70 Sunseeker 2011

Source: Power & Motoryacht Magazine

Sunseeker is one of those names that allows you to immediately put your mind onto a particular class of boat, but not necessarily a single boat in particular. We would even say the name could be regarded as iconic for style, quality, and yes, high cost. Some may view that last feature as a negative, but not Sunseeker. To them, it means that their customers are specific people who are looking for a certain style that few can provide. A style that says ”I’ve arrived” and perhaps even ”I’ve arrived looking better than you.” Think of taking a Bentley to your high school reunion. At 73’ (22.28 m) the Manhattan 70 is just at that size where you can have four staterooms. But are they real staterooms or berths in a closet? Has Sunseeker simply stuck with looks and speed and left out the comfort? It’s not likely, but let’s take a closer look and see how they’ve done.

Key Features

• Hydraulic lifting platform
• Electric winch with deck, cockpit and flybridge controls
• Side opening helm access door
• Hot and cold swimming shower
• Electronic echo sounder and speedlog
• Power-assisted steering
• Wetbar with hot and cold water
• Ice maker
• Flatscreen televisions in all cabins
• DVD cinema surround system
• Hot and cold water system
• Electric refrigerator and freezer
• Ceramic hob and microwave/grill
• Radar/chartplotter with GPS
• Autopilot
• VHF
• Trim tabs

With a LOA of 73′ (22.28 m), the Manhattan is probably still going to be owner operated. Her 18’7″ (5.67 m) beam allows Sunseeker to accommodate 4 staterooms plus crew quarters.

The Down Low
As we take a look at the lower deck layout we see that there are indeed four staterooms, two of which show clever use of space by offsetting the berths. All four staterooms feature ensuite heads. The master and forward VIP stateroom feature double berths, while the starboard guest stateroom features two single berths, one of which slides inward towards the other to form a large double. The port guest stateroom features over/under bunks. All appeared have adequate space, storage accommodations and ease of accessibility.

Standard power is a pair of 550-hp MAN V-12s which are located just abaft amidships. Behind the engine room is crew quarters with a standard double berth or optional pair of twins. There’s even an option to put a third berth in this compartment, but your crew will be cramped to be sure.

There’s a centrally located stairway in the guest cabin section of the lower deck that gives good access to the accommodations without taking up too much space, and we find that it’s a very clever method of handling small space. Having offset berths also allows for clever use of limited space. The crew quarters remain the big question mark, and how you use this space depends on whether you’re going to be a hands-on type of an operator, or have a full crew run the boat for you while you just act as passenger.

The owner stateroom features a desk that may be converted to a make-up vanity. The offset berth allows for more room. Notice the large hull side windows that bathe the stateroom in natural light. While we often see mirrors giving the illusion of more room, Sunseeker did not find that necessary here.

The master head features a beautiful display of wood and granite.

The forward VIP also features an offset berth and excellent use of space. Notice the abundance of overhead storage, and an overhead hatch for allowing additional natural light.

This is the starboard side stateroom that features two single berths, with one that slides across to join the other, forming a double berth.

The portside stateroom features over/under berths, which we feel is the best use of this space. All hull side portlights are opening and fitted with mosquito screens for protection.

Main Deck
The layout of the main deck is very interesting. Sunseeker has departed from the norm and moved the dining area forward, adjacent to the helm. Normally we’ll see a settee with a table for casual dining in this area but having that full dining table does have its merits. Just abaft the helm on the starboard side is the galley and further aft is the full beam salon.

There’s an option for completely enclosing the galley, but before doing that you might want to get aboard a prototype vessel for determining the visibility from the helm. Most likely you will be operating from the lower station only during inclement weather and in that case the nav displays will probably do a lot of the seeing for you. With the 18’ 7” (5.67 m) beam Sunseeker is still able to allow for side decks on both sides of the boat. For alfresco dining few places will be much more inviting than the aft deck. The swim platform is hydraulically actuated for converting to a beach or easily launching a tender. We also love that there is access to the cockpit from both sides of the boat when entering from the swim platform.

The main salon shows the great use of wide open space that is typical in the Sunseeker. Notice how one step separates the main salon from the galley and dining areas.

Aft,there’s not only ample seating, but also an elegant entryway from the cockpit deck.

The dining table being close to the helm suggests this yacht will be mostly owner operated. Even while seated there are still great sight lines to the outdoor surroundings. We like this arrangement and wish other builders would take note.

The fully equipped galley allows for plenty of work room. Notice how will the grains are matching. We’d like to see sea rails placed around the stove. Opening up the bulkhead over the sink would increase visibility dramatically from the helm, but also cause night-vision problems.

While on the subject of visibility, the side windows appear to be very limiting. There are portable controls to allow for docking from the side deck. Notice the large safety glass windshield with three pantograph wipers.

Flybridge Deck
The flybridge deck also has interesting characteristics, but there are few things we would like to see changed. For starters, the lack of sun protection will be too much for a lot of people. And of course for that protection we would much rather see a hardtop than the Bimini top. We like that there are two seats at the helm as it’s always a good idea to have the second set of eyes looking forward. Over to the port side is a triple wide bench seat and just forward, a large sunpad which shouldn’t be too distracting to the captain at all.

Nicely Equipped
Sunseeker is no stranger to equipping their boats quite nicely. Naturally all fittings are stainless steel; eight oversize cleats, and two stern warping winches will help keep the boat secure whether side to or Med-moored.

Sunseeker also delivers the boat to you ready to operate and complete, right down to lines and fenders and even an eight piece dining set. Naturally you’re able to pick from a wide assortment of finishes and décor.

Technically Speaking
The Sunseeker Manhattan 70 is constructed with hand laid GRP, a vinylester skin coat, stitched multi-axial reinforced single skin bottom, and balsa cored topsides. The deck and superstructure are PVC foam cored. All of this is to reduce weight while still maintaining strength and structural integrity. Of course the weight savings is relative considering this is a 135,170 lb (41,200 kg) boat that is still able to get up on plane.

The twin V-12s are attached to 5-blade bronze propellers that are mounted in tunnels to reduce draft; the stainless steel shafts pass through dripless shaft logs. Rudders and struts are bronze. Sunseeker supplies the standard 24 volt bow thruster, and again while we have not tested the 70, we can’t help but question whether that will have enough muscle to move the boat, especially in a crosswind or cross current. We’d certainly rather see a hydraulic thruster and the addition of the stern hydraulic thruster, both powered by a hydraulic pump on the engines.

Optional Extras
Since Sunseeker equips the Manhattan 70 so nicely, and while you do still have an option of customizing the boat to your liking, there are very few options left. Since the boat will be operated largely in the European market where Med mooring is the standard, a passerelle tops the options list. Teak decks on both the flybridge and the side decks will be high on the must have list. The standard generator is small, so if you do a lot of cruising and find yourself away from the dock for long periods of time the second generator would be in order.

Performance
We have not yet been able to test the Sunseeker Manhattan 70. Sunseeker tells us that with the twin MAN V-12s doing the heavy work the Manhattan 70 reaches a top speed of 34 knots and a very respectable cruise speed of 25 knots. With a fuel capacity of 1,229 gallons (4650 L) she should have a cruising range of 300 nautical miles with a 10% reserve. Clearly wherever you’re going with this luxury yacht you’ll be arriving in a timely manner, and certainly in style.

Boat Specifications: 70 Sunseeker 2011