The new generation of Sunseeker yachts is already on the water! We are getting acquainted with the sports Predator 60 EVO and we are waiting for the next models in the pride of thoroughbred “predators”.
Some time ago the British shipyard Sunseeker International announced the development of a new concept for its yachts. What do these words mean? Especially when you consider that Sunseeker yachts have been at the forefront of the market for a long time – both in design, and in technical equipment, and in seaworthiness. Let’s put it this way: there will be no revolution; in fact, it is not required. But evolution is a natural and even inevitable process. This is what the “prefix” in the name of the Predator 60 EVO hints at – the first swallow of a new generation of Sunseeker yachts.
Design
The yacht is built on the basis of the magnificent Predator 57 hull, but it was not a simple restyling, or, as they say in relation to yachts, a facelift. The design of the superstructure has completely changed. It’s just that the space structure made of carbon fiber and glass gives such an “opening” area of the main deck in the classroom, what else to look for (if there is any). But even when closed, thanks to its complete transparency, it provides maximum natural light in the cabin.
This part of the main deck on open sports yachts is generally called the cockpit, but here it is exactly the salon, because it can be isolated from the external environment using a well-designed stern door system. More precisely, these are not even doors, but a one-piece tempered glass partition that descends under the deck and provides a “seamless” connection between the open deck space and the saloon. When raised, the partition can partially separate the cockpit and the saloon, or, when moved to the starboard side, completely. In this way (as in the case of the superstructure roof), the degree of “openness” of the boat can also be adjusted.
The body has a new design of side glazing with the addition of bold stainless steel accents. And when choosing a case color, you do not have to focus on the basic offerings: now customers can get a custom shade, making their Sunseeker one of a kind.
Dossier Predator 60 EVO
Length:
18.24 m
Width:
4.70 m
Draft:
1.30 m
Displacement:
27.9 t
Fuel supply:
2200 l
Water supply:
600 l
Power:
1450-2000 HP
Sleeping places:
6 + 1 (skipper)
Capacity:
12 people
RCD category:
“IN”
Open decks
The main open area on sport yachts is the cockpit aft. On the Predator 60 EVO, it is very spacious and includes an al fresco dining area, a bar and an additional helm station with a joystick on the starboard side, very convenient when docking aft (hence excellent visibility to both sides and the bathing platform). On the transom there is the usual spacious sun lounger, and under it are the standard tender garage (3.25 m) and a single skipper cabin with access through the door in the transom. The platform, of course, is hydraulically powered, so there will be no problems with launching the tender. It is packed tightly, like in a nest, in a storage designed for it behind a folding transom into which the seat is integrated. We have already seen such a solution on many models of the brand – a convenient and functional thing.
Another open “beach” area is on the bow deck. In addition to the large lounger with drink holders on the sides, there are two more spacious lockers where it is convenient to hold fenders and a lot of other stuff.
Control post
Since an important aspect of the new concept of Sunseeker models is adaptability, it would be strange not to see examples of this in the helm. The Predator 60 EVO features a new dashboard design that is ergonomic and beautiful. In the center are two Simrad NSO evo3 touchscreen displays with a simplified, intuitive user interface. They display control of all key systems, including displays. However, a lot of things can be controlled directly from the new multifunction steering wheel, just like in a car. On the right is a joystick: where can we go without it? Once you evaluate its convenience when mooring, and then it will be impossible to refuse. The sporty chic is underlined by two independently adjustable bucket seats; under them is a teak footboard with steel inserts. And when you want to drive while standing, you can fold the stand from the seat pedestal: from it the view is especially good.
New dashboard design: touchscreen displays with a simple, intuitive interface
Interior and layout
Naturally, the model of the new generation should have a corresponding interior. Not to say that Sunseeker had problems with this before, rather the opposite: it’s hard to imagine what else can be improved. The main thing is that the interior design here fully corresponds to the general style and spirit.
Everyone wants to see sport boats as luxurious, but luxury is special. First, the Predator 60 EVO’s interior is fresh and modern. The outlines of the furniture are clean and simple, but not angular, which, although more expensive for a shipyard in production, is a plus for the owner and his guests at speed or when rolling. First-class materials such as wood, leather, textiles and marble are complemented by steel accents, just like in the exterior design of the boat. Curved chrome inserts in the doors and wall panels, interesting metal handles with diamond notches – moderately brutal and very stylish.
On the lower deck there are three cabins: a spacious master suite amidships, a VIP bow cabin with a large double bed and another guest cabin on the starboard side with berths one above the other. There are two bathrooms, but downstairs there is another salon with a dining area and an impressive, well-equipped U-shaped galley.
Driving performance
The propulsion list includes a range of engines and drives, including the latest Volvo Penta D13-1000 (2 x 1000 HP) on shafts with which the yacht reaches speeds of up to 34 knots, and Volvo Penta IPS950 systems (2 x D11 / 725 hp) with bottom dispensers for quietness, economy and excellent maneuverability. Depending on the option chosen, the cruising range at a speed of 20-25 knots will be up to 250 miles.
Although you cannot see this from the outside, such different transmissions predetermined the difference in contours: for the shaft installation, half-tunnels are provided in the stern, which reduce the angle of inclination of the propeller shaft (increasing the efficiency of the propeller). Carbon fiber hull and superstructure structures lower the center of gravity, which improves stability (especially important in circulation).
Sunseeker boats have always been renowned for their excellent handling, especially with IPS. Again: how much further? However, the shipyard says the Predator 60 EVO’s handling on propeller shafts has been significantly improved thanks to the Hydro Performance system. First, it includes electronics for adjusting the rudder angle. Unlike mechanical rudder control, when they are shifted to the same angle, here the angle of each rudder is optimized depending on the incoming flow, which increases the lift on the rudder. Secondly, the rudder itself: it received a variable profile to take into account the swirling flow from the propeller. Finally, automatic spoilers control the pitch and roll of the boat for comfort and optimal landing on the move. All this is intended to significantly increase the maneuverability of the vessel and bring the model with shafts closer to the version with IPS.
As you can see, sacrificing speed for the sake of style and comfort, as well as vice versa, is absolutely not in the tradition of the shipyard: Sunseeker is always Sunseeker. By the way, soon we will see the next representative of the new evolutionary line – Predator 55 EVO: launching is scheduled for the summer.
34 knots
develops the Predator 60 EVO with two latest Volvo Penta D13 1000 hp engines. – powerful, quiet and economical
Text
Olga Selezneva
Photo
Sunseeker International
Chief Editor
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