To ensure that large shipyards like Sunseeker can always offer their customers the right product, they have three boat lines in their programme. The sporty Portofino 40 up to the Predator 130, the mega yachts up to 155 feet and the flybridge series from 53 to 73 feet. We sailed the Manhattan 63, which is right in the middle of the flybridge series.
Like its "siblings", it is manufactured in Pool, England (see also BOOTE 7/2003). The fact that the boat builders there know their trade is not only evident at first glance, but also behind the scenes, i.e. in the interior. The laminate in the engine compartment, for example, is protected by a seamless protective coating with no laminate spikes or poorly impregnated rowing mats. Apart from the inconsistent gap in a galley drawer, the fittings and upholstery work on the entire boat are first-class.
There are usually two driving stations available for sailing. On our grey and windy test day on the Elbe off Wedel, we chose the sheltered section below deck in the saloon. Here, the driver finds a high-quality pilot's seat that is electrically adjustable in all directions. The co-driver enjoys the same comfort plus a solid grab handle. The Sunseeker dashboard is clearly organised and easy to read. The controls and dual single-lever gearstick are well positioned and can be operated smoothly and precisely. The view through the split windscreen is not obstructed. This is guaranteed by untinted glass, low reflections (dark driving position), stable windscreen wipers with washer system and defroster nozzles.
On the positive side for foresight: the bow rises only slightly during the acceleration phase from displacement to planing speed with the trim tabs lowered, and as the speed increases, the tabs are raised further and further and can be raised completely at full throttle. At 14 knots, the Sunseeker generates a strong stern sea, which calms down again from 18 knots, the lowest cruising speed.
The full driving report can be found in the current BOOTE 8/2012The range is then just under 200 nm plus 15% reserve, which is not a lot for this type of boat. At full speed at around 31 knots, the 2400 hp combination still has a range of a good 160 nm. The maximum noise level of no more than 75 dB/A is a positive aspect. The fast, tight bends on the Elbe are also completely relaxed. Although the wind (4 Beaufort) was blowing against the current and stirred up a short choppy sea, the Sunseeker hull was completely unimpressed: only slight pitching and no spray water on the windows. Shortcoming: In the bends, the boat leaned so heavily on its side that the view to port on the lower deck was only possible to a limited extent.
In the harbour, the manoeuvrability with two gearboxes engaged in opposite directions and the use of bow and stern thrusters is impressive. To avoid travelling too fast in the marina (both gears engaged at a standstill speed of over 5.3 knots), the only option is to continuously engage and disengage the clutch or to use only one engine (approx.
3.5 knots). If one engine fails at sea, the Sunseeker can still be driven at a maximum of 11.5 knots to reach her destination safely.
To prevent this from happening, the shipyard installs two diesel filters per engine, which are equipped with electronic water alarms. Further operational safety is ensured by manual fire extinguishers, a fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment, plenty of automatic bilge pumps and a powerful flood pump as well as a water alarm. The cockpit and side deck are steered outboard. Movement safety is provided by effective anti-slip structures, solid handrails and the railing with beam.
Sunseeker has installed an external staircase with non-slip steps and a handrail to ensure that getting onto the Fly is not a balancing act. On the upper open-air area, the carpool will find plenty of comfortable seating and lounging options as well as the second driving position. In the latter, you sit on chairs that provide plenty of lateral support. The shipyard has positioned the gearstick and steering wheel within easy reach; both can be operated smoothly and precisely, as below. The driver can read the subsidiary instruments on the fly without any restrictions, and a forward-sloping Plexiglas wind deflector protects against the wind. The only drawback: the long, rear-facing Fly itself restricts the view aft. A rear camera would be useful here.
One level down in the cockpit there is a rear bench and practical fold-out tables. Sunseeker has installed two large stern doors for easy access to the bathing platform. Bathing enthusiasts can easily get in and out of the cool water via a four-step stainless steel ladder that is easy to operate from the water. If you want to take a quick shower after bathing, there is a stern shower with hot and cold water. You can relax in the sun on the sunbathing areas on the flybridge or (for an extra charge) on the bow sunlounger.
Below deck, passengers sleep on mattresses with mesh underlays. It goes without saying that the owner has the most luxurious and largest space plus a huge bathroom in the rear of the boat. His VIP guests enjoy the bow cabin with separate wet room. The Sunseeker has two further cabins for guests and children in the centre and a crew cabin in the stern.
Elegant design and plenty of light ensure a sense of well-being in the saloon area. Sunseeker not only accommodates the sofa and dinette here, but also the cook, who is right in the centre of the action. The equipment includes a 3-ring hob, microwave/oven combination, dishwasher, deep sink, fridge/freezer, extractor bonnet, matching worktop, shelves and storage options. The dinghy can be stowed on the lowerable bathing platform.
Anyone looking for the two diesel engines will find them in a sufficiently high space under the cockpit floor. Everything is neatly laid and installed here. The attachment points of the ten solid cleats and winches used to securely moor the boat show the same care.
Conclusion: The Sunseeker Manhattan 63 is a modern flybridge yacht with good handling characteristics and clean workmanship.
Data sheet: Sunseeker Manhattan 63
Shipyard: Sunseeker
Type designation: Sunseeker Manhattan 63
CE category: A - High seas
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 21,07 m
Width: 5,08 m
Displacement: 36,00 t
Price: 1.909.950,00 €
