A touch of class
WORDS + PHOTOS:
IAN MACRAE
Is there real value for money to be found in the big boat market?
- You'd better believe it!
By the time a boatie is ready for an upgrade to a new 75ft motoryacht, it's a fair bet that he's already shown his business acumen. It's also a fair bet to assume that he didn't accumulate wealth by making rash business decisions or splashing money around in a wasteful manner.
So, when he sits down to write that multi-million dollar cheque for a new boat, we can also assume that the new buyer has done his homework thoroughly. Very thoroughly.
The thought of outlaying almost $8m on a motoryacht (that's what a top-class 75 to 85 foot vessel can set you back) is foreign to most of us, but readers would be surprised at just how many of these expensive luxury vessels are being sold in Australia these days. It seems that many people are realising that yes, life is too short, so let's get out there and enjoy it while we can. They're unlocking the money they have tied up in business and real estate and joining the boating fraternity in a big way.
Most buyers in this market will have already owned a big boat and this purchase will be an upgrade to a larger and more luxurious vessel to suit their changing lifestyle. And while money may seem to be of little importance, these buyers didn't make their money by being frivolous. If they can save money on the purchase, they will.
value for money
But is there value for money to be had in the big boat market? After testing this upgraded Sunseeker 75 Yacht I reckon the simple answer is, yes! With a price tag of around $6m that's exactly what you get with this boat, excellent value for money. Especially when you consider that the interior layout of the new 75 Yacht MKII has been extensively modified to provide more usable space. She now boasts an excellent open-plan format. The boat can sleep nine adults and two crew in four main cabins in the aft quarters and the darker satin-finished American oak woodwork adds a touch of class and old world charm that was previously not available in Sunseeker motoryachts. In short, this boat is a luxurious vessel with a style that says, "look at me" and "live on me" at the same time. And with a cruising range of 300 nautical miles you can live on her for quite a while.
It's a message that was not lost on her new owner who uses the boat more regularly than most of us use much smaller vessels - for weekends and holidays away with his wife and teenage family (and their friends). It really is a case of a family that plays together, stays together.
User-friendly layout
Part of the secret to the popularity of this boat is her user-friendly layout. The 75's new design is much more open-plan and airy. Even though the timberwork is a bit of a departure from what we are used to from Sunseeker, the darker American oak doesn't give an impression that the cabins are closing in on you. This is surprising, considering that the saloon also has a darkish wooden floor rather than the usual beige carpet. In fact, the opposite is the case.
The combination of beige upholstery throughout, beige carpet in the formal dining room, cream upholstered helm seats to starboard and navigator's lounge and plenty of sweeping windows to let in natural light, give her a bright appeal.
Unlike previous 75s, the saloon lounges are pushed back against the cabin walls to create more open space, which allows for plenty of room around the exquisite coffee table. There's even a single lounge chair for the skipper, or his best first mate if she wishes. There's a massive plasma screen on the galley bulkhead and the surround-sound system creates the perfect cinema experience.
Walk from the saloon towards the helm area and the fully equipped galley is to starboard, but a highlight of the new layout is the dining area. It's a step up from the saloon and features a beautiful eight-seater formal dining table.
The helm is typically Sunseeker. It has everything even the most fastidious skipper could possible want in the way of electronic features and navigational aids. There's a skipper's door to port (but you have to walk around both helm seats to use it) and forward visibility is good. Visibility off the skipper's left and right shoulder is also good but that's where it ends. You need to do a lot of ducking and weaving to see to port and starboard behind the skipper and the flybridge overhang also impedes the rearward view. But this is a problem inherent to most vessels of this size. Any experienced skipper quickly gets used to it and knows where to look to ensure passage is clear before making any quick turns.
Accommodation
The staircase leading to the staterooms is wide and well lit. The luxurious VIP's stateroom and en-suite is in the bow while the magnificent owner's cabin is amidships and takes up all of the boat's beam. There's another two cabins between these staterooms, each with it's own en-suite. One has a double bed and the other has three bunks and is ideal when the kid's friends come along for the ride.
All of the cabins are air-conditioned and have ample storage. Their luxurious finish is in keeping with the rest of the boat's opulence. A washing machine/dryer is also sited in the hallway between the cabins for easy access and use by all.
Up on the flybridge there's more than enough room to host a party and I am sure this is where you and your friends will spend many an afternoon around the barbecue sharing a cold drink and a good yarn.
If you're into alfresco dining you are also well catered for in the rear cockpit. There's ample room to move around, it's sheltered from the elements by the flybridge overhang and it's the ideal place to watch the sun go down at the end of another glorious day on the water. There's no denying this boat is an entertainer's dream.
Performance & handling
Twin quiet and smooth 1360hp MAN common-rail diesels power the 75 to a top speed of 30 knots at 2350rpm but few will need to travel around at that speed. Sitting on 2000rpm, this boat purrs along at an ideal cruising speed of 25 knots and you can believe me when I say that the ride is smooth and super quiet. Running noise through the hull is almost non-existent.
Like all Sunseekers the helm is light and smooth and delivers that now expected 'turn the helm 2cm and watch the bow instantly move 2cm' performance. Driving this 75-footer is easier than controlling the family car. Plus, stern and bow thrusters make manoeuvring this vessel around the marina a dream. With a little practice even a novice skipper will look like he's been doing it for years.
It's a wrap
A new layout and extensive features, even before you start adding the numerous options available, coupled with her beautiful satin-finish American oak trim, wooden saloon floor, formal dining room and clever four cabin (sleeps nine) layout put this boat well up there in the excellent 'value for money' big boat market. Her striking lines and exhilarating performance were inherited from the original 75s, but the new MAN common-rail diesels mean her engines are now even smoother - if that's possible.
If you've outgrown your current 60 footer and you're ready to upgrade to a bigger, slightly more expensive motoryacht, do your homework, check around and then take a close look at the Sunseeker 75 Yacht MkII. You'll quickly realise that she really is worth every cent of her asking price and she'll sure add a touch of class to your life.
Import of the Year 2008 (Over 24 feet)
Yes, there is real value for money in the luxury market.
By the time a boatie is ready for an upgrade to a new 75ft motoryacht and sits down to write that multi-million dollar cheque for a new boat, we assume they have done their homework thoroughly.
But is there value for money to be had in the big boat market? After testing this upgraded Sunseeker 75 Yacht I reckon the simple answer is yes! With a price tag of around $6m that's exactly what you get with this boat, excellent value for money.
The 75 Yacht boasts an excellent open-plan format. She sleeps nine adults and two crew in four main cabins in the aft quarters.
Even though the darker satin-finished American oak timberwork is a bit of a departure from what we are used to from Sunseeker, the darker oak doesn't give an impression that the cabins are closing in on you. This is surprising, considering that the saloon also has a darkish wooden floor rather than the usual beige carpet. In fact, the opposite is the case. The combination of beige upholstery throughout, beige carpet in the formal dining room, cream upholstered helm seats to starboard and navigator's lounge and plenty of sweeping windows to let in natural light, give her a bright appeal.
The saloon lounges are pushed back against the cabin walls to create more open space. There's a massive plasma screen on the galley bulkhead and the surround-sound system creates the perfect cinema experience.
Walk from the saloon towards the helm area and the fully equipped galley is to starboard, but a highlight of the new layout is the dining area. It's a step up from the saloon and features a beautiful eight-seater formal dining table.
The luxurious VIP's stateroom and en-suite is in the bow while the magnificent owner's cabin is amidships and takes up all of the boat's beam. Up on the flybridge there's more than enough room to host a party. And, if you're into alfresco dining, you are also well catered for in the rear cockpit. There's no denying this boat is an entertainer's dream.
Twin quiet and smooth 1360hp MAN common-rail diesels power the 75 to a top speed of 30 knots at 2350rpm.
If you've outgrown your current 60 footer and you're ready to upgrade to a bigger, slightly more expensive motoryacht, do your homework, check around but then take a close look at the Sunseeker 75 Yacht MkII.
