Sunseeker debuts 80 Sport Yacht

Sunseeker used the Mandurah Boat Show in WA to reveal its new 80 Sport Yacht to the Australian public for the first time.

The latest addition to the Sunseeker range, which is based on the popular Predator 80, was first revealed at the Southhampton International Boat Show in the UK last month with its appearance in Mandurah only its second public showing.

And Sunseeker flew its Development Manager, Nick Lean, to WA for the first reveal of the $6.5m luxury cruiser in the Southern Hemisphere.

Mr Lean said the 80 Sport Yacht shared the same hull and interior layout as the popular Predator 80 but with the addition of a flybridge that greatly increased the usability of the boat, especially in hot climates like Australia.

The flybridge not only offers a second helm but will comfortably accommodate 10 people with a large lounge and two small tables, positioned side by side, creating a comfortable entertaining area.

And the large fridge, icemaker, BBQ and sink ensure there is no need to be running up and down the stairs to replenish supplies while the hydraulically-operated bimini provides protection from the sun when needed.

The flybridge helm replicates the main helm in the saloon with three large touch screens, used to operate all equipment and electrics. To ensure these screens are protected from the weather the console panel drops down to conceal the screens.

The addition of the flybridge, which only adds about a metre to the overall height of the boat without robbing it of the sweeping lines that make the Predator such an attractive design, also creates a much more protected aft cockpit with a full-length hardtop.

Alf Barbagallo, the managing director of Sunseeker Australia, also added his own touch to the boat by adding mist sprayers to the roof of the aft deck to help keep things cool on those really hot days.

Designed for high performance, the 80 Sport Yacht, which is available with three engine options including an Arneson performance derivative, has a maximum speed of 44 knots and will cruise at 30 knots.

The addition of fin stabilisers, angled at 45degrees, ensures the boat remains stable both under operation and at anchor while a hydraulically-operated bow thruster helps with its manoeuvrability. The 80 Sports Yacht at the show was also fitted with the option of conventional controls, a joystick and thruster controls giving the skipper the option of using which ever controls they were more comfortable with.

It accommodates up to eight guests in its four cabins -- two, including the master suite that also has a sitting area, desk and walk-in robe, with Queen-sized beds and an ensuite, and two twin cabins with single beds -- and up to four crew.

Panoramic hull windows make a signature statement, bathing the luxurious interiors with light. Cabins are superbly finished to the highest standard using Sunseeker's signature design theme with Figured Anagre (light) and Wange (dark) woods with chrome highlights used throughout.