SUNSEEKER MANHATTAN 68
LOA 69ft 7in (21.21m) BEAM 17ft 3in (5.26m) DRAFT 5ft 4in (1.6m) WEIGHT 37.4 tonnes FUEL 4,000 litres ENGINES Twin 1,00hp-1200hp MAN or Volvo IPS1300 TOP SPEED 32 knots PRICE FROM £1.75m ex VAT CONTACT Sunseeker London +44 (0)207 3550980; www.sunseeker.co
Being cynical journalists we were a little disappointed that the Manhattan 68 was based on the previous 66 rather than a fresh-from-the-ground-up design but so much has changed that it might as well be an all-new boat. You only have to check out the new beach club stern to see why some 66 owners have already traded up to the new 68; with purpose built racks for dive tanks, flippers and towels, a rain shower and a separate flooding locker for two Seabobs, it is the ultimate toy cupboard.
The main deck layout has also changed with a large aft galley on the starboard side, where there used to be access to the master cabin, opposite a separate dining area to port. That leaves the space ahead of it free for a lounging area and a new companionway down to the master cabin tucked behind a huge television.
As well as a grander entrance, the master cabin has been turned around so that the bed now faces forward with the ensuite bathroom in front of it. It loses the 66’s walk-in wardrobe but it’s still a very fine cabin with no intrusions to the floor or deckhead. The layout of the three guest cabins down the forward companionway hasn’t really changed but a higher level of finish and detailing lifts the feel of the whole interior.
The final big change is to the flybridge which has lost its built-in dinette in favour of an open area at the stern that can be fitted with a circular dining table, sunloungers or a number of other options. The choice of IPS or shaft-drive powertrains offering top speeds of up to 32 knots completes an impressive transformation.