New Yachts: Princess Yachts Y78

The Princess Yachts Y78 is the entry point to the builder’s Y series of yachts.
Princess Y78
Powered with twin 1,800 hp MAN diesels, the Princess Y78 has a projected top-end range of 34 to 36 knots. Courtesy Princess Yachts

The Princess Yachts Y78 creates an entry point for the builder’s Y series, which also includes 85- and 95-footers. The 78-foot size is also a transition point for many yachtsmen—from being owner-operators to having a part- or full-time crew.

The Y78 is geared for entertaining at sea with three well-defined alfresco social zones. The primary one is on the flybridge. To starboard is U-shaped seating with a folding teak table for dinner with a view. A second settee is just forward of this one, and two helm seats are on centerline. To port is a third settee for two more guests, so the helmsman will never lack for company while cruising over to Bimini. Abaft the settee is a wet bar with an electric grill and refrigerator, reducing galley trips for food and beverages. There is real estate for three chaise-style lounges or a davit and tender on the after section of the flybridge. The forward half of the flybridge is covered by the hardtop, which retracts when sun is desired.

Princess Y78
The salon has U-shaped ­seating to starboard and a two-seat settee to port. Forward is formal dining for eight. Almost 360 degrees of glass allows ocean views from all areas. Courtesy Princess Yachts

The flybridge overhang protects the second outside zone: the cockpit. It has U-shaped seating and a folding teak table, making it a solid spot for lunch after a morning swim in the salt.

The third social area is the foredeck lounge, with U-shaped seating molded into the yacht’s superstructure for sundowners with friends. There is a sun pad for four guests.

Princess Y78
Taking up the Y78’s full 18-foot-11-inch beam, the ­master stateroom is flanked by hullside windows for natural light. Abaft the berth are the head and a walk-in closet. Courtesy Princess Yachts

Belowdecks, the Y78 accommodates eight people in four staterooms, all with en suite heads. There is a full-beam master stateroom amidships with direct access; a forepeak VIP with a double berth; a guest stateroom abaft the VIP and to starboard, also with a double berth; and a guest stateroom abaft and to port of the VIP with twin berths. A crew cabin is abaft the engine room with twin berths and a head.

For meal and snack prep, the yacht’s galley is forward and to starboard in the salon, and has a four-burner cooktop, a microwave/convection oven, two stainless-steel sinks and a full-height refrigerator/freezer. Countertops can be granite or quartz. The galley can also be closed off from the salon/dining area via an electrically operated glass partition.

Princess Y78
The lower helm has twin seats, two displays for GPS, a radar and a depth sounder. Side-deck access is via a door to starboard, and there’s an opening window to port. Courtesy Princess Yachts

Power for the Princess Yachts Y78 is a pair of 1,800 hp MAN V-12 diesels, and the builder says the top-end speed range is 34 to 36 knots.

Take the next step: princessyachtsamerica.com