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50 Sunseeker Manhattan 2007

Sunseeker Yachts

50 Sunseeker Manhattan 2007 Review

Source: Dave McPhail, Canadian Yachting Magazine

FOR OPENERS
Being on the water is better than any day at work! But, how you spend your time on the
water can be experienced with various levels of quality, luxury and comfort depending on
the choices you make when purchasing a boat.

Enter the 2007 Sunseeker 50 foot Manhattan Motor Yacht. Here is the upper level of luxury
and quality in a 50 foot Motor Yacht. There is accommodation for six in private
staterooms and plenty of inside and outside space to pamper even the most discerning
guests who might be aboard for the duration of the cruise.

Style and craftsmanship contribute to the beauty of this vessel. Handling, that is absolutely
superb, makes the 2007 Manhattan 50 from Sunseeker a vessel to operate in all
conditions and situations.

AT DOCKSIDE
Boatcan recently had the opportunity to visit with the staff in the showroom of Jefferson
Beach Yacht Sales at St. Clair Shores, Michigan. We were given an extended tour of the
Manhattan 50. What a delightful experience it was.

On first glance, I took in the full profile of the boat. Designers have blended traditional
lines to Euro curved features. The blend gives this boat a smooth appearance in a
traditional sense, but also a modern look in its design.The result is a distinct and unique
look of beauty. With curved lines not over accentuated, the exterior of this vessel simply
exudes luxury and comfort from the very first glance.

In addition, the main salon roof curves down to the rear cockpit of the boat, while the
forward raised deck lines curve gracefully upward to form the rear upper deck extension.
It is here where the radar arch and other electronics are housed on this boat. The curved
lines of roof and deck intersect in such a way as to say we belong and we produce a thing
of beauty… and when you look again, that is just what happens.

BOARDING
The Sunseeker Manhattan 50 has a large swim platform. The platform has a teak overlay
which makes it rich and inviting to board. On this model, the platform is not an extension
of the boat but a true integration of the hull. The sides of the hull sweep smoothly down
to the rear of the platform providing a fully integrated platform. As a result, boarding the
boat from the platform through the port side swing gate is safe and unproblematic.

Boarding also can be uncomplicated over the side decks as you move to flat foot landing
areas followed by a simple step down into the aft cockpit area of the boat.

The ability to board easily, as on the Sunseeker Manhattan, is a very important feature
since owners and guests often arrive with their arms full of provisions and clothing.
Furthermore, the Manhattan 50 provides safe and easy access to the boat in all cases,
situations and weather.

THE DECK AREA
The rear cockpit area is open and uncluttered. Adding to the richness of the boat is the
teak sole in the cockpit. A large settee stretches across the interior transom
of the boat with space for many to sit and enjoy the sun or stars. The upper deck extends
well aft to provide protection from all kinds of weather. Here, there is also space enough
to place additional free standing chairs and a table to accommodate more guests for
entertaining.

On the port and starboard side of the aft deck space there are 3 small stairs that lead to
wide walk arounds for moving forward to handle lines and fenders, or to check the
anchor when out on the water.

The 50 Manhattan from Sunseeker is a Sedan Bridge. As such, large sliding doors allow
access to the interior of the boat. Its extended upper deck arrangement is beneficial for a
number of reasons. It provides protection for using the aft deck. It provides shade to the
interior of the boat when doors are closed. And, it allows for the installation of screens or
plastic windows if you desire additional entertaining space that is free from insects should
you be anchoring out where they could be an issue.

With a further review of the rear deck, we noticed a number of additional things that were
not immediately obvious when first boarding the vessel. A beautiful curved staircase with
large teak treads takes you to the upper helm and sundeck area. The large stainless steel
bow rail extends fully aft to the aft cockpit. In addition to cleats fore and aft, there are two
cleats along each side to allow for fenders or spring lines when docking requires a tie up
other than a full four way tie. Also, there is an electric capstan on each side of the very aft
portion of the deck to assist with docking or setting / lifting a stern anchor. This is a
valuable feature since an anchor would have considerable weight and size on this vessel;
thus, it would make hauling by hand quite difficult if not impossible.

A large hatch is situated in the sole of the cockpit providing entry to a large engine room.
A ladder allows you access to the engines and generator. The space in this room allows
any technician full access to all parts of the boat and the systems that are connected to
them.

LET’S GO UP TOP
The upper deck, or flybridge area, on the Manhattan 50 is large… very large. As you reach
this area, you move into a space that provides a comfortable spot for all on board. To your
right, on the starboard side of the boat, is a huge U-shaped settee. A Hi-Lo table by the
settee serves equally well for cocktails and snacks as it does for a full course gourmet
dinner under the stars. This upper area is enclosed by a railing aft. In addition, there is a
large hatch that can be closed and locked so that passengers on this level are not in
danger of slipping and tumbling down the stairs to the lower cockpit area.

On your left or to the port side of the upper deck is the entertainment centre. It houses a
refrigerator / icemaker and sink. It can also be equipped with a grill for serving on the
upper deck. This convenience is luxury at it best and it allows the hosts to spend more
time with their guests when they are out on the water.

The well equipped helm is to starboard. All electronics are easily within reach so that
gauge reading, system status checks and course validation information is readily available
to the captain. Data changes and information updates can be quickly accomplished since
all electronics are well situated. The flat floored helm area is a joy to work from and to be
located in.

Immediately to the port of the helm is a sizeable sunmat. This big flat comfortable space
allows for passengers to relax in the sun while still being close to the rest of the folks on
the flybridge area.

The windshield on the Manhattan is quite tall for its style. It is reversed in design.. a
venturi concept, in which the reverse configuration forces air out, then above the people
on the flybridge while still allowing for a complete clear line of vision. A clear view is also
the case when looking aft from the helm since the low profile of the radar / equipment
arch does not impede the view. In short, the view from above is spectacular and in all
directions you have a completely clear vision of the surroundings.

To say that this is a very nice space aboard this Sunseeker is to undersell and diminish
what a beautiful location on the boat. Many times, this model has no upper canvas since it
is a two helm boat; however, one can add a bimini top for some protection from the rays
of the sun when out on the waterways for the day.

Some Features on the Flybridge

INSIDE AND RELAXING

MAIN SALON AREA
You enter the main deck through the sliding door to the interior of the Sunseeker 50 into
a main cabin that is truly wonderful. To your right is a large U-shaped leather settee with
a very large table in the ‘U’ space . But there is more, a simple rotation of this table allows
for it to be opened and raised to form a large dining table that will comfortably seat 8.
This entertaining feature adds so much to the feeling of welcome and warmth that is
found throughout this fine motor yacht.

On your left is a smaller settee in leather, more like a love seat, that allows those aboard a
comfortable area to chat without feeling cramped or stretched for space. Forward of this
love seat and still to port side, is a complete entertainment center with a large flatscreen
television, complete sound system, vision electronics and storage for all of those extras
that might not be needed on a daily basis.

Storage is more than adequate on this Sunseeker. Although it is found in all the nooks
and crannies, the storage has been incorporated in such a manner as not to detract from
the clean and smooth lines of the interior. Any storage is a plus and when the amount of it
is over the top, it is very much appreciated by the users of the vessel.

The main salon area also includes the interior helm of the 50 Manhattan. This
ergonomically designed operating area duplicates all of the top side electronics. The
complete array of equipment in this area ensures that running this boat is as simple as it
can be from this inside location as it is from the upper helm. Having an indoor helm is
advantageous if you are in foul weather and you have to get the boat to another venue in
spite of the conditions. The inside helm is protected, heated or cooled, and a wonderfully
civilized idea when things need to be done from inside and outside is really not a good
option.

Some Features in the Main Salon

A curved staircase takes you to the lowest space on the boat, the accommodations’ level.
In this area, there are the two complete heads, the galley, the three staterooms and the
space to be away from everything else on board this boat.

THE GALLEY
The galley is clean and uncluttered with a large granite galley counter not found on many
boats. The cooktop is a flush or smooth mount design. Extra space is gained by making
sure that no items are on the counter. Microwave, coffee maker and other items
sometimes found on the counter are located beneath the counter or even installed behind
closed door cabinets.

Again storage abounds. There are both upper and lower storage places in the galley of
this boat. Supplied dishes and cutlery are carefully held in place by factory designed
restraints so that the chance of breakage is diminished on the Sunseeker. The large fridge
/ freezer is a Sub Zero and the high gloss cabinetry is beautifully designed and crafted to
exact tolerances at the time of construction.

Hatch panels in the teak / holly sole of the galley allow easy access to systems under the
floor for correction if repair is required.

It is important to note that the galley on the Manhattan 50 is large and functional, and be
it breakfast, lunch, snacks or gourmet dinner, it provides all the amenities for easy food
preparation.

Some Features in the Galley


FORWARD VIP GUEST CABIN
Fully forward in the accommodation level of the boat is the Guest Stateroom or VIP Suite.
This is a good sized room with a large hanging locker and it includes a berth that is
aligned with the keel of the boat. Being in this position allows one to make the bed more
easily than with slanted or side mounted berths. It is tough to pull sheets when you are
kneeling on them.

Some Features in VIP Cabin

VIP HEAD
This room has private access to the head which can also be accessed from the hallway of
the boat. This head is a dry head meaning that the shower and toilet are completely
separate from each other. You do not enter the area through the shower but on a clean,
dry floor. This is a welcome feature since not all guest are up and about at the same time.

Some Features in the VIP Head


MID SHIP GUEST / PULLMAN CABIN
Midship and moving to the rear on the starboard side of the boat is the smaller of the two
guest suites. This cabin also has a large hanging locker, and there are two single berths in
a bunk configuration or Pullman design. It is great for kids onboard but equally versatile
for adults as well.

Some Features in the Pullman Guest Cabin

MASTER AFT CABIN
Fully aft in the accommodation level is the Master Stateroom. This is luxury at its finest.
Big, roomy and with all of the bells and whistles, the Master Suite has a queen sized bed
and although angled, there is access from three sides so that daily chores are easy and
simple. The size of this space is made possible because this room is full beam of the hull
at this location. Exceptional space is made available in the Master Stateroom and it has
been well utilized by the designers of the 50 Manhattan. Also included in this stateroom
are large opening vertical/port lights.

Some Features in the Master Aft Cabin

MASTER ENSUITE WITH HEAD
The private dry head in the Master Suite is spacious with a large vanity and circular
shower, which when closed is fully encapsulated to keep the rest of the area dry.

Some Features in the Master Suite Head

Storage is never a problem in the Master Suite, nor for that matter, in any of the
staterooms. Engineers have made certain that every available location has been pressed
into useable space while reflecting the beauty of the interior finish.

Full entertainment centres are found in the three staterooms with flatscreen televisions
and stereo controls located in each one. Under bed storage, surrounding cabinets with
storage and space galore is the order of the day on this Sunseeker 50 Manahattan.

Another look around the interior of this large and beautiful Motor Yacht and you are struck
by the beauty, the care in design, and the high quality fit and finish of this boat.
Everything is resplendent and it is obvious that there has been tireless attention to every
detail. As the buyer of this luxury yacht you should never be disappointed as you are
guaranteed world class craftsmanship and detail throughout this vessel from stem to
stern, top to bottom.

BACK TOP SIDES
On the rear cockpit deck again we take a journey forward. Side walkways are wide and flat.
Rails are high and sturdy to allow one to get to the foredeck area easily and safely. The
stainless steel cleats are large and the windlass fully forward is able to hold a vessel of
this size.

All walking areas forward use an anti-skid pattern to ensure that footing is comfortable
and secure. A look aft and you begin to get the feeling of the wonderful size of this boat.
It is wide, it is high but there is a sleekness that is sometimes not associated with sedan
bridge style boats.

Again, care has been taken to make sure that all space has been utilized to the fullest.

UNDERWAY
As we previously stated, we saw the Sunseeker 50 foot Manhattan in the Showroom at
Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. As a result, a water trial was not
an option at the time of the Review.

However, discussion with Staff at JBYS revealed some great information about the
performance of the 50 Manhattan.

Our review boat was fitted with Man Diesel engines in a traditional shaft, strut, rudder
prop configuration. Sunseekers are designed to provide a high level of excitement and
performance, while delivering a high degree of acceleration and maneuverability. The
name Sport Motor yacht is not attached by accident.

Cruising Speed is designed to be 26-27 knots, a top speed of 32-33 knots, with a range
of 270 miles. This will vary with the engine and power option you choose for your 50
Manhattan.

FINAL THOUGHTS
A bad day on the water beats a good day at work… but if you can have that day aboard the
2007 Sunseeker 50 Manhattan that is about as good as it gets.

Sunseeker is a a beautiful, luxurious vessel. The design, the materials and the execution
of putting everything together to tolerances that are next to perfect sets this boat apart
from others in its class.

The use of the space, the storage provided at every turn, and the design and engineering
that has been applied result in a boat that is warm and inviting. This boat invites all
aboard with many features to provide for their comfort and enjoyment while onboard.

From the mix of traditional smooth lines and smooth sweeping graceful curves, nothing
jappears to be out of place on this vessel. Whether on the flybridge with its comfortable
entertaining areas, the sun mat and the ergonomics of the helm, this boat has it all. There
is excellent visibility high quality equipment for the captain at the helm.

The main deck salon with comfort that out reaches what some may have at home this boat
has it all. Or maybe it is the accommodations deck with the optional crew quarters…
nothing has been overlooked or missed to make this Sunseeker a true beauty.

To quote Sunseeker themselves…”Power, presence and exceptional luxury make Sunseeker
Motoryachts the only choice for those who simply don`t believe in compromise….
Sunseeker is guaranteed to excite.”

Boat Specification: 50 Sunseeker Manhattan 2007

Length                                     51ft 5in

Beam                                       15ft 1in

Draft                                       4ft

Dead Rise                               NA

Weight                                                50600 lb

Fuel Capacity                          570 gal

Make                                       MAN

Model                                      Inboard Diesel

HP                                           up to 1600