed table is the only option available in the salon, who wants to sit around a dining table to relax, constantly having to move to let people in and out of the only available comfy seats, the princess table functions allow it to become a coffee table, small low and away from the seats, much more user friendly. Also, don't get me started on those push to open drawers and cupboards, you can see in the video that some of them are already not lining-up with each other, whereas the Princess has individual locks on soft close drawers. I think you get my drift, I'd prefer the Princess. My opinion matters not one jot, as I can't afford either of them. Excellent walk around of both though, thank you Hugo.

[@pistonburner6448]

There's another major reason to go for one over the other which I went over in detail in my other comment here. To see it you must change your comments' viewing setting by clicking on the "Sort by" or "Sort" at the top of the comments to "New" or "Newest First" (don't worry, the change is not permanent or anything like that)...because for some reason this platform hides that factual information I listed. They even hid my first reply to you...I had to rephrase it and let's see if this stays visible now...

[@trischurch5289]

You can have a high/low TV on the Sunseeker as well.

[@hugoandreae3785]

Always interested in everyone’s opinion. Thanks for sharing.

[@timk3939]

For me the only area the Sunseeker looks to have a real practical advantage that I would possibly appreciate is in the slightly better bar and the beach club. That said, the beach club area looks small and wouldn't be usable with a tender onboard. I think the Princess is more charming and polished inside with the craftmanship on the wooden surfaces, the curves, and the lack of drop down TV on the Sunseeker doesn't appeal, neither does the fixed table, although maybe it's just an option. I'm sure I'd be very happy with either though. Perhaps the Sunseeker is an older hull design hence more limitations on the layout. To be honest I don't think the F45 and F55 really have a wow factor unlike the rest of their range, just a tiny bit too bland, so I guess it's impressive that I still prefer it over the Sunseeker. Mind you I'm a Plymouth boy so maybe that sways me a bit.

[@forresthoward5868]

I think I like the Princesses a little better. For 2 million it just looks a little more top shelf. The Sunseeker brand here in the states brings to mind an outdoor above ground pool; or even a runabout or a pontoon or a houseboat… it’s just hard for me, here in the states to consider that Sunseeker makes a 55’ seaworthy Yacht 🛥️?? I don’t know if that’ll make sense but I’ll have the Princess 👑 However, given the choice…. I’ll take the Viking, Fleming & or the Nordhavn!

[@jnissen61]

Love the comparison!! What about resale in 4 years? That would be the trump card for me. Although, I am leaning towards the Princess.

[@michaelschneider3446]

That's a very good Format. Love the dark wood of the Sunseeker and would like to see this on the F55 as princess feels roomier and outside better quality

[@kwilson5832]

Definitely the Princess! Although I'm not sure I like the step up to the ensuite bathroom (26:58). I have visions of coming out of the bathroom, then falling down the step into the cabin.

[@MalvinPreece]

Love the format to compare 2 side by side competitors. Always preferred Sunseeker historically, but this choice - although hypothetical- is borderline impossible. I would go for the very attractive Chris Craft that was distracting me in the first part of the video... 😅

[@rtbinc2273]

Was that Alex I saw filming this? A lot of these boat are much the same - convergent evolution. Of these 2 I'd take the Princess, though I like a lot of the features of the Sunseeker. Fairline does an excellent addition in this size as does Azimut. Our old buddy Nick - Aquaholic - is doing a meet the owners of a Flemming 55 - a very different boat. I'd like to know if there are technical differences: Hull design, do they have different kinds of hulls, are them made differently? I like the layout of the breakers on the Princess , in the forward stairs, better than the Sunseekers"s

[@Thjonsson1]

Princess for me! I don’t know but they are just so classy and elegant, and timeless design

[@edwardpoelman3355]

Mijn keuze zou de sunseeker zijn. De style is wat moderner, gebruikskosten wat lager. En onze ervaring met onze sunseeker predator 54 zijn super

[@hugoandreae3785]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@teamextras4life270]

I definitely want to see more videos like this Amazing Insight 💪🏾🧳💯🥃

[@hugoandreae3785]

Glad you enjoyed it and noted re doing some more

[@nickwebb9290]

What an excellent review Hugo, that’s such a good idea. Brilliant for anyone fortune enough to be in the market for this type and size of boat. As for a preference, think I’d go for the Princess 😁

[@hugoandreae3785]

Thanks Nick, good to know

[@terrywalker1624]

Princess!

[@cookiemonster2299]

Brilliant vid, well done team. 👏👏 Both boats are really nice, i prefer the Princess but having said that the only F boat i really like is the 45 so for me i would choose a V55 or S62. 👍❤️🇬🇧

[@simonrowney6159]

If it’s a boat you are going to spend time on at sea rather than in the marina, it’s very hard to ignore the fact that it will cost nearly £1000 more per 220 miles to run it. I know at the numbers involved in owning a boat like this it’s small change but even so. And I actually prefer the styling of the princess in most areas.

[@clinty51]

Fit, finish and styling goes to the Princess. To be honest I thought I would be 100% Princess from the off...but I am looking at local Sunseekers just because of the layout of the saloon level and the forward deck area, I liked this layout. The question really is are you buying new? Either builder will give you what ever options you like if that's the case... These two, as shown...Sunseeker for me thanks. Good presentation.

[@andrewpetley4468]

Very nice comparison video thanks. If I had to choose between these two it would be the Princess as it just seems to shade it on quality and appearance.... it's close mind.

[@hugoandreae3785]

Thanks 🙏

[@markward3242]

Probably the best like for like boat review I’ve ever seen great review great video brilliant

[@hugoandreae3785]

Wow, what a lovely comment. Just made my day. Thanks

[@markward3242]

@@hugoandreae3785 only the truth mate

[@markward3242]

@@hugoandreae3785 You should definitely do more of those videos it was brilliant bring in the other British brands or even show the big differences between our boats and the Italian craft or any other brand it was great but mainly because of the way you did it one part of the boat at a time genius

[@LordLauderdale]

Great comparison !

[@pistonburner6448]

This kind of side-by-side comparisons are excellent! To see my other comment full of reliably sourced facts, facts which I think are absolutely essential to know you must change the viewing setting to "New" or "Newest first". If you keep the viewing setting on default that comment and all those facts are hidden from you. Decide for yourselves if those should be hidden from you... I would request even more repeated naming of which yacht is in question: many of us watch these videos with other things going on around us and we might often miss a transition. Therefore it would help if instead of saying "this one" etc. you'd always say "this Sunseeker's...", "here in the Princess...". Even if you'd repeat the boat names a million times it's much more useful as that way we're on the map all the time.

[@hugoandreae3785]

Good point, will find a way of doing that

[@eyesofisabelofficial]

Neck and neck till we get to the foredeck, then the focus on seating comfort over sunbathing makes the Princess the clear winner.

[@chooselove]

For me it’s the Sunseeker I prefer the saloon layout. Thx for the comparative video.

[@johnhickman2915]

Princess f55 is what I would choose. Princess seems to have a higher quality and better styling. Sunseeker a little to modern for me

[@guinnessharvey4476]

More comparison videos please:)

[@davidweston8758]

Hugo , thanks for doing this , its a very welcome video , personally I prefer Princess , but to be able to compare side by side is a good idea , will we see others ?

[@hugoandreae3785]

Given the positive feedback we certainly plan to do more

[@hugoandreae3785]

Thanks David, will try to do some more

[@andrewr3973]

Sunseeker for me.

[@andersjansson2065]

I say, the layout of the saloon and kitchen would be the reason for me. I think that the Princess should be the choice. For a owner/operator i think that should be better because of some details, for example the sink.

[@matthiaskettner6686]

Watching this at 3am with 159 dollars on my bank account

[@Puzzoozoo]

I prefer the Sunseeker as the fly bridge controls are better laid out, plus the skipper is by the side and the observer isn't hemmed in like on the Princess.

[@IanObzi]

For many years I’ve been a big Princess fan and I really like this but I’ve recently been swayed towards Fairline.

[@miguelmartinsdalmeida9682]

The Princess gives a much higher feel of quality compared with the Sunseeker. The wood finishes on a Princess are unmatched

[@EuroGuy85]

princess! more elegant and overall better design

[@wcguthrie]

I think it should all come down to engineering and ease of maintenance and Princess wins on both.

[@navajasrs2402]

Was very excited to see a Sunseeker in the States for the first time a few weeks ago at Boats a Float in Lake Union. I was aghast at the shoddy construction and uneven material quality. The wood work, especially the doors, was magnificent. The floorplan was fantastic. However, I could have ripped and/or crushed the rail on the bow with my bare hands. I damn near bent it just giving it a firm shove. There were ceiling panels coming unglued. The latches were hit and miss, etc... Hopefully this was an outlier, or a show boat that had not yet been brushed up, but it was shocking and dismaying.

[@morganjamestullock2697]

Sunseeker 55 all day long i am 6 foot not bending down to cook or sit and struggle to get up of the princesses low furniture . and you was very generous with the princess pricing

[@easybigun7825]

The presentation of the Princess galley was slightly misleading as you step down into it, making the surfaces about waist height, like the Sunseeker.

[@dieterhell815]

Maybe I missed it, but didt see the crew cabins. I lobe the bar at sunseeker and like the galley more. Wood to choose for both is great. Engine room of princess seems more space to move a bit. Sunseeker having bimini, princess having 3. Station. Seakeeper you need to add on both if not using at a lake. But what concerns me a bit are the higher running costs of princess if you use the boat not just inside the marina or on anchor after 10 minutes driving somewhere

[@markastbury1890]

How can you decide on two fantastic boats, although I prefer the Sunseeker, the flybridge is so important and seems better, the fridges are much better too. The cockpit serves better with the bar also. Having said all that FAIRLINES are the best I think so where was that one ? 👍😁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@onefrazzer]

Tricky one like the princesses exterior but the sunseeker interior but I'd probably go for the brand of sunseeker

[@leehager1376]

Does Princess offer the same type of support package that Sunseeker does, Docking arrangements and support services?

[@tazone99]

I filmed u on the deck on one of. The boats there. I posted video weeks ago on these boats

[@trev3649]

Princess all the way, sunseeker seems more probuction line. I'm sure they are not, but that's how it seems.

[@Crazy_Worlds]

I prefer the Princess for the saloon layout.

[@hugoandreae3785]

I did forget to do the crew cabins at the end, sorry!

[@dangermouse8466]

I think I prefer the Princess F55.

[@navajasrs2402]

Did I sleep through the crew cabins?

[@andrewwood6538]

Princess every time just got more style

[@shawtaylor4017]

princess - if they could the same cocktail bar arrangement

[@AlVlogs1603]

Greta idea to do a comparison and compare but badly presented.Very similar boats however the fly on the Sunseeker is better as the BBQ bar area are not right above the fly access stair

[@darthkek1953]

Galeon 560 Fly.

[@jeisonhansson]

I agree, but haven't seen one in person yet. I've heard that Galeon lack in quality, but that's just what I've heard.

[@derjaeger3321]

Both are fine vessels, but those diamond windows on the side of the Sunseeker are way too angular, for me. They disrupt the Sunseeker’s svelte lines.

[@richardashman4822]

Please use metric units.

[@sevensixtysteve8662]

Really interesting comparison thank you. I have always got the impression that the Princess is a nicer boat and watching this confirms it for me. The Sunseeker interior looks more basic in its construction with lots of straight lines and sharp looking edges - lots of door shut lines (not always very well lined up) make it look less sophisticated than the Princess. The Princess looks cleaner and higher quality and has some nice curved woodwork detailing. The owners cabin also gave the impression of being larger and the heads definitely were. Not a difficult choice for me, if I was lucky enough to be in a position to buy either, I would take the Princess without a second thought.

[@MrSilus2000]

So Princess and Sunseeker preferred crew cabins on a 50 footer over a tender garage?? 😂

[@markhamnett4997]

I thought I’d be with the princess, but now, I’m not sure.

[@davidbrowning4021]

Both nice boats but why haven't either of them got a lower helm door? In this respect they are lagging behind the Germans and Scandinavians. For my sins I was a Sunseekerr employee 20 years ago so have an allegiance to them but at the same time I owned a Princess 33 so I am rather split between the two.

[@jupanu21]

getting confused on the currency. saying gbp, writing eur. but great stuff otherwise

[@chrisbethmann3955]

Sunseeker, always catching up….

[@FLGurl]

Apples to oranges? On one hand the Sunseeker is more sporty and on the other hand, the Princess is more laid back in style. Personal preferences reign. In this comparison, I shall side with the Princess.

[@nigelmaisey272]

Mmm Both very nice but …if I had a spare 2 or 3 £million I don’t think I would buy either …for one big reason …neither have a tender Garage …. & having a tender on the swim platform just makes for a Really ugly look … imo …. If I was in this position … I’m pretty sure I would go for a Pershing 6X with the added bonus of Surface drives & 40 knot plus top speed ❤️🏁… Think I could live without the flybridge 👍😎❤️

[@timk3939]

There's always the Princess S62 with a 38 knot top speed and a sports bridge, and bigger than the Pershing inside.

[@stephencook6427]

ps prearl 55 four berth

[@rykehuss3435]

F55 wins because it fits a full height fridge freezer. Sadly neither fits a side door at lower helm

[@jdstan9650]

The lack of comparative volume in the Sunseeker is astonishing to me. No offense to Sunseeker owners, but this wasn't a close contest IMO. Princess all day.

[@doverivermedia3937]

An awkward fumbling, Nick Crane ?

[@jchill5229]

When you walked up the port side and said "You can add handrails" on the Sunseeker ( a safety issue) I knew Princess was my choice. To charge for handrails is not only ludicrous but poor marketing.

[@darrenmckenna9115]

Hope this fella is not working for Sunseeker 1:52 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Toby_the_Glen]

Boat manufacturers are obviously making assumptions about the owners alcohol consumption?

[@davebuckman8841]

Sunseeker fly bridge is safer if you are flipping burgers ptincess is better by far in the salon the 52 had moveable lower helm seats, they should have continued that to make is the winner

[@ramonrodriguez6692]

So, since it’s smaller and lighter, wouldn’t performance be outstanding if Sunseeker, you know, the performance brand , offered the 900 HP engines?????

[@lajucb]

Neither. I’d have the Absolute 52 (or 56).

[@davebuckman8841]

Sunseeker 52 beats princess 55 princess 55 beats sunseker 55 close but sometimes improvements just dont work!!

[@leonardorossipolledri224]

F55.

[@rxah]

How tall is Hugo?

[@ianbriden7907]

Pretty much same meat different gravy I guess.The question and answer no one wants to give with these two manufacturers is 'quality'..which is better? To controversial?

[@hugoandreae3785]

Don’t think that’s the issue, it’s more a case of them both being good quality boats with broadly comparable fit and finish albeit different styles.

[@pistonburner6448]

MB&Y: do you have any possibility to affect the way comments here are hidden? My comment was hidden so it's only visible by changing the viewing setting, and then all my comments giving instructions about these comments being hidden behind the viewing setting and how to change it were also hidden... Do you have any control on which comments are how visible under your videos? Perhaps you could help my comment containing verifiable facts which are 100% reliably sourced be taken out from being hidden? Or maybe you could pin a comment of your own with instructions for people to click on the "Sort" or "Sort by" and change the setting from: "Top" or "Top Comments" to the setting: "New" or "Newest First" if they want to see all comments? Surely it's better for all viewers to have access to all comments containing 100% true facts?

[@hugoandreae3785]

I don’t think we do have any control over that but will ask

[@XiBaXha]

The Sunseeker is the better boat…

[@origin178]

Both are of course lovely... but so lacking in any technical innovation. Just two huge ugly diesels giving 0.5mpg if you want to get anywhere fast. No solar, no hybrid, no clever interior ideas, just same-old. Both companies are resting on their laurels.

[@ionutraulbotezatu2190]

Sunseeker perfect yacht

[@kevinmole9982]

Do pearl make a 55 if so that wins but these two princess all the time sunseeker have gone boring .