Yachting

NEW YACHTS

In look, feel and performanc­e, Sunseeker’s Predator 55 Evo is smartly designed.

- By patrick sciacca

The 32-knot Sunseeker Predator Evo 55 can be opened up for sun and breezes or closed off entirely for weather or climate control.

Symmetry. balance. these two wordspoppe­dintomyhea­d as I looked over the Sunseeker Predator 55 Evo. ¶ The design starts with the set of teak steps flanking the express cruiser’s tender garage, which handles a Williams Turbojet 325 and leads to the cockpit’s teak sole. A transom bench seat is on centerline and continues the equilibriu­m theme. Just forward is a settee, and a folding teak table is between the two seating areas, creating an alfresco dining space. A bulkhead window to port flips up on a strut and connects guests in the salon with those outside. Open the cockpit door, and the main deck becomes an indoor-outdoor entertaini­ng area. ¶ Entering through the salon door to starboard, there is a U-shaped settee immediatel­y to port that accommodat­es several guests. Side windows follow the rakish shape

of the 55 Evo’s superstruc­ture, offering guests in the salon uninterrup­ted ocean views. A house-spanning window forward provides clean sightlines ahead. A retractabl­e, carbon-fiber sunroof lets in light and salty breezes. ¶ The helm, forward and to starboard, is set up with a companion seat. The helmsman is positioned to the inside, and the dash accommodat­es two multifunct­ion displays. A window lowers to let the captain talk to crew during docking or mooring maneuvers. Across is a settee for a few more guests to take in the view underway. ¶ The J-shaped galley is belowdecks to port with an electric cooktop, undercount­er fridge and freezer, and cabinets. Hullside windows, as well as the sunroof and forward windshield overhead, keep this area feeling bright and open. Across is an L-shaped dinette for a quiet breakfast. ¶ The yacht’s full-beam master stateroom is aft and has an en suite head with a shower stall. A forwardfac­ing berth is on centerline, and a twoseat breakfast nook is to starboard with views out the hullside windows. A set of dressers are to port and positioned under the window. The forepeak guest stateroom has a scissor berth, so it should work well for kids or couples. ¶ Power for the Predator 55 Evo is a pair of 725 hp Volvo Penta D11 straight-shaft diesels. The builder reports that the yacht should make a top hop of 32-plus knots. Sunseeker says a Humphree Intercepto­r system could enhance that performanc­e even more.

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