We are thinking about buying a P32 to use on the Broads, but have been warned outdrives can be difficult to manouevre at low speeds and that we should go for a shaft drive. However, have been unable to find any that are shaft driven, and suspect they all have outdrives.
Can anyone put our mind at rest because the size and layout of a P32 is perfect for us.
Thanks
Laurie

We have a P32 with two Vetus VH4-80 engines driving volvo 280 outdrives the boat is very manoeverable and easy to control. I do not think they were produced with shaft drive. As to the accomodation we find it excellent and much better than most of the modern more expensive kit. Ours is used at sea rather than inland waterways

Just new to this club but have owned P32 for four years now, used at sea in the Solent and also just finished French canal trip for two years. The steering at low speeds is difficult when a stong cross wind but after gaining confidence in applying the right amount of power becomes easier...what about fitting a bow thruster? There was a version of the Princess 32 on shafts, I've seen one in the Isle of Wight and also spoken to a guy who built them. The engines are still mounted at the stern with short shafts running forward to a gearbox conecting the prop shaft to the rear. This apparently caused difficult alignment problems and hence not many were made. The Princess 32 design I think is a great balance of accomodation.