131 Motor Yacht
The Sunseeker Portofino 46 is a 46-foot express cruiser that was produced by UK-based yacht building company Sunseeker between 2002 and 2006. Combining a sleek Italian style with the build quality that has long been Sunseeker’s calling card, the Portofino 46 offers not only thrilling high speeds or sportscar-like handling, but an unrivalled sense of space for a boat in this class. This yacht received a commendation at the 2005 Australian Marine Industries Federation awards and remains a hugely popular option on the used and charter markets, particularly among those who demand ultra-sophisticated offshore cruising at an entry-level price.
There is room out on the foredeck for a modular sunpad, though most sunbathers will head to the stern, where an elevated, round-edged sunpad with guardrails is fitted as standard. Below this there are side steps down to a full-beam, teak-lined hydraulic bathing platform that can also be used to store a water tender, from where many a memorable marine adventure will commence. In the open-air cockpit, where low side walls and optional glazing provide superb views out across the surface of the sea, you will discover a U-shaped sofa surrounding a cocktail table to port, while to starboard there is a wet-bar console with a Raritan icemaker and a Gaganeau electric grill. Up at the front of the cockpit there is a forward-facing J-shaped sofa along with a helm seat and the controls, protected from spray thanks to a crystal-clear Venturi windshield. The walnut-lined dashboard boasts Penta bow-thruster controls, Furuno radar, Simrad VHF and autopilot, a Raymarine mileage log and a robust, timber-lined steering wheel.
There are plenty of curved surfaces lined in high-gloss or lacquered cherry across the lower-deck level, where plush carpeting and leather furnishings heighten the sense of elegance and luxury. Surprisingly large for a yacht of this type, the lower deck features an amidship twin cabin with an en-suite, as well as a master double stateroom to the bow with a further en-suite and shower. In the lower deck lobby, meanwhile, there is a U-shaped dining sofa hugging a breakfast table, as well as an open galley with all the facilities required to cook hearty breakfasts or light lunches, including a ceramic hob, a fridge-freezer and a molded sink. Lower-deck rooms benefit from recessed lighting as well as oval-shaped porthole windows for plenty of illumination even on the gloomiest days.
A Don Shead-designed deep-V hull boasts a sharp, rakish entry, a relatively wide beam, pronounced chines and prop tunnels for a balanced and quick ride even in choppy conditions. Adrenalin junkies will love piloting the Sunseeker Portofino 46 to top speeds in excess of 33 knots and cutting tight figures-of-eight across the water. Engine options include a pair of Volvo TAMD 75P 480MHP diesels, or twin 500MHP Yanmar 6CXM GTE2 engines, with cruising speeds of around 28 knots offering a comfortable and efficient ride.
