Sunseeker Superhawk 55 (17 m), this sporty open has XL interior – TEST

Sunseeker ‘s return to the big open muscle could only be in style. The Sunseeker SuperHawk 55 dominated the Boot Düsseldorf 2023, where it was launched in a mammoth Sunseeker booth where, the new 17-meter, was literally the permanent center of gravity, besieged at all times by people wanting to climb aboard this first example. For “number two,” meanwhile, the line had already lengthened because, on the eve of the fair, the shipyard had sold, on paper, more than 50. The Performance range, in short, starts from here and emphasizes a sport boat idea with speeds up to 38 knots and rich in gritty details, both in the exterior line-such as in the cuts and sleek shapes-and on deck, as in the air intakes, where the deckhouse and aft broadside come together.

Article from Motor Boats No. 31

Sunseeker Superhawk 55

Owners today want space and versatility. So how do you increase the volume while keeping a sporty allure? With a punchy exterior design made up of many sharp, clean lines and a skillful color play between black and white. This lightens the silhouette of the boat, leaving it sleek and pleasing to the eye.

Sunseeker Superhawk 55 – Deck

The cockpit elements are modular, with seating that translates, pop-up tables, and a sundeck (the one in the stern) that becomes as large as that of a superyacht. Underneath you can place water games and even a Williams jet-tender without any problems, although this solution makes access to the engine room a bit more complicated. Returning to the deck, the seating arrangement makes it easy to switch from a relaxing configuration to a seated dinner at the table by simply moving what we have on board with a few moves. The Superhawk 55 is designed both in an all-open version and with a t-top over the wheelhouse, which joins the windshield, capable of providing more protection during summer days.

The protective glass certainly engaged the entire boat development team in no small part because it is a single curved piece that provides maximum visibility, but it also demonstrates the shipyard’s industrial capacity to offer top-of-the-line solutions on its hulls. Below the Top we find the triple-seat helm station in the bow and towards the stern the large galley for being able to prepare lunches and aperitifs outdoors above which there is also a retractable television. To port and starboard are two “doors” that open to allow access to the forward sundeck, always remaining quite protected behind wide walkways. These openings are a further reminder of the typical Sunseeker automotive style that finds maximum application on this model, including the Union Jacks that characterize both the doors on the aft approaches and the large window that brings light from above to the salon.

Cabins and below decks

When you go below deck there is an immediate feeling of space and surprising height, especially for a boat that sits somewhere between a daytime open and a sport cruiser on which a family can stay for much longer periods. Thus, the large and versatile deck area is contrasted with extra-large interiors that start from the central salon with a sofa on the starboard side and a galley in front so as to bring even inside, in bad weather for example, an adequate convivial area.

That glass we mentioned earlier (with the outline of an English flag) is a very clever source of natural light because at the same time it also provides privacy. The choices are in the direction of satisfying a refined audience, but one that experiences the boat to the fullest: the choice therefore fell on curved wood and lacquered finishes that create a welcoming and luxurious environment. In terms of below-deck layout, the standard version provides a large VIP stateroom in the bow with a private bathroom and hideaway TV at the base, as well as a closet on the port side and a sizable locker under the bed. Aft is the master cabin with bed and bathroom. In total, sleeping accommodations on board can be up to 6, with the three-cabin layout.

Performance

But let’s cut to the chase. How do you navigate? Powered by a pair of IPS 950s of 725 horsepower each, this 17-meter, classified as CE Category “A,” promises a top speed of 38 knots and optimum sea keeping. The credit goes both to the hull and to this type of propulsion, precisely, the IPS, which combine rather enjoyable top speeds with a steerability and, above all, a maneuverability that allows even the owner with his family to go out and manage all phases, despite the already large size that this hull has. In terms of range, the 1,800-liter fuel capacity, at cruising speed, allows a good sailing range.

Data Sheet – Sunseeker Superhawk 55

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