The Sunseeker Superhawk 55 isn’t just a boat; it’s a statement. A declaration of intent. It’s a vessel designed for those who crave the thrill of the open water, the joy of sun-drenched days, and the freedom to explore hidden coves and vibrant coastlines. This review, brought to you by TWW Yachts, delves into the details of this captivating craft, exploring its design, performance, and overall appeal.
A Family of 55s: Choosing Your Perfect Fit
Sunseeker offers a fascinating range of 55-foot models, each catering to a distinct lifestyle. The Superhawk 55, the focus of this review, prioritizes day boating and cockpit living. Its siblings, the Predator 55 and Sportyard 55, offer more accommodation, with the latter even boasting a small flybridge. For those prioritizing maximum accommodation, the Manhattan 55, a full flybridge model, completes the family. This diverse offering allows Sunseeker to cater to a broad spectrum of boating enthusiasts. The Superhawk 55, unburdened by the need to maximize overnight capacity, excels in creating an expansive and luxurious day boating experience.
Exterior Design: A Symphony of Style and Function
The Superhawk 55’s exterior is a testament to Sunseeker’s commitment to both aesthetics and functionality. The sleek lines, aggressive profile, and carefully curated details combine to create a visually striking vessel. One of the most impressive features is the submersible bathing platform. This ingenious design not only provides a spacious area for enjoying the water but also cleverly conceals a Williams Mini Jet tender. The transom lowers, revealing the tender in a display worthy of a James Bond film. Once launched, the platform seamlessly returns to its original position, leaving no trace of the tender’s presence.
Attention to detail is evident throughout the Superhawk 55. The stainless steel engine vents, the Union Jack detailing (a nod to Sunseeker’s British heritage), and the cleverly integrated storage solutions all contribute to the boat’s overall refinement. The expansive cockpit, almost full beam in width, is a defining feature. This generous space is perfect for socializing, dining, and enjoying the company of friends and family. The aft sunbeds, with their adaptable backrests, can be configured for either forward-facing seating or aft-facing sunbathing, adding to the boat’s versatility.
Cockpit Living: Where Luxury Meets Leisure
The cockpit of the Superhawk 55 is designed for pure enjoyment. A table unfolds for al fresco dining, and the option for an awning extending from the hardtop provides shade on sunny days. The hardtop itself, with its integrated lighting and sleek design, adds a touch of sophistication. A well-equipped catering area, complete with a sink, barbecue, fridge, and ice maker, ensures that refreshments are always within easy reach. Even champagne bottles have their designated space!
One of the most impressive features of the cockpit is its adaptable layout. With the push of a button, sections of the seating slide effortlessly, transforming the space from an open lounging area to a more formal dining arrangement. This clever design maximizes flexibility and ensures that the cockpit can be configured to suit any occasion.
The side decks, though vestigial, are cleverly designed to maximize the cockpit space. Access to the foredeck is facilitated by doors that open wide, allowing for easy movement throughout the boat. These doors can even be pinned in place while underway, maximizing airflow. The flexible canopy sections provide protection from the elements while maintaining the open feel of the boat.
Foredeck: Sun, Sea, and Serenity
The foredeck of the Superhawk 55 is another area designed for relaxation. A large sun pad provides ample space for soaking up the sun, and the seating area at the bow offers a more social space. The entire area can even be reconfigured by sliding the sun pad forward, creating an even larger sunbathing area. The anchor handling kit is neatly concealed beneath a hatch, maintaining the clean lines of the foredeck.
Helm Position: Command and Control
The helm station of the Superhawk 55 is both stylish and functional. Triple seats with lift-up bolsters provide comfortable seating for the captain and guests. The IPS joystick and bow thruster make maneuvering the boat a breeze, while the multifunction display provides all the necessary information at a glance. Air conditioning outlets ensure a comfortable environment even on the hottest days. Thoughtful details, such as the integrated phone charger, further enhance the helm experience.
Interior Design: Contemporary Comfort
While the Superhawk 55 is primarily a day boat, the interior spaces are far from an afterthought. The design is contemporary and stylish, with a focus on natural light and high-quality materials. The Union Jack motif, echoed in the headlining and glass panels, adds a touch of British flair. Large windows provide panoramic views of the surrounding water, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The pale gray oak woodwork adds a touch of sophistication.
The saloon features comfortable seating and can be configured with either a straight or L-shaped layout. A TV can be added as an option. The galley, though compact, is well-equipped with a Miele oven, hob, downdraft extractor, sink, and ample storage. A large fridge/freezer ensures that there’s plenty of space for provisions.
Accommodation: Comfortable Retreats
The Superhawk 55 features two cabins, one forward and one aft. Both cabins are well-appointed and offer a comfortable retreat from the sun and sea. The forward cabin features a central double bed and large hull windows. The aft cabin, while not quite full standing headroom, still offers a comfortable and functional space. Both cabins have ensuite bathrooms, with the aft cabin featuring a wet head design.
Performance and Engineering: Power and Precision
The Superhawk 55 is powered by twin IPS 950 engines, each producing 725 horsepower. This powerful combination gives the boat a top speed of nearly 40 knots and a cruising speed of 30 knots. At cruising speed, the range is approximately 235 nautical miles. Reducing speed to 10 knots extends the range to nearly 500 miles. The engine room is well-organized and easily accessible, with all the necessary equipment neatly arranged.
A Day Boat for Discerning Owners
The Sunseeker Superhawk 55 is a truly exceptional day boat. Its striking design, luxurious amenities, and impressive performance make it a compelling choice for discerning owners. While the focus is on day boating and cockpit living, the boat still offers comfortable accommodations for overnight stays. The Superhawk 55 is a testament to Sunseeker’s commitment to innovation, quality, and performance. It’s a boat that’s sure to turn heads wherever it goes.
For more information about the Sunseeker Superhawk 55, or to discuss your yachting needs, get in touch with one of our brokers. You can also find a curated selection of used Superhawk 55 for sale.
