131 Motor Yacht
The Sunseeker Superhawk 50 is a 52-foot performance cruiser yacht that was produced by the legendary British boat-building firm Sunseeker between 2000 and 2002. This yacht offers the same narrow racing hull that is found on the Superhawk 48, and a similar sharp and sporty profile, but with upgraded engines, a new swimming platform and an altered deck lay-out. You may have spied this yacht being used in the James Bond movie “Die Another Day”, though given the Superhawk 50’s incredible top speeds and low-slung profile, you could be forgiven for not recognizing this blink-and-you’ll-miss-it vessel as it dashes by in a blur. Though no longer produced to order at the Sunseeker shipyard in Poole, Dorset on England’s pristine south coast, the Superhawk 50 remains in high demand on the used and charter markets, where discerning thrill-seekers will still pay a king’s ransom to get their hands on one.
This yacht’s relatively narrow beam of less than 11 feet doesn’t leave a huge enough of space to spread out, but there is still room on the foredeck for a single seater sunpad, with a double sunpad located at the stern. Also found at the transom is a full-beam, teak-lined hydraulic bathing platform that can be used to store water tenders. The main-deck cockpit on this vessel remains open for a superb connection to sun and sea, with only a gracefully angled radar arch, and of course an optional Bimini, offering shade. There is a U-shaped leather sofa with a collapsible cocktail table in here, across from an integral wet-bar console with an ice-chipper, chilled drinks storage and an electric grill, as well as a pair of armchairs at the helm. The helm station feels like something out of a classic speedboat, with a walnut-lined fascia and numerous compass windows and display gauges lined in chrome, while Garmin or Raymarine display panels, racing-style throttle controls, VHF radio, thruster controls and power-assisted steering offer everything needed for high-octane cruising.
A water-tight companionway door leads down to the cherry-lined lower deck, where a curved sofa and a pair of armchairs surround a teak-topped oval dining table. Also located on this level is a mini-galley with a sink, a ceramic hob and a fridge, along with a day-head with an open shower fixture. Towards the bow there is also a snug forward cabin with a double bed, hidden storage and a maple-lined storage locker.
Triple 420MHP Yanmar diesel engines with Trimax surface drives propel the Sunseeker Superhawk 50 to top speeds of up to 60 knots, with cruising speeds of at least 35 knots. A Don Shead-designed planing hull with chines has been built around performance, offering superb stability as you round tricky promontories and coves, and delivering a dry and efficient ride as you slice through the waves.
