Sunseeker’s latest Manhattan model plays on a familiar formula but has some key enhancements over past models.
You may be wondering why Power & Motoryacht is reviewing the Sunseeker Manhattan 68, a boat that debuted about half a decade ago. The answer is simple. While the exteriors and the 69-foot, 7-inch by 17-foot, 3-inch footprint are virtually untouched, the interiors on this popular model are all new. So much so that it almost constitutes a completely different boat.
Despite an exterior close to the initial design, the Manhattan 68 still pops—as Sunseeker designs are wont to do. Knife-like hullside windows appear to twist like a helix as they peel backward, breaking up the yacht’s profile. At the same time, the after portion of the flybridge swoops back over the cockpit providing shade and making the profile more streamlined. Gone from the older model are shark-fin-like moldings on the aft end of the flybridge. Stainless-steel supports now sprout at an angle from the transom, rather than shooting straight into the air as on the older model. But these differences will only manifest themselves to true aficionados.
The real show starts when you step aboard the hydraulic swim platform and take in the beach club area with an overhead shower, dedicated stowage for Seabobs, and racks and shelves for diving gear and toys, as well as a useful teak bench. A door to port leads to a space that can either be a small crew cabin or lazarette. This area also has a head and shower, as well as a washer/dryer.
Steps to either side of the swim platform lead up to the cockpit. Here, a major change is that Sunseeker has traded a C-shaped settee at the transom for an L-shaped one. This decision helps open up the space to more fluidly link to the salon. Large sliding doors open across a flush entranceway to create a lovely indoor-outdoor entertainment space very much in line with the more casual way that owners—particularly younger ones—like to spend their time aboard. The cockpit settee can be fitted with either a large or small table. I think the smaller one makes more sense as there is already a dining table amidships in the salon. A serviceable galley to starboard with a sink, refrigerator, and freezer acts in tandem with a counterspace forward perched over a dishwasher and wine cooler for dining needs.
The forward portion of the salon can be configured in two different ways. One prioritizes main-deck space, with one staircase leading down to the accommodations level, while a second layout offers a private entranceway to the amidships master. Another update is the removal of the companion seating across from the helm, so the general seating area is much larger. The lower helm itself benefits from excellent lines of sight thanks to nearly 360-degree wraparound windows. Interiors are done with a chic yet laid-back vibe by Design Unlimited.
On the accommodations level, the 68 has a four-stateroom layout. A separate staircase to the master is a really nice touch that imbues this yacht with a real big-boat feel. The master is en suite, of course, and has creative stowage tucked throughout. Lacquered planking on the walls lends a nautical atmosphere while a sofa to port is an excellent place to read a book (or this magazine). The other three cabins are about what you might imagine with an en suite forepeak VIP, and mirroring guests to either side of a companionway.
The Manhattan’s flybridge is going to be a real crowd pleaser. A folding teak table that can seat ten is at the center of U-shaped seating aft, while some forward-facing seating forward to port is a great place to sit when entering a new harbor. The deck is protected from the sun by an electric shade, good for the Brits that built this boat and an Irishman like myself.
Lastly, in the engine room the Manhattan carries either twin MAN V8s or MAN V12s. Performance numbers for the larger engines are not yet available, but with the V8s, top speed is 32 knots, with a cruise of 25. At a 10-knot slow cruise she can go for 550 nautical miles before needing to refuel, making her an excellent choice for Caribbean cruising, especially when paired with a 5-foot, 4-inch draft.
If you are looking for a versatile and stylish boat with a freshly imagined design, you would do well to give the Sunseeker Manhattan 68 a closer look.
Sunseeker Manhattan 68 Specifications:
LOA: 69’7”
Beam: 17’3”
Draft: 5’4”
Displ.: 82,453 lb.
Fuel: 1,057 Gal.
Water: 238 Gal.
Power: 2/1,200-hp MAN V8; 2/1,550-hp MAN V12
This article originally appeared in the August/September 2025 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.
