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A considered refresh for a modern Princess

When the owner of this yacht met us at Southampton Boat Show in 2025, the yacht was still a modern, well-maintained and highly capable boat. Rather than replacing it, the owner wanted to enhance what he already had – updating selected interior finishes and details to create a fresher, more contemporary look in line with the latest F55 styling, at a fraction of the cost of new.

With new yachts continuing to command a significant premium, upgrading an existing F55 offered a far more economical route to achieving the desired result than replacing the boat altogether.

After our refurbishment on the left. Before on the right hand side.

The project also provided an opportunity to address a significant water ingress issue, ensuring the yacht was updated aesthetically and the underlying technical issues were resolved.

Addressing the Headlining

One of the most noticeable issues was the Saloon headlining, which had developed a yellowed appearance over time.

The discolouration was linked to a production-related adhesive issue that affected a number of yachts from the period. Rather than simply replacing the visible material, SETAG took the opportunity to redesign the headlining, reducing the number of panel splits and creating a cleaner, more contemporary finish.

Swipe for the Before.

The revised design was carried through the Saloon and Dinette, as well as the Galley and Aft area. Speaker covers were refinished to complement the new headlining, while new recessed cone lights were incorporated into the forward and aft sections.

The result is a noticeably cleaner and brighter interior, while retaining the character and quality of the original Princess design.

A Lighter Interior

The original leather upholstery was also ready for an update. We re-styled and reupholstered both the Port and Starboard Saloon sofas, together with the surrounding liners and upper Saloon sections. The new, lighter upholstery creates a more contemporary feel and works with the revised headlining to give the Saloon a fresher, more open appearance.

Finding and Fixing the Leak

Behind the cosmetic improvements was a more important technical requirement: a significant water ingress issue needed to be properly traced and resolved.

We investigated the source of the leak and carried our a series of sealing works across the yacht. The Flybridge wetbar bolting flanges were removed and resealed, while the Flybridge grab handles were also sealed to prevent water ingress into the Saloon.

A leaking windscreen exterior mullion was removed and resealed, addressing another potential source of water ingress.

The Forward Cabin headlining was removed to allow the area around the leak to be properly inspected and treated, rather than simply covering the symptons.

The SETAG Approach

Not every yacht needs a complete refit. Sometimes the most sensible approach is to identify the areas that are letting the boat down, resolve any underlying technical issues, and invest selectively.

For this F55, that meant retaining a relatively modern boat, addressing important water leak issues and transforming the interior through carefully considered updates. The result is a yacht that feels fresher, lighter, and more contemporary – without the cost and discuption of replacing an otherwise, excellent boat.

A smarter alternative to buying new.

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With SETAG, you can make a huge difference when you buy something secondhand, maybe a bit tired and then you put all of this beauty in it and you create what effectively is a brand new boat. Completely to your own liking, your own standard...creating the perfect boat for us.
Delighted SETAG customer - Squadron 42 owner
Brilliant concept...new boat look and feel at pre-owned prices - by the industry experts. Recycling at its best!
Briony Newington - Founding Partner, Fairline Yachts.
The great thing is, none of this is off the shelf - I love this boat and now she’s got her frock on...this is the best money I've spent.
Delighted SETAG customer - Princess 61 owner
If you want to redefine, refit and remaster your boat who better to do it than the people who designed it in the first place? "What a fantastic idea!"
Miles Morehouse – Marketing Director, Fairline
We cannot recommend the SETAG team highly enough. If you love your current boat, then for a fraction of the cost to change it, have it SETAG’d. The SY branding certainly helped us obtain a premium price. We got what we paid for her in 2017 plus what we spent with you!
Delighted SETAG customer - Targa 50GT owner
I have worked with Chris for over 30 years and I’m pleased to see him develop his own brand - along with likeminded people with industry-leading expertise. The future is bright for SETAG Yachts and pre-owned yacht owners, who can now refurbish their vessels to today’s - or even tomorrow's standards.
David King - Founder, Princess Yachts.
That has been one of the key selling points for us – having that personalised service and having a boat that is unique to us – is standout in its own right. We are pretty blown away…very very pleased. I think it’s fabulous…it has transformed the boat.
Delighted SETAG customer - Targa 47 owner
The perfect way to open up a new market: the "true reflection of luxury". SETAG gets it: simplicity and personalisation are key – with the depth of knowledge to deliver.
James Barke – Managing Director of Boats.co.uk
SETAG are probably the only company who can carry out all the tasks as a ‘one stop shop’. Other yards were reluctant to price work and needed to subcontract many tasks meaning higher costs and longer lead times. If you are in any doubt speak to Chris and his team, they know boats like no one else.
Delighted SETAG customer - Princess 460 Owner
We have been waiting for this quality of service: a comprehensive, professional refit that we can rely on – because of the pedigree of its staff, with over 200 years' experience in our market.
Christopher Head – Group Sales Director for Sunseeker London Group
You have put Princess magic into our beloved Broom.
Delighted SETAG customer - Broom 370 owner
Never have I come across a more able collection of professionals in this market. We have complete trust in SETAG, since its team has been in the business for as long as we can remember. We're very excited to welcome this specialist refit company into our portfolio.
Colin Capewell - Managing Director of Princess Motor Yacht Sales

Testimonials

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