Sunseeker, the major British builder, just unveiled a new Predator 55 with a low-profile and aggressively sloping hardtop that tops out at 36 knots. Meanwhile. Bloomberg reports that the same Miami holding company that bought Cigarette three years ago is now in the process of buying Sunseeker.
Sunseeker says the new Predator 55 is a blend of luxury and performance. It certainly has all the latest bells and whistles, including Garmin’s high-tech Surround View that has six cameras built into the hull to provide 360-degree views and computerized assistance in docking. And an optional gyro stabilizer will keep everyone on board comfortable underway or at anchor.
The new Predator has raised helm seats and a UV-tinted, one-piece windshield for maximum visibility. A retractable carbon-fiber sunroof is integrated into the hardtop. It’s built with the same pre-preg lamination process that’s used in Formula 1 race cars.
All the way aft, the integrated garage can hold a 10’ 9” Williams TurboJet tender. It’s built under the large sun pad on the aft deck, and it can be launched from the swim platform that can be lowered using hydraulics.
The aft deck is a major social area with an upholstered sofa forward of the sun pad, and L-shaped seating on the port side that becomes part of an al fresco dining area with a high-low table.
Retractable doors open to the salon and the aft galley that connects to the cockpit wet bar. The salon can be customized, but it has glazing all around, with a deep, lounging sofa on the port side and an entertainment center to starboard.
In an optional layout, the galley moves to a lower salon area to provide more seating in the salon up top. The master stateroom is full-beam amidships, with a centered double bed, a full-height wardrobe, optional breakfast seating, and an en suite head. The VIP cabin is forward, also with an en suite head. The lower salon area can be converted to a third cabin.
Standard power comes from twin 725-hp Volvo IPS950 pod drives, with joystick control for low-speed maneuvering and docking.
The Sunseeker fleet now has 22 boats from 38 to 131 fleet. Founded in 1969 in Poole Harbour, England, Sunseeker is owned by Dalian Wanda Group, based in China. Dalian Wanda bought 92 percent of Sunseeker in 2013 for about $493 million. Now, Dalian Wanda is selling the company to Lionheart Capital, based in Miami.
For its part, Lionheart bought Cigarette in May of 2021; Cigarette then said it had plans for a 130-foot superyacht. Lionheart also owns restaurant chains, hotels and retail and commercial real estate.
Specs.: LOA: 56’2”; Beam: 16’1”; Draft: 4’10”; Disp.: 61,674 lbs.; Fuel: 476 gals.; Water: 114 gals.; Power: 2×725-hp Volvo IP S950 pod drives.
Read more: http://sunseeker.com
