The Sunseeker Predator 75: A powerful, strong, and fast yacht with a luxurious touch
I was standing on the upper deck of the new Sunseeker 100, which has the attributes of a personal cruise ship, at the recent Miami boat show when I spotted the Predator 75 among Sunseeker’s lineup of yachts. The sleek styling brought back memories of when I went on a test ride a month earlier.
I have to admit that I didn’t look up any information about the yacht prior to the ride, so my first impression when I saw her was that of finally being able to experience a fast yacht. The word yacht doesn’t usually equate with the word fast, so I was looking forward to seeing just how she’d handle.
First Things First
The coupe styling with its slick black hardtop with white deck trim atop a Shadow Grey hull was an aggressive look, just as the moniker Predator implies. The stainless steel handrails angle forward as if bracing against the wind. Even the hull-side windows blend in to the sleek look. Speaking of which, they’re inset so if the hull happens to bump the dock, they won’t be impacted.
Stepping aboard via the swim platform, I first noticed it was truly a large area so multiple guests could access the water or step into the tender. What makes it special, though, is the platform’s ability to lower into the water, perfect for kids wanting to swim or hopping onto a PWC.
Steps on either side take you up to the cockpit where a huge sunpad aft is a favorite spot not only for sunbathing, but also for lounging. There’s a large storage compartment underneath, but another great feature is hidden further below. From the swim platform, the aft starboard side opens to reveal a tender garage that can handle a Williams 395 Sportjet tender (12′ 8″ LOA) that easily rolls out of its mount. On the port side is an access door to the crew quarters with two single bunks and a head as well as a washer/dryer unit. The yacht is primarily an owner-operator vessel, but if a captain or chef or couple is desired for a longer voyage, there’s enough room to manage.
Up on Deck
Back up on the main deck, the cockpit is a comfortable sitting and entertainment area with a large wraparound sofa aft along the starboard side and backing to the drop-down window that separates the outside from the salon. A nice touch is the carbon fiber table with a folding top fitted to stainless steel supports that are synchronized to electrically raise and lower as necessary. A key feature in the sofa is the removable section that allows access to the starboard-side deck.
On the port side, an entertainment center with grill, sink, and fridges becomes a focal point, and with the sliders and windows open, the cockpit and salon become one large area with a similar sofa and carbon-fiber table to starboard and a service counter atop storage cabinets to port. Hidden behind the counter is a 55-inch flat-screen TV that pops up from the sideboard for use when desired.
The contemporary, yet comfortable interior design carries forward to the helm. Set about a half-step up from the main deck level, two large electric Besenzoni helm seats face the dash on the starboard side and centered to port is another soft, plush companion sofa. Aside the sofa along the port side are the stairs down to the galley and accommodations.
I’ve been commenting on nice features as we walk through the boat and there are plenty. Another is the door next to the helm that opens for quick access to the side deck or for some fresh air. But if it’s fresh air you really want, the push of a button opens a huge sunroof exposing the entire forward section of the salon/helm area for lots of light and an outdoor feeling without going outside.
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The helm is the control center for the powerful twin MAN V12-1900 engines with shaft drives, stabilizer, thruster, and all the onboard systems, including dual 16-inch Garmin chartplotter displays, steer-by-wire autopilot system, and Sunseeker’s Cm8 power management and boat monitoring system. With the 1900s, the Predator 75 reaches top speeds of 40 knots and the performance is incredibly smooth and stable.
Running out of Fort Lauderdale in a solid two- to four-foot sea, it was as if there were no waves at all. We steered the yacht at a variety of speeds, twisting and turning, running against and with the waves and swell, and when we decided to head to Bimini, responsibility re-engaged and told us it was time to get back in. The ride was really stable with no rattling, slipping, or uneasiness.
Here’s another cool feature. Besides the starboard-side door by the helm to assist in docking or to direct deckhands, within the aft cockpit on the port side is a second helm station integrated into the entertainment center that allows the captain to maneuver the boat for the same purpose. Engine throttles, stop/start and thruster controls allow for better visibility when docking and maneuvering from the port side.
While we’re on the side deck, let’s walk up to the bow, another great spot for sunning or socializing. A large sunpad features an adjustable backrest forward with a U-shaped seating arrangement against the cabin structure along with a table. Two large drawer refrigerators are fitted conveniently under the seating, and don’t worry, there are Sonance Extreme Speakers in the bow and the cockpit powered by a Sonos Amp and integrated surround sound system to provide an immersive audio experience on board.
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Sunseeker Predator 75 Gallery
Down Below
The galley on the Predator 75 is on the accommodation deck, but the helm and companion seating were designed so the area above the port stairway and around to center is open overhead making it feel like you’re not enclosed belowdecks in a tiny space. The light from the main-deck windshield and side window as well as from a hullside window above the cooktop make the galley bright and airy. It’s fully equipped with integrated Miele appliances, a full-height refrigerator and freezer, a slimline dishwasher, a 33-bottle wine cooler, and plenty of storage for cruising. The forward-facing quartz countertop looks onto a lower salon area with a carbon fiber breakfast table and L-shaped seating that is complemented by detailed bulkheads with inset stainless steel and symmetrical lighting details. The area also features an HD television with Sonos sound bar.
The accommodations provide room for eight guests in well-appointed cabins—a full-beam owner’s cabin amidships, VIP forward, and a starboard cabin with twin berths that can slide together to make a double. Each cabin has ensuite heads. For more comfort, the tropical air conditioning package offers exceptional cooling performance efficiently reducing indoor temperatures to create a comfortable and refreshing interior.
To say the least, the Sunseeker Predator 75 is a performance yacht with luxurious comforts that looks and acts like she’s ready to pounce whenever you’re ready to go.
-by Steve Davis
SUNSEEKER PREDATOR 75 SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 75′ 8″
Beam: 17′ 8″
Draft: 6′ 2″
Displacement: 103,396 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 1,268/211 U.S. gals.
Power: 2x MAN V12-1900
Max/Cruise: 40/21 knots
Range: 330 nm @ cruise
Contact: sunseeker.com
