37 Sunseeker Sportfisher

Source: Boatpoint Magazine

Luxury motoryacht builder Sunseeker proves it can successfully mix fish with flash with its foray into the sportsfishing market

UK-based luxury boatbuilder Sunseeker has stepped out of its comfort zone with its latest creation, the 37 Sportsfisher.

Renowned for magnificent motoryachts and luxury sportsboats from 34-135ft, the company is plying new territory by entering the sportsfishing market.

That said, the 37 Sportsfisher is still very much a luxury sportsboat, with a nice mix of exhilarating performance and fishability. Indeed, this stylish speedster is not aimed fair and square at the hardcore gamefisherman, but rather at the discerning boat buyer who needs a multi-purpose vessel to maximise his or her precious weekends and holidays.

With its 40kt-plus performance from triple Yamaha 250hp HPDI outboards, the 37 Sportsfisher is no slouch. You are guaranteed to reach your favourite fishing spot or dive location in a hurry.

The Sunseeker 37 Sportsfisher was released to the boating public at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May 2004, and it received all the “oohs” and “aahs” you’d expect. One of very few boats Down Under featuring triple outboard power, this was a real head-turner.

Although outboard power does have its advantages, I think the majority of Australian purchasers of this vessel would opt for the twin diesel sterndrive option.

While a pair of diesels wouldn’t offer the same top speed, the better economy, manoeuvrability and fishability would make this a much smarter proposition in my opinion.

HOT-SHOT PERFORMANCE
We tested the 37 Sportsfisher on the Gold Coast, and although we were keen to run the boat offshore, the strong wind warning would have voided the boat’s insurance. Thus, we were restricted to the protected waterways of the Southport Broadwater.

The raised helm position provides good vision for 360° and there is only minor bow lift as you plant the throttles. Before you know it, you’re hurtling along at 40kt – it’s hard to believe you’re driving a 37-footer!

It feels like a much smaller boat on the wheel – particularly with the light steering allowing for very tight turns at high speed. With the outboards at half-trim we noticed just a hint of cavitation as we pulled hard on the wheel.

It was quite difficult to drive this boat slowly. It just wanted to go. Indeed, a 30kt cruise feels slow after you’ve been roaring around at 42kt.

The only disadvantage I could see with the triple outboards was that two motors out of the three would have to spin their props in the same direction. This has to be compensated by using the trim tabs to give the boat a level attitude.

The Morse racing controls could make parking a bit tricky too. Three levers for gears and three separate levers for throttles means that a separate action is required if you need a bit of throttle when knocking them in and out of gear while coming alongside a berth.

I guess it’d just take a bit of getting used to, but I do prefer to have gears and throttles all in one lever. It gives you less to think about in the heat of the moment.

ALL ABOARD
Crawling around in the bilge you soon discover that although this is a small boat by Sunseeker standards, the company hasn’t scrimped on attention to detail. The plumbing and electrical work on the 37 is first class and no different to what you would expect to see on its 135ft motoryacht.

A portside tie-up makes stepping aboard the boat easiest, thanks to a small swim step and transom door on the port side. Swinging a leg over the gunwale would be the only way to get aboard from a starboard-side tie-up.

A concealed retractable ladder is also incorporated into the portside swim step, and a freshwater shower hose is conveniently located on the transom to wash all that salt off as you climb aboard.

The outboard pod, which has swim steps on either side, has been designed so the outboards can be trimmed completely out of the water without the cowlings hitting the transom. Being able to get the outboards right out of the water is very important in a mooring situation – otherwise the outboard legs would get covered in marine growth in no time.

Also incorporated into the transom on the starboard side are concealed filler points for the three oil reservoirs. Being two-stroke outboards, these babies obviously need oil, and this is a no-fuss, no-mess way of providing it.

FISHABILITY
A removable bench seat located against the transom is the first thing you would leave on the dock if you were going fishing.

Although it provides additional seating, its position right in front of the outboards leads me to believe this would be one of the least-used seats on the boat. Unless you had a bunch of people onboard, this one would probably live in the shed.

Coaming height in the cockpit is good, and cockpit padding – while not particularly thick – does provide an element of comfort while leaning over the side or fighting a fish. Four Lees rodholders are fitted in the gunwales, as are two large pop-up cleats. Hawsepipes in each transom corner lead to tie-offs, which I thought were a touch small considering the boat’s size.

An ingenious side door located on the starboard side of the cockpit simply drops down to provide ideal access to and from the water – even with dive gear on. You could even slide a large fish through this door rather than dragging it through the transom and making a mess.

Huge fishboxes are found below the cockpit sole on either side of the boat. Because of the boat’s wide beam, these fixboxes remain even in the diesel-powered model.

A stylish bait station takes centre stage at the forward end of the cockpit and also forms the base for helm and co-pilot seating. The bait station features a hinged Teflon lid, which is raised by a gas strut to reveal a small sink with freshwater faucet and a good-sized livebait well.

The bait station also incorporates two rodholders and two drinkholders, as well as a solid handrail around its perimeter. It could do with a couple of tackle drawers, though – just to finish it off nicely.

CAPTAIN COURAGEOUS
It’s about a 250mm step from the cockpit to helm level. The centrally located helm console works very well and, as mentioned earlier, provides excellent vision to all corners of the boat. The helm and co-pilot seats are super-comfortable and fully adjustable. Even the front cushion folds back to form a bum seat for those who like to stand and drive.

An Edson stainless-steel sports steering wheel with Powerknob is located on the port side of the helm console, and Morse racing gear and throttle controls fall nicely to hand.

The dash features plenty of room to mount good-sized electronics, although the test boat was fitted with a Simrad VHF radio and depth gauge that would be better positioned elsewhere. An overhead console also offers more choices for locating electronics.

Obviously with three engines there are plenty of gauges, including three tachos and a speedo. There is also a CD-player remote control and a waterproof switch panel that includes trim-tab controls. Solid handrails on either side of the helm console are another clever inclusion that will get plenty of use.

Adjacent to the helm console on the starboard side is an ice chest, which was fitted with an optional refrigeration unit. This means a cold drink is never far away, and it saves your having to go downstairs to the saloon fridge every time you get thirsty.

In front of the helm console is an L-shaped lounge where three or four people can sit in comfort and enjoy the ride from this elevated position. A removable table can be locked into position adjacent to this lounge when it’s time to serve lunch.

Storage is provided beneath the lounge seating, and two huge lockers (one insulated) are located underfoot in this area.

The hardtop provides sun protection for the entire helm and forward seating area, and the supporting stainless-steel targa is truly a work of art. Both flood- and down-lighting is incorporated into the hardtop.

INTERIOR STYLE
A large sliding door provides access to the forward cabin, which is four steps down from bridgedeck level. This cabin features a totally open layout with a double bed forward, settee to port, galley to starboard and an enclosed head also to starboard and aft.

The quality of interior decor is typical Sunseeker, with modern and stylish materials and fittings. Light-coloured carpets and highly polished timbers provide a fresh and open feeling. An overhead hatch, side portholes and ample lighting ensures the cabin is always well lit.

The galley features a 12V fridge, a microwave and a single-burner electric hob, and there’s plenty of cupboard space for crockery and cutlery.

The head, although small, is surprisingly well appointed. A Vacuflush loo, separate shower stall and washbasin are all included. There is also plenty of storage space behind the mirrored vanity.

The circuit-breaker panel and the CD player and stacker are located in cupboards above the leather settee. A hanging locker is adjacent to the stairs on the port side.

I’ve saved one of the highlights of the boat till last: the walkaround decks. This is a great feature and really makes accessing the bow a snap. High bowrails and targa supports ensure your safety.

The foredeck features a sunpad for those who want to lounge around and work on their tan, with a non-skid surface ensuring sure footing. A large hatch in the bow provides access to the anchor locker and another hatch forward of that reveals a concealed windlass with deck controls.

While the Sunseeker 37 Sportsfisher isn’t cheap, I have no doubt the company will sell a few in Australia. It’s a case of getting what you pay for, and on this occasion you’re paying for quality. Drop-dead-gorgeous looks and exhilarating performance are thrown in for good measure.

This boat is more than just a sportsfisher – although, throw in a pair of diesels, whack on a set of outriggers and I’d be happy to compete with it in any gamefishing tournament!

HIGHS

• Speed, quality construction and fitout
• Smart use of space
• Great walkaround decks
• Clever dive door

LOWS

• Uneven prop rotation needs compensation from trim tabs
• Stern cleats are too small
• Racing controls will take a bit of getting used to

Boat Specifications: 37 Sunseeker Sportfisher

SUNSEEKER 37 SPORTSFISHER

OPTIONS FITTED Custom hardtop with overhead console, tackle station with livewell, custom helm seats, air conditioning, removable bench seat, Vacuflush toilet with holding tank and more

GENERAL

Material: Handlaid GRP with balsa-cored topsides and deck

Type: Deep-vee monohull

LOA: 12.12m (39ft 8in)

Beam: 3.55m (11ft 7in)

Draft: 1.17m (3ft 9in)

Deadrise: n/a

Displacement: 7900kg (17,420lb)

CAPACITIES

Berths: Two

Fuel: 1500lt

Water: 227lt

ENGINE

Make/model: Triple Yamaha 250Z

Type: V6 high-pressure direct-injected two-strokes

Rated hp (ea): 250