131 Motor Yacht
The Sunseeker Predator 80 is an 81-foot sportscruiser yacht launched by British yacht building firm Sunseeker back in 2013. Sporty looks, a low-slung profile and jagged, z-shaped windows give this yacht an undeniable flair, while powerful engines capable of breaking the 45-knot barrier make it the perfect option for weekend thrill-seekers. The Predator 80 has been one of Sunseeker’s best-selling vessels across the last decade, and was also a smash-hit with critics when launched, winning the title for “Best Worldwide Production Motor Yacht up to 24m” at the 2014 Asia Boating Awards.
Out on the foredeck there is a triple-width sunpad across from a U-shaped Portuguese Bridge-style sofa with a teak breakfast table, though many owners choose to switch out the sofa for a circular jacuzzi hot-tub. At the rear of the vessel there is a partially sheltered aft deck with a U-shaped transom sofa paired with a cocktail table, as well as an extending, elevated sunpad with views out across the stern. You will also find a granite-topped wet-bar and grill console out here, with all the equipment needed to rustle up your favorite mixed drinks, as well as side steps down to a full-beam hydraulic swimming platform and a transom garage large enough to host a Williams 425 tender.
Sunseeker have ensured a seamless connection between indoors and out on the Predator 80, thanks to fully opening sliding glass doors, an entirely retractable rear window, panoramic side glazing to the cockpit, and a carbon-fiber, above-helm mullioned sunroof that opens this space up to the elements. The salon has been subject to Sunseeker’s “Signature Look” treatment to include Amalfi leather furnishings, anigre and wengewood surfaces with a satin-finish, stainless steel fixtures, polished carbon-fiber walls and glossy teak joinery. There is a three-piece sofa set in the rear salon, across from granite or marble-topped cabinets, while located amidship you will discover an L-shaped dining sofa surrounding a bespoke dining table with room for up to 8 guests to enjoy sophisticated evening meals. At the front of the cockpit there is a modern helm station with a pair of leather-clad Besenzoni chairs and a dashboard with Side-Power bow and stern thrusters, a ZF JMS joystick, a pair of Simrad touch-screen panels and power-steering.
On the lower deck the Sunseeker Predator 80 boasts more sleeping space than most yachts in this class thanks to its 19-foot beam. There is an en-suite VIP double stateroom to the bow, a pair of twin bedrooms (one of which features an en-suite) as well as a full-beam owner’s stateroom with trapezoidal side windows, a work desk, an armchair, a king-sized bed, a walk-in dressing room and a granite-finished bathroom with a waterfall shower. Yet that is not all you will find down here, as the lower deck also hosts a galley kitchen with Sub-Zero under-counter fridge-freezer units, a Miele oven, a Miele four-zone hob, a large sink and speckled granite work surfaces. At the rear there is also a private crew quarters for two with its own bathroom facilities.
You can expect full-throttle top speeds of 46 knots when pushing the Predator 80 to its limits, thanks to a pair of MAN V16 2000MHP engines with Arneson drives. No wonder then, that former F1 drivers Jenson Button and Eddie Jordan were present at the launch of the very first Predator 80, as this is one of the fastest boats of its kind out on the water. Yet this is also a yacht that is just as suited to long distance cruising at a more leisurely pace, enjoying a range of almost 2,000 nautical miles when idling along at 7 knots. The yacht benefits from the optional installation of Sleipner zero-speed stabilizers to almost entirely eliminate roll, while its hull proves exceptionally stable and balanced on the move.
