Boat test for the 2004 Sunseeker Predator 68 with boat pictures, boat specifications, and boat test results. Includes pricing, videos, engine test reviews, and ratings for the 2004 Sunseeker Predator 68.

 
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HOME  >  BOAT TESTS  >  SUNSEEKER  >  2004 SUNSEEKER PREDATOR 68
 BOAT TEST: 2004 Sunseeker Predator 68
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While I was having quite the time running the 68 up and down the Pompano Beach coastline, it was time to get her back to the dock. We had three bridges to clear, and hoped to make Sunseeker Florida’s facility in Pompano Beach in about 45 minutes.

The wind was still up as we approached the tightly packed marina—I had only seen boats moored this close at boat shows—and there was a fair amount of current running. However, the 68 answered the helm as quickly astern as she did forward, and with only a few nudges from the bow thruster, Casler had her in with barely a ripple to the boats to either side. Showing her stuff once again, this time in an unpredictable docking situation, the 68 was making a good first impression.

a d v e r t i s e m e n t

One should never underestimate the importance of a good first impression, and few builders are better at making an impression than Sunseeker. The 68 is one of four performance motoryachts offered by the Poole, England-based builder; her sister Predators include a 56, 61, and 75. (The 108 and 95/100-foot Predators are considered to be part of the Yacht series.) While each comes with different amenities and features, all share the same superb fit and finish and attention to detail. You only have to take a look around the 68 to see proof of that.

It all starts at the helm. There are two seats to starboard, with the outboard one being for the driver; a matching pair of seats to port is for guests, and all have stowage beneath. While I found the driver’s seat comfortable, I was glad it converted to a bolster. I had difficulty seeing over the two-tiered helm—gauges on the upper level, flush-mounted electronics and rocker switches on the lower—and Ritchie compass in the middle of my sightline. I’m 5’9”, and usually on this type of express boat I can get a good view ahead when seated if it has an adjustable seat. And even though I like to stand for a spell, on long trips a comfortable seat is my preference. However, once I flipped the bolster up, I was right there, even with the aforementioned trouble I was having seeing over the two-tiered helm design. “You get used to driving these bigger, long-nosed boats by looking up and way ahead,” Casler said. He was right. Once I did, it was “lean back and enjoy the ride” time.

To make that ride even more enjoyable, there is a large entertainment space just aft of the helm including a Gaggenau electric grill, sink, stowage cabinet, cool box, integrated ice bucket, Raritan ice maker, and a cutting board with a pair of built-in drink holders. (Additional drink holders can be found at the helm and adjacent seating areas.) Find that secluded gunkhole, and with all these convenient features at the ready, a late-afternoon respite can become something special.

Behind the passenger seats to port is a four-seat banquette with stowage compartments beneath the cushions and, across the transom, another seating area with Besenzoni hi-lo table. The decks are all teak, including the steps and the swim platform. The platform hydraulically “sinks” about three feet, handy should you decide to carry your tender here instead of in the cavernous garage.

PAGES: Photo Gallery
BOAT SPECIFICATIONS
Boat Type: Cruiser
Base Price: $2,350,000
Standard Power: 2/1,300-hp MAN D2842 LE 404 diesel inboards
Optional Power: 2/1,500-hp MAN D2842 LE 409 diesel inboards
Length Overall (LOA): 66’9”
Beam: 17’1”
Draft: 4’8”
Weight: 66,140 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 1,030 gal.
Water Capacity: 185 gal.
Standard Equipment: Lewmar V4 windlass forward and 2/C3 warping winches aft; hydraulic swim platform; electrically operated transom garage; Superwinch X1 winch in garage for tender; Raritan 85 ice maker, Coolmatic ice chest, and AEG electric griddle in cockpit; Furuno M1762 radar; Simrad AP20 autopilot; IS12 electronic speed and depth indicators; Shipmate RS 8400 VHF; VDO analog engine instruments, rudder indicator, and freshwater and fuel gauges; Ritchie HF73 compass; Kohler 20-kW genset; Separ SWK 2000 fuel/water separators; Seafire automatic fire extinguishers; Newmar 95-amp battery charger for 24-volt circuits and 20-amp battery charger for 12-volt circuits
Test Engines: 2/1,300-hp MAN D2842 LE 404 diesel inboards
Transmissions / Ratio: ZF190V/2.03:1
Props: 32.5x46.5 5-blade
Steering: Teleflex SeaStar hydraulic, power-assisted
Controls: ZF Mathers electronic
Optional Equipment On Test Boat: Furuno Navnet 1943C color LCD radar/plotter w/GP310B GPS antenna; Simrad RS87 VHF; freshwater washdown w/forward and aft outlets; Gaggenau lava rock cockpit grill; 37” Panasonic plasma TV in saloon; 20” Sharp LCD TV in master; 3/vertical port lights on each side in master; Combo-Matic 6100 washer/dryer; foredeck sunpad; granite countertops and soles in heads; Sunbrella canvas package
Price As Tested: $2,431,756
Conditions: temperature: 68º; humidity: 71%; wind: 20 mph; seas: 2-6’, calm in test area; load: 690 gal. fuel, 55 gal. water, 2 persons, 200 lbs. gear. Speeds are two-way averages measured w/Stalker radar gun. GPH supplied by MAN. Range: 90% of advertised fuel capacity. Decibels measured on A scale. 65 dB is the level of normal conversation. All measurements taken with trim tabs fully retracted.
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