SUN SEEKER SUPER HAWK 43
BU ILT 2007 PR ICE £195 ,000
The Superhawk 43 lives at the very end of a long legacy of high-performance Sunseeker ‘Hawk’ models that stretches right back to the mid-eighties with boats like the gorgeous Mohawk 29 and the outrageous Thunderhawk 43. The latter was based on a Don Shead-designed race boat hull and often sported big block V8 petrol engines for maximum performance. A pure but sophisticated muscle boat, it took on the American Cigarettes and Donzis like Daniel Craig squaring up to Vin Diesel. The Superhawk 43 did in fact make an appearance in the 2008 Bond film Quantum of Solace but was launched two years earlier at the Southampton Boat Show in 2006.
INTERIOR
As 43ft boats go, the interior of the Superhawk is not generous. But it is entirely sufficient for a couple to overnight, or even over-week! There’s a large double berth in the forepeak and the settee backrest lifts to create two Pullman berths. Finish is typical Sunseeker, high quality and nicely detailed.
EXTERIOR
In classic Hawk tradition, the Superhawk 43 is absolutely gorgeous! Long sexy flowing lines that make the boat look like it’s doing 40 knots even when it’s berthed! The cockpit is deep and sheltered with drop bolster race-style seats at the helm.
PERFORMANCE
Most of these boats get sterndrives, either Volvo Penta or Yamaha. The most popular motors were Volvo Penta D6 at 350hp each, upgraded to 370hp in later boats which should give about 40 knots. Triple Yamaha 315hp engines mated to supersmooth Hyradrive outdrives up the ante toward the mid-40 knot mark, but if you want the ultimate then you want the engine option fitted to this boat. It’s one of only about six Superhawk 43s that were specified from new with twin Yanmar 480hp diesels mated to Arneson surface drives. They commanded a £100,000 premium when new but take the top end to almost 50 knots with a cruising speed well above 40 knots!
SEAKEEPING
The doublestepped hull rides completely flat, scything through the water like a, err, scythe, hurling curtains of spray high and wide whilst those Arnesons throw a spectacular rooster tail of spray out the back. It’s an awesome spectacle and huge fun to drive!