Sunseeker Predator 55, a new coupe for 30 years of the range

It has now been a full 30 years since that first 63-footer that was the progenitor of the long-lived Predator line of
Sunseeker
. In the meantime, the range has also been successful through film. A Sunseeker Predator 108 appears in Casino Royale as the yacht of the “villain” of the day, Le Chiffre.

Performance the British shipyard has it in its blood, and this new hull goes exactly in that direction: it is the new Sunseeker Predator 55. With 30 years of design and evolution on its back, the new 17.3 meters aims to be the pinnacle of the line, with cutting-edge technologies and top design choices. A little preview? The retractable sunroof is not only made entirely of carbon fiber, but uses materials and processes used in Formula 1.

Here comes the Sunseeker Predator 55

Legacy aside, the new Sunseeker Predator 55 will be a comfortable and high-performance coupe yacht.
Starting with the latter, the Volvo Penta IPS engine will provide top speeds of around 36 knots thanks to its 1450 horsepower.
On the livability side, two or three luxury cabins will accommodate up to six people.
To understand how much space guests will be able to enjoy, it is enough to mention the 4.9-meter beam and interior layout.
Let’s look at it in more detail.

What the new Predator 55 looks like on the outside

First pivotal and innovative element on this new 17-meter yacht is the silhouette.
Now softer, though still sporty and eye-catching.
The broadside is traversed by large black windows, broken in geometry, while the hard-top design elevates the profile, balancing volumes and creating a first large protected convivial area.

Looking at the layout and uses of spaces, first and foremost to welcome aboard is a hydraulic, submersible aft platform, ideal for both bathing and beach area use and as a tender lift.
In fact, the large aft sundeck is actually also the tender garage and, as it rises, allows its convenient release into the water, as well as its recovery, facilitated by the submergence of the platform itself.
Sundeck aside, the cockpit then offers an L-shaped sofa served by a coffee table and a wet-bar, the latter designed to be a direct continuation of the galley on the main deck (in the standard version).

Continuing to explore the open spaces, two wide walkways lead forward, protected by high bulwarks, where a second lounge area is located.
This consists of a sofa recessed into the deckhouse and a large central sundeck, the latter of which can be elevated so that its interior can be used as storage space.
Here, to protect from the summer sun, a carbon bimini can be installed.

Finally, returning to the boat center, before moving on to an analysis of the interior spaces, one feature of the entire deck structure is worth noting.
The hard top, in fact, offers a retractable carbon sunroof (2.5 x 3 m) that is electrically operable from the wheelhouse.
This, combined with the choice of having a protected but openable volume on the exteriors, almost integrates this space with the deck, aided by the large, wide-open window that, when required, divides cockpit and saloon.

Sunseeker Predator 55 – Interior

Just talking about the deck salon, we get into what is the interior of the new Predator 55.
In its standard version, as soon as you enter you are greeted to starboard by the galley, complete with every appliance and in continuation of the outdoor bar top.
Optionally, this area, can be replaced with a sofa and a hideaway television.
The galley would then be moved to the lower deck, where there is otherwise a convivial space with a sofa or a double cabin, depending on the configuration.

Opposite the galley, however, is a dinette consisting of a C-shaped sofa, table (elevating) and television.
Further forward, we find an L-shaped sundeck and, opposite this, the wheelhouse, served by double ergonomic seats.
In this case, the entire helm station is built on a higher level than the normal deck level.
A solution, this one, developed to improve ergonomics and visibility, offering a better perspective on 360°.

Moving, however, our attention to the lower level, below deck we find, first of all, two large double cabins.
The master stateroom, set amidships, takes advantage of the entire 4.9-meter beam, offering not only a double bed but also a walk-in closet, a private toilet with shower, and ample relaxation space around it.

In the bow, however, the second cabin comes to life, a double cabin complete in turn with closet space and an en-suite toilet.
Finally, between the two is a lounge with an L-shaped sofa and table, as well as a small storage cabin for utilities and laundry.
Optionally, however, the latter spaces can be replaced by the galley, as we saw, would leave the deck in favor of a larger convivial area.

In the event, however, that an additional cabin was to be added, this option would also be usable.
In this case, by keeping the galley on the deck, salon and lower stowage/laundry area would be lost, in favor of a double cabin with twin beds and private toilet.

Motorization and Performance

Looking at the engine room, the first thing to highlight are the turbocharged and supercharged Volvo Penta IPS 950s.
With this motorization, which reaches 1450 horsepower, the maximum speed is 36 knots.
These can be paired with the Volvo Penta Dynamic Positioning System, Joystick Docking and Glass Cockpit to maximize maneuverability and ride comfort.
Volvo Penta Active Ride Control is also available.
Helping further, finally, is the Garmin Surround View: a camera system that surrounds the hull in 360 degrees, assisting in no small part during docking.

Technical specs

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Le foto della prima barca a motore di Italia Yachts. IY 43 Veloce