Sunseeker Manhattan 55

When you go into a department store, you shop around and pick out a few favorite outfits to try on, with the hopes one will be a perfect fit.

But after a few tugs and shifts, the mirror isn’t being a friend and you don’t feel the ensembles are a good fit, both literally and figuratively. Ultimately, back to the rack the threads go.

It’s the same when buying a boat. Many factors come into play when trying on a new ride. Will it be suitable for my kind of cruising? Can it handle the expected number of people onboard? Do I have the right engine package? And so on. If you settle on a particular boat that doesn’t fit well, you may have buyer’s regret.

I’m here to tell you that I think I found your perfect fit. For those looking for that exceptional cruising yacht in a size that’s easy to handle, offers plenty of social and viewing locations, and can accommodate a small army of party-goers, let me turn your attention to the Sunseeker rack, model Manhattan, size 55.

Sunseeker does build varied styles for all tastes, from Performance models to Sport yachts, even ocean-going superyachts. But for entry-level owners or experienced boaters, the Manhattan 55 seems like the sweet spot that fulfills many needs.

From the top

Starting with the flybridge, Sunseeker had one goal in mind: Create an oasis that offers room for all without being overbearing. Ascending the staircase you come to the starboard helm station. With captain and companion pedestal bucket seats, a cruising couple is able to enjoy the journey together. Even though there’s a lower helm station, the flybridge helm has all you need for safe travels. Dual Garmin multifunction displays give touch control to every navigation system as well as engine stats and operational functions. It’s a roomy station yet doesn’t take up much real estate.

Enjoy the U-shaped settee aft that flanks a fold-out teak table. There’s another settee to port, keeping guests close by. Forward of the helm is a full-width sunpad. To port is a wetbar entertainment center, with a flip-top that reveals a molded-in sink and a Kenyon electric grill. Below are a fridge/freezer combo and ice maker. With these features, you may never have to leave the flybridge.

What makes the flybridge so fly is the integrated hardtop that has its own retractable center canopy. Not just useful during the day, but the open canopy also gives a vista of starlit nights. Time to play The good thing on this sea trial is that it was just me and Capt. Gary Axelrod of One Water Yacht Group in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, onboard so I was able to check out the rest of the 55 on my own without any sales pitches. With tape measure in hand, I was sizing up headroom, sitting on the sofas, opening drawers and seeing how the Manhattan 55 would fit me. I’m pleased to report that with a smart layout for a 55-footer, this boat offers a lot.

For easy access, the 55 has full walk-around teak decks, so tending to lines and fenders as well as walking to the fore sunpad (with table) and having a cocktail in hand should be easy. Railings are high and sturdy and add a level of security.

Thick seat cushions are comfortable on the main deck aft transom settee. I like the use of the flip-out tables, saving space but fulfilling a job when fully opened. To port are twin fixed bar stools, usable for aft deck entertaining. But open up the aft door and drop the portside aft window and the bar stools are nestled up to the galley counter, perfect for an afternoon cocktail or morning coffee. With the galley located in the aft port corner, opening the window and door creates this open feel between the salon and aft deck, keeping everyone in the mix and ensuring serving meals is effortless.

Main event

Complete with Miele convection oven and a four-burner flat cooktop, along with four Vitrifrigo fridge/freezer drawers across to starboard (with drawer faces covered with a wood veneer), a Slimline dishwasher, a wine cooler and a covered split sink, the 55’s galley can create any kind of meal. With the galley aft, it really is mid-level when the aft door/window are open. For those days when the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s a large salon U-shape settee that’s great for relaxing but also meant for indoor dining, thanks to the large wood coffee/dining table. Across is a loveseat, with a pop-up TV behind. With large windows all around (several do open electrically) and 80 inches of headroom, the main deck is bright, airy and inviting.

Forward to starboard is the lower helm, perfect for those long transits or when you need to ditch the weather. I like the lower station as you don’t have to enclose the top deck with curtains if you don’t want (but may not be a bad idea).

Way down

Sunseeker didn’t pull back on the fit and finish of the lower level. They carry the satin-finished smoked eucalyptus wood walls, Cadorin hardwood flooring and leather furnishings through each room. Taking advantage of the beam (measuring an impressive 16 feet) is the mid-primary stateroom. Sporting 78 inches of headroom and generous walk-around space, if you feel claustrophobic in here, you need to see a doctor. A centerline king berth is accompanied to starboard by split cushioned seats (a bit larger than a chair) with a center table, perfect as a laptop workstation or desk. Ample storage is found in the lockers and drawers. A private ensuite head has a basin sink and a separate shower stall. For guests, there’s a forward twin berth stateroom to starboard. A VIP is in the peak, with a centered berth and private entrance to the shared head.

Getting some time on the wheel was a fun experience. The Manhattan 55 has enough “sport” in it to make it exciting, but also has a bit of panache that keeps it classy. Hitting the sticks wide open to 2300 RPM delivers 30 knots of speed from a pair of Volvo Penta D13-800 diesel powerplants with straight shafts. Settle in at 1800 RPM for approximately 18.6 knots b]urning 49 gph. And there’s space in the engine room to access the engines and ancillary systems.

On the open ocean, she tracked true. On the river, she instantly responded to close-quarter commands. Capt. Gary precisely kept the 55 where he wanted it as we waited for several bridges on the New River.

The Sunseeker Manhattan 55 is a perfect fit, every time.