131 Motor Yacht
The Sunseeker Manhattan 50 is a 50-foot luxury flybridge yacht that was produced by British boat-building company Sunseeker between 2004 and 2008. A boat that revolutionized the flybridge yacht market when initially launched, the Manhattan 50 paired a curvaceous profile inspired by the classic yachts of sailing’s golden age with some of the most luxurious interiors ever seen, two high-spec helm stations, dramatic side glazing and an extended flybridge.
Though one of the more compact flybridge yachts built by Sunseeker, the layout of space aboard the Manhattan 50 is so artfully arranged as to give the impression of a larger vessel, and this is nowhere more evident than on the open flybridge. A curving U-shaped sofa with comfortable back-rests traces the rear wall and port-side of the bridge to provide a sociable relaxation space with a fiberglass Hi-Lo breakfast table, while to starboard there is a wet-bar console with an icemaker, a fridge, a sink and a Kenyon griddle. At the front of the flybridge and protected from spray by a tinted Venturi windscreen is a double sunpad and the set of upper helm controls, where thrill-seekers will enjoy feeling the wind on their face as they accelerate into the waves.
One level down and you will find ample sunbathing space out on the foredeck, where a double-pad sunbed offers marina-facing views. A quick walk down the side-deck leads to a partially sheltered, teak-lined aft-deck with a transom sofa and side steps down to a full-beam hydraulic swimming platform that can be used to store a water tender. A symphony of curves awaits as you step into the main-deck salon through sliding glass doors, with high-gloss cherry cabinetry, tactile carpeting, plush leather furnishings and stainless-steel fixtures adding a touch of elegance to this multi-tiered space. A U-shaped sofa, an extending breakfast table, a loveseat and an HD TV unit define the rear of the salon, while a couple of steps up lead toward the main deck helm station. Here you will discover a comfortable leather helm seat, a teak-lined steering wheel, Lewmar thruster controls, a full set of Furuno or Raymarine navigational devices, an Icom VHF station and trim tab controls.
An open spiral staircase down to the lower deck allows for plenty of natural light to reach the galley, where a three-zone ceramic hob and a combination microwave is joined by Sub-Zero fridge-freezer units, granite work surfaces, a stainless-steel sink and glossy timber cabinets. There is also room down here for a dining sofa and a table, though some owners choose to substitute this for a twin bunk cabin for additional overnight guest space. A master stateroom to the bow comes with a double bed, porthole windows, hanging lockers and an en-suite bathroom, while the owner’s stateroom boasts triple-mullioned side windows, a queen-sized bed, side cabinetry, a snug work desk and a bathroom lined in granite. There is also room for the crew quarters towards the stern for those who require additional assistance when enjoying extended cruising out in the Mediterranean or Caribbean seas.
A pair of Volvo Penta D12-800 or MAN diesel engines provide top speeds in excess of 30 knots, with comfortable cruising of around 25 knots. A Don-Shead designed deep-V hull with prop pockets, meanwhile, provides plenty of stability while on the move and best-in-class fuel efficiency for those who like to cast their net further afield.
