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
 PAGE 3 of 3
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From my observations so far, it was obvious that Sunseeker had equipped the 68 with amenities for fun on the water. But what about the living accommodations? I found a three-stateroom, three-head configuration designed around the saloon and galley—sort of a “great room” concept. The forepeak and the master, which is aft and amidships of the saloon, both have en suite heads, while the twin-berth stateroom, whose entrance door is aft and to starboard of the saloon, utilizes the day head there. I found ample stowage areas in all the quarters for those long trips. For example, the forepeak’s double berth has stowage beneath as well as a drawer in the island base and three cabinets on each side, and there’s a closet to boot. The guest cabin has under-berth stowage and a closet. The master also has stowage beneath the double berth as well as a pair of closets.

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

The interior finish is of beautifully crafted cherry. The saloon’s generous seating area, featuring a sweeping leather couch and hinged-leaf table—closed it’s an intimate dinner for four; open, a banquet for eight—is to starboard. The galley, with long granite countertop, separate undercounter Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer, four-burner Bosch electric stovetop, and Miele dishwasher, is to port. There are lots of cabinets and drawer space here, plus a Whirlpool microwave and built-in Black & Decker coffee maker.

While paying attention to creature comforts and practical design elements on the outside and inside, Sunseeker didn’t forget about the hands-on skipper or owner. Access to the engine room is via a large hatch in the helm area, and once down there, I found plenty of room for such maintenance items as fluid checks and filter access. However, the fully stand-up area does slope down as you go aft; this is to accommodate the garage, so some bending is required there. Should the difficulties be far aft, such as problems with the steering quadrant, or if more headroom is required, removing the garage’s two-piece sole gives complete access to the engine room. It’s a job best done at the dock and will most likely involve two people.

Besides having to bolster up at the helm, the other drawback I noted is the crew quarters. Access is via a starboard transom hatch and down a vertical ladder that was a tight fit for me. Once there, I found a coffin-like berth and minimal stowage space. While such arrangements are common on boats destined for Europe, if this 68 were mine, I’d opt for using this entire area for stowage.

The combination of performance and luxury works well aboard the Predator 68. She’s exciting to drive, and I can easily see how with all her amenities, this Sunseeker could take her owners and guests around in grand style with real flair. Part of that is courtesy of her racy good looks, and part is the notable woodwork and fine fit and finish found throughout her interior. As far as performance is concerned, the 68 definitely puts on a good show.

Sunseeker Florida
(954) 786-1866

PAGES: Photo Gallery
This article originally appeared in the February 2004 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.
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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