131 Motor Yacht
The Sunseeker Superhawk 43 is a 44-foot express cruiser that was launched by British yacht-building firm Sunseeker back in 2006. This best-selling yacht was awarded the title for “European Powerboat of the Year” at the 2008 Düsseldorf Boat Show, and even caught the eye of film producers, who showcased the vessel in the James Bond thriller Quantum of Solace that same year. Why so popular? Well, the Superhawk 43 combines graceful lines redolent of yachting’s golden age with the sort of high-octane power that thrill-seekers will love. Add to that luxurious fittings, plenty of sun-kissed, al-fresco lounge space and dimensions on the lower-deck that will put other dayboats to shame, and you have one of the finest entry-level performance boats ever built.
Out on the foredeck, and enclosed by curved guardrails, you will find a double sunpad with marina-facing views, from where you are sure to build up a respectable summer tan. At the stern, meanwhile, you will discover a full-beam swimming platform lined in non-slip teak, as well as a pair of leather chaise-longues with headrests. The cockpit on this vessel remains open for a truly elemental feel, though a Bimini can be attached to the radar arch for shelter should the weather turn as you are cruising out to Capri. On the starboard side of the cockpit there is a U-shaped lounge sofa with a detachable hi-lo table, while to port there is a wet-bar console with a fridge, a sink and an outdoor grill, from where you can shake up 007’s favorite cocktail The Vesper. You will spy plenty of navigational gadgets built into the walnut-lined helm console, where a teak-trimmed steering wheel is joined by Simrad display panels, trim tab controls and a Raymarine VHF radio for confident piloting.
Unlike many day boats of this size, the Superhawk 43 features plenty of room on the lower-deck, and you will cook many a memorable meal down in the galley where a single-zone ceramic hob, a sink and a large fridge-freezer are held in place by granite work surfaces and timber-lined cupboards. Across from this is an L-shaped leather sofa with a breakfast table, while an Avonite-lined bathroom comes with a vacuum toilet and an open shower. Towards the bow there is a snug double bed sitting beneath a skylight for up to two overnight guests.
The Sunseeker Superhawk 43’s twin-stepped racing hull with a fine entry has been designed purely for speed and agility, and adrenalin junkies will be pleased to know that this vessel can reach top speeds of up to 50 knots. Engine choices run from twin Volvo D6 370PS Arnesen sterndrives through to a pair of Yanmar 6LY3A surface drives, with comfortable cruising speeds clocking in at around 30 knots. With a fuel capacity of 264 US gallons, you can expect a range of around 275 nautical miles when taking it easy, with plenty left in reserve should you require a burst of acceleration to escape Blofeld’s clutches.
