131 Motor Yacht
The Sunseeker Predator 72 is a 73-foot high-performance sportscruiser yacht that was produced by UK-based yacht-building giants Sunseeker between the years of 2005 and 2009. Though many a Predator yacht impresses with an ultra-aggressive profile, the Predator 72 returns to a more classic exterior with sleek lines, curvaceous glazing and a fine bow entry. Yet do not be fooled by the looks, as this yacht packs as much punch as its sister vessels, with a racing-inspired hull, powerful engines and lavish relaxation spaces making this the ideal performance-led express cruiser. Though no longer in current production, the Sunseeker Predator 72 remains a top choice on the used and charter markets thanks to its versatile mix of outdoor opulence and full-throttle fun.
You barely need a flybridge when you have as much main-deck al-fresco space as you will find on this Sunseeker Yacht for sale. A three-pad sunbed out on the foredeck offers plenty of room for extended summer sunbathing, while a double-length aft-cockpit lined in Flexiteak to the rear boasts a transom sofa, a side sofa, a dining table and a wet-bar with a grill and an icemaker. A pair of side-steps lead you down to a full-beam, fully hydraulic bathing platform at the stern, from where you can set off on warm water swimming, while a spacious transom garage boasts enough space for a Williams jet tender.
Glazed French doors lead you into a clean and contemporary salon with cresting wave side windows, cherrywood and teak surfaces, leather furnishings, upholstered accents and recessed lighting. There is a starboard side U-shaped sofa surrounding a diamond-shaped extending coffee table, with cabinetry, a pair of armchairs and room for a home entertainment system to port. At the front of the internal cockpit there is a retractable glazed sunroof sitting directly above the helm station, where comfortable seating for three ensures that owner-operators do not have to pilot alone. The intuitively designed dashboard features Raymarine or Furuno electronics and autopilot, VHF radio, trim tab and thruster controls, hydraulic power steering and single-lever engine controls.
The roomy lower-deck on the Sunseeker Predator 72 features an open galley and dinette lounge with a C-shaped dining sofa and table, dark granite work surfaces, a four-zone hob, a combination oven, fridge-freezer units and masses of storage space. To starboard there is an en-suite twin cabin, while to the bow there is an en-suite master stateroom with a double bed, hidden storage and porthole windows. Yet the most sought-after room down here is undoubtedly the en-suite full-beam owner’s stateroom, where a king-sized bed, a side sofa, a work desk, ample closet space, plush carpeting and triple-mullioned windows offer a sedate feel.
Central to the Predator 72’s appeal, of course, is performance, and top speeds approaching 40 knots come courtesy of a pair of MAN V12 1550MHP diesel inboard engines. Want to take things a little slower in exchange for greater fuel efficiency? Then you will be pleased to know that at cruising speeds of 25 knots you can expect an island-hopping range of around 380 nautical miles. A Don Shead-designed deep-V hull with an 18-degree deadrise that takes its cues from racing speedboats ensures smooth and speedy acceleration and is of course well balanced on the turn.
