In the competitive landscape of the luxury motor yacht market, finding a vessel that perfectly balances performance, comfort, and provenance is a rare occurrence. Currently berthed in the sun-drenched waters of Long Beach, California, the 2015 Princess 72, known by the moniker La-Z-Buoy, represents an exceptional opportunity for discerning yachtsmen. Listed with the esteemed Galati Yacht Sales for $1.99 million, this yacht serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of British boatbuilding, offering a sophisticated blend of engineering prowess and refined interior design.
Main Facts: Performance Meets Elegance
At the heart of the La-Z-Buoy experience lies a robust mechanical foundation. The yacht is powered by twin Caterpillar C32 engines, each delivering 1,625 horsepower. With a mere 768 hours on the clock, these powerplants are barely broken in, suggesting a history of meticulous maintenance and relatively light usage compared to many vessels of this vintage.
This mechanical configuration allows the Princess 72 to achieve a brisk cruising speed of 28 knots, ensuring that owners can reach their favorite anchorages with both speed and stability. Whether navigating the Pacific coastline or undertaking longer offshore passages, the vessel’s 1,320-gallon fuel capacity provides the range necessary for extended exploration. Beyond raw speed, the Princess 72 is celebrated for its agile handling, a hallmark of the Plymouth-based shipyard’s design philosophy, which emphasizes a “soft” ride even when sea conditions turn challenging.
The layout is equally impressive, featuring a four-stateroom, four-head configuration that maximizes privacy and comfort for guests. For those looking to enjoy extended stays on the water, the vessel also includes dedicated crew quarters aft, complete with twin berths and a private head and shower, ensuring that the yacht can be fully supported during longer excursions.
A Chronological Perspective: The Evolution of a Yachting Icon
To understand the value proposition of La-Z-Buoy, one must consider the trajectory of the Princess 72 series. Launched during a golden era for the British shipyard, the 72 model was designed to bridge the gap between high-performance express yachts and traditional, spacious flybridge cruisers.
When La-Z-Buoy was commissioned in 2015, it was at the forefront of Princess Yachts’ effort to blend contemporary aesthetics with long-range capability. Throughout its lifecycle, the vessel has remained a highly desirable model, particularly for owners who prioritize the "indoor-outdoor" lifestyle that is so prevalent in West Coast yachting.
Over the past nine years, the yacht has been maintained to a standard that defies its age. The low engine hours are the most obvious metric of this care, but the overall condition of the joinery, the upholstery, and the mechanical systems suggests a vessel that has been treated as a centerpiece of the owner’s leisure life rather than a neglected asset. Its current presence in Long Beach serves as a strategic placement for buyers looking to explore the California coast, the Channel Islands, or even as a gateway to Mexican cruising grounds.
Supporting Data: Engineering and Design Specs
The allure of La-Z-Buoy is not found in a single feature, but in the harmonious integration of its systems. Below is a breakdown of the key specifications that define this vessel:
- Builder: Princess Yachts (UK)
- Model: Princess 72
- Year: 2015
- Engines: Twin Caterpillar C32 (1,625 hp each)
- Engine Hours: 768 (Low usage)
- Cruising Speed: 28 knots
- Fuel Capacity: 1,320 Gallons
- Layout: 4 Staterooms, 4 Heads
- Crew Quarters: 1 Cabin, 2 Berths, 1 Head
- Location: Long Beach, California
- Asking Price: $1,990,000
- Additional Inclusions: Novurania tender
The inclusion of a Novurania tender is a significant value-add for prospective buyers. These rigid-hull inflatable boats are widely considered the gold standard for yacht tenders, known for their durability, dry ride, and high-quality finish. Having this already integrated into the sale saves the new owner the considerable time and expense of sourcing, outfitting, and launching a new tender.
Interior Design and Living Spaces: A Sanctuary at Sea
Upon entering the main salon, guests are greeted by an atmosphere of understated luxury. The interior design team at Princess utilized a palette of high-end materials, including rich wood grains and soft, tactile fabrics, to create a sense of tranquility. The layout is designed with a "seamless flow" philosophy—the galley, dining area, and salon are connected in a way that encourages social interaction while allowing for distinct zones of privacy.
The flybridge, arguably the most important deck on a yacht of this size, serves as the primary outdoor entertainment hub. With its elevated helm station, the captain enjoys unmatched visibility, making docking and maneuvering in tight marinas a significantly less stressful experience. The seating arrangement on the flybridge is designed for entertaining, featuring ample lounge space, a wet bar, and the ability to host guests under the sun or the shade of a bimini top.
Official Responses and Expert Insights
Industry professionals often cite the Princess 72 as a "sweet spot" in the yachting market. Unlike larger vessels that require a substantial crew to operate and maintain, the 72 is manageable for an experienced owner-operator, yet large enough to provide the luxury of a superyacht.
Andy Aaron, a veteran broker with Galati Yacht Sales, emphasizes that vessels with this level of care and such low engine hours are rare in the current market. "When you look at the Caterpillar C32s, you are looking at engines that are just hitting their stride," Aaron notes. "To find a 2015 model with under 800 hours is an anomaly. It reflects a boat that has spent more time as a floating home or a light-use weekender than a high-mileage charter boat."
Galati Yacht Sales has a long-standing reputation for vetting their listings, and La-Z-Buoy stands as a prime example of their high-quality inventory. For those interested in the pedigree of the Princess brand, the Yachting magazine "Princess Passport" program offers further insight into the ownership experience, maintenance standards, and community associated with the brand.
Implications for the Modern Buyer
What does the purchase of La-Z-Buoy signify for the modern yacht buyer? First and foremost, it represents a commitment to quality over trendiness. In a market where new builds are increasingly complex and potentially prone to early-life electronic issues, a proven 2015 Princess 72 offers a known, reliable platform.
Furthermore, the price point of $1.99 million places this vessel in a highly competitive bracket. For buyers looking to transition from a 50- or 60-foot boat, the 72-foot Princess offers a substantial increase in volume and capability without requiring a massive jump in complexity. It is a "turn-key" vessel, meaning the next owner can effectively step on board and head to the Channel Islands for the weekend without waiting for refit projects or major mechanical overhauls.
As the marine industry faces increasing demand for high-quality, pre-owned vessels, the window to secure a boat of this pedigree is often short. La-Z-Buoy is not just a yacht; it is an investment in lifestyle. Whether the goal is to host intimate sunset dinners in the harbor or to embark on an ambitious coastal cruise, the vessel is equipped to exceed expectations.
Final Considerations
For those who wish to explore the vessel in person, Galati Yacht Sales invites interested parties to coordinate a viewing in Long Beach. Given the current market conditions, where well-maintained, low-hour motor yachts are in high demand, this listing is expected to draw significant interest from both local and regional buyers.
Interested parties should contact Andy Aaron at 310-500-8286 to arrange a private inspection. In the world of yachting, where the journey is as important as the destination, La-Z-Buoy offers a refined, powerful, and reliable vehicle for all of life’s nautical adventures. By combining the legendary build quality of Princess Yachts with the proven reliability of Caterpillar power, this vessel stands as a beacon of excellence in the current brokerage market.
