BOAT REPORT


Sunseeker has always been able to rely on its name to draw in customers and, to an extent, it still can


and linings, leaving the spaces to speak for themselves. It oozes the same sense of confi dence which the management team has instilled across the yard, while acknowledging that even a premium brand like Sunseeker doesn’t exist in a competitor-free environment in which prices are infi nitely elastic. Sunseeker has always been able to rely on its


name to draw in customers and, to an extent, it still can. But with competition more fi erce than ever, the yard knows that it can’t simply build a 50-footer with no expense spared, slap ‘Sunseeker’ on the side and expect it to sell. Customers are looking for a boat that


delivers on space and home comforts as well as one that goes well and tackles a Force 5 with impunity. And price is crucial. We reckon


THE HELM VIEW


There isn’t a huge amount of space for multi-function displays on the 52’s dash


Sunseeker has got the balance just right. It is a more expensive boat than the Princess 52 and Sealine F530 but then it is newer than the Princess and more desirable than the Sealine. And although the new Princess 49 may also be considered a rival in terms of the cabins it offers, the Manhattan is a far bigger boat, with a number of signifi cant extra features. Sunseeker has taken the steps needed to


create a class-leading mid-size cruiser. Yes, it comes at a premium price but crucially, it’s a realistic one. Hopefully this will ensure it sells well and encourages Sunseeker to look more closely at the lower end of its range to see what else it might launch in the future. Contact Sunseeker London. Tel: +44 (0)207 355 0980. Web: www.sunseeker.com


This little area is a very useful space


to hold drinks or chuck phones and other bits


The joystick trim control is a good


idea but would be more effective with an indicator to show blade position


PERFORMANCE


TEST ENGINES Volvo Penta D11 725 shaftdrives. Twin 725hp @ 2,600rpm. 6-cylinder, 10.8-litre diesels


FIGURES ECO FAST MAX


RPM 1,000 1,400 1,600 1,800 2,000 2,200 2,400 2,600 Speed 8.5 11.1 13.1 16.7 20.6 24.1 28.9 32.1 LPH 25 68 97 124 154 186 210 250 GPH 5.5 15.0 21.3 27.3 33.9 40.9 46.2 55.0 MPG 1.55 0.74 0.61 0.61 0.61 0.59 0.63 0.58 Range 598 287 238 237 235 228 242 226


SOUND LEVELS dB(A) Helm


66 68 70 72 74 75 77 78


Cockpit 68 72 72 73 75 77 78 79 Saloon 73 77 79 80 81 84 84 85


THE COSTS & OPTIONS Price from


Price as tested


8.7hp bowthruster Beach club package Flybridge teak decking Gold Mediterranean pack


£908,400 £1.07m


standard £6,150 £8,636 £55,497


Includes: Air-con, passarelle, deck wash, icemaker, cool box, additional spring cleats, additional 20m anchor chain and antifoul Hydraulic bathing platform Bimini top


= Options on test boat


Speed in knots. GPH & MPG figures use imperial gallons. Range in nautical miles and allows for 20% reserve. Calculated figures based on readings from on-board fuel gauges, your figures may vary considerably. All prices include VAT. 46% fuel, 100% water, 5 crew, no stores or tender; liferaft on board, 21ºC air temp, F1 + calm for sea trials


£19,533 £10,069


NOVEMBER2016 59


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9