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 Seafaring
in Style
Sunseeker's powerful, customized boats
make for the best on-the-water adventures.
By Erin Quinlan
Too
often, buying a boat is rushed and impersonal, setting you up
for a rather disappointing experience. When you're investing
in a Sunseeker, though, things work a little differently. You
don't merely check off your preferences from a preprinted
factory list; you work side by side with the British company's
award-winning team of engineers, captains and interior designers
to create a layout and look that reflect your vision —
from interior woods to engine horsepower to glassware.
One feature, however, remains consistent no matter what your
taste: Sunseeker's tried-and-true deep-V hull. Based on
those used for offshore racing, the hulls are designed to slice
through waves (rather than crash over them), resulting in reduced
slamming, increased directional stability, greater speeds and
a drier ride. The real result: an unforgettable good time for
you and your guests.
The Sunseeker Club, in New Rochelle, NY, has been importing
the builder's British style to the States for years. Your
experience here doesn't end when you sign your sales contract,
either; the Sunseeker Club offers everything from friendly advice
to routine maintenance to winter storage. So, break out the
sunblock and the shades — Sunseeker has a yacht with your
name on it. |
Predator
108
Where to? In Sunseeker's streamlined,
108-foot Predator, the journey is as luxurious as
the destination.
Having a second home is lovely, but why settle for
acreage in Florida when you can move into something
that brings you to the Caribbean, to the Mediterranean
— or beyond? That's the mission of Sunseeker's
Predator 108, the largest and newest model in the
builder's series of performance motor yachts.
This sleek, airy Predator has room for eight, plus
four crewmembers, so you can take to the sea and
bring a lucky bunch with you. Amidships is the master
stateroom, which spans the full beam of the boat,
allowing not just room for you to stretch out, but
space for a double berth, 42-inch flat-screen TV,
two-person settee and dressing table. A walk-in
closet and an en suite bathroom add to the room's
sprawling ambience. The other staterooms —
a roomy VIP forward and two smaller cabins to port
and starboard — have en suite bathrooms as
well.
One thing's for sure: You'll appreciate
the plush accommodations after an action-packed
day aboard. Head to the foredeck for sunbathing
and a soak in the hot tub, then join the gang in
the aft cockpit for icy cocktails and snacks from
the griddle. Heat getting to you? Cool down with
a dive from the swim platform. Nearby is a power-operated
stern garage, which holds a tender up to 14 feet
long, so you and your guests can make quick hops
and explore your surroundings in style.
The 108 is powered by three MTU 2000 V16 diesel
engines, pushing the boat to a top speed of 42 knots.
Range, depending on speed, is about 450 miles.
Did we mention a second home? Once you're
aboard the Predator 108, you just might want to
make it your first. |
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94
Y
It's no accident that the phrase close quarters
originated in nautical circles. The narrow doorways,
dark spaces and cramped public areas aboard most
boats made the term stick around long after it was
coined.
Thanks to a glassy, group-friendly saloon, however,
Sunseeker's 94 Yacht could put that reputation
to rest. Two full-size settees face each other on
the boat's port and starboard sides, offering
a good view of the passing scenery (not to mention
the 37-inch LCD flat-screen television). Want to
bring aboard a few more guests? Opt for an extra
armchair or two; you'll have plenty of room.
Sliding glass doors lead to the aft cockpit.
The adjacent dining area offers a table with room
for eight. While your guests are awaiting the main
course, get the festivities going at the nearby
bar area, complete with a fridge, an icemaker and
two stools.
Once the group is good and stuffed, send them downstairs
to hit the hay. In the aft owner's stateroom,
you can kick back on the double berth with a nightcap
— a minibar and tumblers are within arm's
reach — and enjoy your favorite DVD in surround
sound. Just off the master stateroom are a granite
bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe, so the sleeping
area remains blissfully uncluttered. During the
day, large portholes let in plenty of natural light.
The 94's three smaller staterooms —
a VIP with a double berth, and two guest cabins,
each a pair of twin berths — accommodate six
additional overnight guests.
The 94 Yacht is powered by twin diesel engines (packages
are available from Caterpillar and MTU). Depending
on which you choose, the boat will hit a top speed
of about 31 knots. Range at cruising speed is up
to 450 miles; at 12 knots, the 94 Yacht can travel
about 750 miles. The destination, of course, is
up to you.
All aboard! The 94 Y's roomy outdoor
lounging areas ensure everyone can bask in the sunshine.
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Sportfisher
37
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After
an action-packed afternoon charging fish, you'll
make good use of the berth in the 37's forward
section.
Fun, fast and feisty, the Sportsfisher 37 is designed
to give your on-the-water adventures a good kick
in the pants — but not without a dose of Sunseeker
elegance.
A spacious open deck with a well-equipped helm station
and self-draining, teak-finished cockpit offer the
qualities of a solid, rugged workhorse. Below deck,
meanwhile, you'll find a smartly arranged
saloon with dinette seating and opening portholes,
as well as a good-size galley area. A double berth
fits neatly into the boat's forward section;
the circular skylight helps keep the area from feeling
cramped.
Sunseeker says the Sportsfisher 37, which is available
with twin inboard engines or triple outboards, can
hit speeds of up to 50 knots, depending on the power
package. In addition to the usual electronics and
instrumentation, the helm console has a large area
earmarked for fish finders.
Sure, the 37 offers nimble access to the world's
most fertile fishing grounds, but can it handle
a battle once the fish start biting? With a bait
well, rod holders, fish boxes and a tackle-and-bait
station in the cockpit, we'd say so. Finally,
a sport boat that lets you focus on what matters:
the action at the end of your line. |
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Portofino
46
Offshore
cruising is a snap in the rugged 46, and a wide
beam and clever stowage keep things comfy below
deck.
When it comes to versatility, Sunseeker's
Portofino 46 is smack-dab in the sweet spot —
rugged enough for serious offshore cruising, spacious
enough for a sunset round of martinis by the dock.
We have the boat's beam to thank for this.
At 13 feet, 8 inches wide, the Portofino 46 is roomier
than some other boats in its class. The dinette/saloon
has a large, U-shaped settee that surrounds a telescoping
table and faces a flat-screen television. Clever
stowage beneath the seating cuts down on clutter,
so often a problem on smaller boats.
This attention to detail continues into the accommodations.
The master stateroom, in the forward section of
the boat, offers a roomy double berth without overwhelming
the space — below-berth stowage and hidden
drawers eliminate the need for bulky lockers. An
en suite shower and toilet ensure your privacy when
friends or family stay aboard for the night.
A second stateroom, fitted with a pair of twin berths,
is abaft the saloon. Even if your guests over-pack
for the trip, they should have no trouble stashing
their stuff — in addition to stowage beneath
each berth, the cabin offers a hanging wardrobe
and large cabinet. The en suite toilet compartment
also includes a mirrored vanity and a washbasin.
Twin diesel engines (from Yanmar, Caterpillar or
Volvo) bring the 46 to a top speed of 33 knots and
a cruising speed of up to 22 knots, according to
Sunseeker. The boat's range is about 200 miles.
Back in the cockpit, up to six can relax in the
dinette, while others can take turns catching rays
on the aft sunpad. The wet bar is there for a reason
– how about a martini? |
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Erin
Quinlan is a writer and editor in Tarrytown, NY. |
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The
Sunseeker Club at Castaways
New Rochelle, NY
914.235.8400 |
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images courtesy of Sunseeker. |
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