Princess V40 for Sale, Price and Owner's Guide

Why a Princess V40 for sale is the gateway to the brand

For many buyers, a Princess V40 for sale is their first realistic route into Plymouth-built yachts. The V40 is the smallest model in the V Class sports yacht range, which runs from 40 to 65 feet, and it brings the Princess look, deep-V ride and finish into a size that one person can comfortably run and dock. It was launched at Boot Dusseldorf in 2017 and has been in production ever since, with a 60th Anniversary Edition unveiled at the same show in 2025.

That long run matters. The V40 is not a design that came and went in two seasons. It has been refined steadily, it is well supported by Princess dealers in the US, and there is a healthy supply of used boats from 2017 onward. For a buyer who wants a European sports cruiser with a stronger offshore feel than most US express boats in the 40-foot class, it belongs on the short list.

A resin-infused hull with offshore manners

Princess builds the V40 hull with resin infusion, a process that controls the resin-to-glass ratio more precisely than hand lay-up and saves weight. Princess says the lighter hull maximizes interior space while offering exceptional seakeeping. Displacement is about 9,592 kg, roughly 21,150 pounds with half fuel and water, on a 12.98 meter (42 foot 6 inch) overall length and a 3.81 meter (12 foot 5 inch) beam.

The hull lines come from Olesinski, the naval architects behind Princess hulls for decades, and the deep-V shape is the V Class trademark. Draft is just 1 foot 10 inches with the drives raised, which is a useful trick for beaching, shallow anchorages and trailer or lift handling, and 3 feet 4 inches with the drives down.

Twin Volvo D6 sterndrives, 34 to 36 knots

Power is a pair of Volvo Penta D6 diesels on duoprop sterndrives. Princess's current spec lists twin D6-380 DP engines of 380 mhp each, with a maximum speed range of 34 to 36 knots, and Princess's own FAQ also references the twin D6-340 DP package used on boats built earlier. At the 2017 launch, Yachting reported twin 330 hp D6 diesels and a claimed 36 to 38 knots. Ask any seller exactly which version is fitted, since the extra power makes a noticeable difference with a full load of guests and fuel.

Diesel sterndrives are the right choice at this size. They give the efficiency and range of diesel with the shallow draft, compact engine room and drive trim of a sterndrive, and Volvo Penta's joystick package is available for docking. The trade-off is that sterndrives need regular attention, especially bellows, gimbal bearings and anodes, and boats kept in warm saltwater must be on a strict service schedule. The fuel tanks hold 730 liters, 193 US gallons, split between two interconnected tanks.

Princess does not publish a cruise figure, so ask for sea trial numbers on the actual boat. The hull is at its best in a moderate chop, where its deep-V entry pays off.

Hardtop, sunroof and a sociable cockpit

The V40 has a hardtop with an opening sunroof over the helm and cockpit, a wraparound windshield and a wet bar, which makes it far more usable in rain or strong sun than a fully open sportboat. The helm has a double seat with good sightlines, and the cockpit seating converts for sunbathing aft. A bathing platform gives easy swim access.

Used boats listed in the US typically describe walnut cabinetry below, a fully equipped galley, ample cockpit seating, a wet bar and a retractable sunroof, with twin Volvo D6 engines and joystick control. That mix of features is what most American owners look for in a weekend boat.

• Hardtop with electric sunroof
• Cockpit wet bar and convertible seating
• Drives-up draft of 1 foot 10 inches
• Joystick docking available with the Volvo package

Two cabins below, with flexible berths aft

Below, the V40 has two cabins for four people. The forward owner's cabin has a large double berth and an en suite head with day access, so guests can use the head without passing through the cabin. The aft twin cabin sits under the cockpit and offers optional sliding berths that convert into a double, plus an option for a full-length sofa that serves as a third berth for an occasional guest.

The saloon combines a dinette and galley, with good natural light from hull windows. This is a classic 40-foot sports cruiser layout: excellent for a couple, workable for a family with two children, and tight for two adult couples on more than a weekend.

Owning a V40, costs and service

Annual running costs typically fall between $38,000 and $70,000, excluding depreciation. That covers a 45-foot slip, insurance on a $450,000 to $1 million boat, Volvo Penta engine and drive service, bottom paint and canvas. Fuel use is moderate for the size because the D6 diesels are efficient, and the 193-gallon tank means most owners refuel every couple of weekends in summer.

Princess's US dealer network handles warranty and service, and boats built for North America come with upgraded air conditioning, a larger generator and electric cooking in place of gas. Check that any used boat has that US specification, as European boats can need expensive changes.

V40 or V50, when the step up is worth it

Many V40 shoppers end up comparing it with the larger V50. The jump is bigger than eight feet suggests. The V50 moves to Volvo Penta IPS pods, adds a second head, a full-beam midships master and more than twice the fuel at 410 US gallons, and roughly doubles the purchase price. It also needs a bigger slip and costs more to insure and service.

Stay with the V40 if you mostly cruise as a couple, take weekend trips of under 100 miles and value the low running costs and shallow draft. Step up to the V50 if you regularly host another couple, want to spend a week or more aboard, or plan runs to the Bahamas where extra range and a second head make a real difference.

New and used Princess V40 price in 2026

A new V40 in US specification generally lands between about $900,000 and $1.15 million in 2026, with the anniversary edition and options such as joystick, upgraded electronics and a gyro pushing the top end. On the brokerage market, early 2017 and 2018 boats ask roughly $420,000 to $550,000, mid-life 2019 to 2021 boats $500,000 to $700,000, and nearly new boats $850,000 and up.

BoatTEST featured a pre-owned 2021 V40 in late 2024 with twin Volvo D6 engines, joystick, walnut interior and sunroof, which is a good template for a well-equipped used boat. Boats with documented drive service and fresh canvas sell first.