On the first day of the 2024 Palm Beach International Boat Show, Princess Yachts announced a new model in its F Class range of flybridge motoryachts. Borrowing features from its larger sister and Princess cousins, the new F58 not only sits in the proverbial sweet spot of the F Class, which spans 45 to 65 feet, but also capitalizes on the amenities, evolved styling and next-generation features found throughout the Princess line.
“A flybridge boat of this size is a critical offering for us,” says James Nobel, VP and marketing director for Princess Yachts America. “While customer demand has trended toward our larger offerings in recent years, this year we are seeing more of a mix, with many buyers coming in at the 50- to 60-foot range.”
Princess Yachts has offered several variations of boats in this size range over the lifespan of the F Class, but the F58 hits the “sweet spot,” according to Nobel. Nestled between the F55 and the F65, the new F58 offers a voluminous design that blends many features of the 55 with amenities from the 65 into one enviable package.
“We have clients who love everything in the F65 but can’t have a boat that big; perhaps their marina has a restriction on size,” Nobel says. “Then we have the clients who want just a little bit more volume than the F55. The F58 borrows from the F65 and from other models across our lines.”
Style and Space
What sets the F58 apart in a lineup that includes the F45, F50, F55, F58 and F65? We’ll start with the exterior, which can be summed up in two words: style and space. In its profile, the F58 sports the evolved exterior lines of the newer Princess models, such as the Y72, with a large single-pane side window that wraps around the upper structure. “It’s a style evolution, not a revolution,” Nobel says. Like the F55, the F58 offers the option of a built-in hardtop or an open bridge with an electric or fixed Bimini top.
The Princess F Class wouldn’t be the coveted flybridge class without plentiful deck areas, and the new F58 does not disappoint. The spacious flybridge itself sees the fully equipped wet bar with an electric barbecue situated aft so as to keep the chef close to the action and create more open deck space. Bordered by companion seating and a sumptuous convertible settee to starboard, a centrally positioned helm allows for excellent visibility.
On the foredeck, the F58 boasts a new style borrowed from the forward lounge design of the Y80, with two multifunctional sun beds with adjustable headrests and storage, as well as a walk-through to the bow. This space can be further augmented with sun awnings and a cool box, creating a private terrace akin to that enjoyed by larger yachts.
The enhanced volume of the F58’s design is most readily apparent in the cockpit area, which seamlessly integrates with the salon and aft galley, creating an inviting alfresco space that flows to the swim platform and mini beach club transom area—yet another unique feature of this new model. Here, clients have a variety of options to fit out their mini open-air beach club, such as a waterside barbecue with a sink or a dedicated storage area for SeaBobs, dive gear and other water toys. A fold-down transom seat rounds out this perfect spot to enjoy a day of watersports.
Two distinguishing features not immediately apparent in the F58’s styling make a big impact on the lifestyle the F58 offers on the water. The first occurs below the waterline, where a larger engine package of twin MAN V-8 1,000 hp or 1,200 hp diesels (depending on the option selected) propel the 59-foot-8-inch beauty to a maximum speed of 31 and 34 knots, respectively. Second, the F58 is the first sub-80-foot model from Princess to offer sustainable battery-powered silent running or hotel services as an option.
Turn up the Volume
That leads us to the interior, which can be summed up with the word “volume.” Maintaining the popular aft-galley arrangement seen on the F55, the increased volume of the F58 allows for a separate L-shaped sofa and coffee table/dinette aft and a larger U-shaped sofa forward, effectively creating two separate spaces for dining and lounging. The aforementioned panoramic windows bathe the interior in natural light, highlighting the signature Princess craftsmanship and the contemporary yet timeless design of this new model. As with all Princess models, F58 clients can select their preferred woods, countertops, flooring and interior soft goods.
The F58 offers a three-stateroom, two en suite layout; however, the increased interior volume here allows for a full-beam master suite with a walk-in closet and a three-quarter-beam en suite just aft of the master bed—more “big boat” features. The VIP is positioned forward, and a twin to starboard can be converted into a third double. And while the F58 is designed for efficient owner operation, it does offer the option of a single crew cabin with an en suite and storage aft.
A Home Run
It’s obvious that the F58 does a fantastic job of compiling so many features from the larger Princess yachts into its layout while still maintaining its efficiency as an owner-operator boat. How does it compete with the F55? These are two very distinct models, Nobel explains.
“The F55 remains a very strong model both in the U.S. and in Central America,” Nobel states. “But there is a tremendous amount of interest in the F58, and it will be interesting to see the market’s response. It is a bigger step up dollar-wise, size-wise and volume-wise. It has a bigger engine package and many entertainment features you won’t find on smaller models. As with everything we do, when you have a successful model, you want to maintain the positives and evolve it to the next level.
“We feel the F58 will be a home run,” he says. “Most of our customers are owner operators, couples with young families or grandparents with grandkids who visit. The F58 is very manageable for two people. It’s the sweet spot for us depending on where we are reaching clients in their lifetime.”
To make an inquiry, visit Princess Yachts America
