PRINCESS YACHTS INTRODUCES THE C48 – AN ENTRY INTO THE CENTRE-CONSOLE SEGMENT

Princess Yachts has confirmed that its newest model, the Princess C48, will have its official launch in 2027. With this yacht, the shipyard takes a bold step into the thriving centre-console market, marking its very first venture into outboard-powered design.

The creation of the C48 brings together three distinguished names in yacht design. Naval architect Michael Peters, renowned for his patented Stepped Vee Ventilated Tunnel (SVVT) hull, developed the underwater geometry. The external architecture was entrusted to Bernard Olesinski Limited, Princess’s long-standing partner, while the styling and interiors were executed by the in-house team under Andy Lawrence. This partnership has resulted in a yacht that seamlessly combines cutting-edge hydrodynamics, bold exterior lines, and refined interiors — setting an entirely new benchmark in the centre-console class.

At the core of the C48 lies Peters’ acclaimed SVVT hull, an innovation recognized globally for efficiency, speed, and ride quality. The design channels air beneath the running surface to minimize drag and increase lift, boosting both performance and fuel economy. Its central ventilated tunnel, with vertical sidewalls, mimics the function of a keel, sharpening directional stability and grip when cornering. The outcome is that a yacht capable of faster speeds and superior efficiency, while maintaining smoothness and stability unmatched by conventional stepped hulls.

Two configurations will be available: the Open and the Deck Saloon. Both versions are offered with multiple propulsion options — either outboard petrol or inboard diesel — giving owners the freedom to match performance to their needs. Choices include triple Mercury V10 400hp Verados (44–46 knots), triple Mercury V12 600hp Verados (52–54 knots), or twin Volvo D6-480 diesels (32–34 knots).

C48 Open

This version is tailored for those who revel in open-air adventure. Its main deck, left fully open, is paired with a protective hardtop. The cockpit features an aft sunpad, forward-facing seating with a dining table, and fold-down side benches to expand versatility. An exterior galley, with forward and aft wet bars, includes an electric grill, sink, drawer fridge, and storage. At the helm, triple seats offer commanding views, while the foredeck provides further flexible seating arrangements. Below deck, a lower saloon with convertible dinette, day head, and aft cabin forms the standard arrangement, with options for a forward cabin or galley to suit personal preference.

C48 Deck Saloon

For those seeking greater enclosure, the Deck Saloon model offers a fully protected saloon with lounge and galley areas, alongside a helm station. Triple sliding doors, dual side doors, and an optional sliding roof create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. Exterior areas include a cockpit dining zone and foredeck lounge. For inboard-powered versions, a hydraulic bathing platform can be specified for enhanced sea access. The lower deck layout features a lobby, day head, forward cabin, and aft cabin, making longer cruises both practical and comfortable.

Speaking on the new launch, Princess Yachts CEO Will Green stated: “The C48 is a defining model for Princess, representing our dynamic entry into a fresh market. It captures the essence of freedom, exhilaration, and performance while heralding a new chapter for our smaller yacht range. By bringing together Michael Peters’ engineering, the architectural expertise of BOL, and the design vision of our in-house team, we’ve created a yacht that redefines what the centre-console can be. The C48 is more than a first for Princess — it’s a new standard for the industry.”