The Princess Yachts R35 2019 vs Princess Yachts V42 2009 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Princess Yachts V42 2009 measures 42,9 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 7,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Princess Yachts R35 2019 at 35,1 feet (2019). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Princess Yachts V42 2009 tips the scales at 20 414 lbs — 10 493 lbs less than the Princess Yachts R35 2019 at 9 921 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 430 hp, the Princess Yachts R35 2019 has a 60-hp advantage over the Princess Yachts V42 2009's 370-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Princess Yachts V42 2009 is rated for 13 passengers, while the Princess Yachts R35 2019 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princess Yachts V42 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Princess Yachts V42 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 13 passengers and at 42,9 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princess Yachts R35 2019 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.