On Board Review

Sunseeker 116 Yacht Review (2019 Edition)

Sunseeker's 35m superyacht stands as a pinnacle of British craftsmanship, revered by buyers for its spaciousness, style, and extensive owner customization options.

Exemplifying Sunseeker's renowned blend of boldness and functionality, the 116 Yacht stands as a shining example of its superyacht design prowess.

Boasting some of the most impressive decks in its class, it combines versatility with luxury, featuring a spectacular owner's stateroom and a flexible semi-custom five-cabin interior. With a top speed of 24 knots and a range of 2000nm, the 116 Yacht effortlessly balances speed with endurance, making it a perennial favourite among buyers in the superyacht market.

Sunseeker 116 Yacht Key Facts

Sunseeker 116 Yacht illustration
  • LOA 115.486ft
  • Model Year 2019
  • Cabins 5
  • Crew 5
  • Max Speed 24 knots
  • Status Discontinued
  • Yacht Type Superyacht
  • Use Type Cruising

Design & Build

Sunseeker sets itself apart by making a bold statement that commands attention even in the busiest marinas. Yet, beyond its visually striking exterior, Sunseeker's designs prioritize substance alongside style. The bold and muscular topsides and superstructures not only exude power but also maximize interior volume, ensuring ample space for luxurious living. Complemented by serious interior style, Sunseeker yachts offer an unrivaled combination of visual impact and functional elegance.

sunseeker 116 yacht design
One of the best examples of Sunseeker's bold, glass-clad W-like design © Sunseeker

The iconic W-like design featured across the Sunseeker Superyacht range reaches new heights of elegance and functionality in the 116 model. This innovative design incorporates two sections of deep glass for the five-cabin interior, with expansive forward windows promising breathtaking views from the main deck owner's stateroom. Amidships, deep cutaway bulwarks enhance the salon's ambiance by providing unparalleled vistas of the surrounding seascape.

Externally, the 116's exterior design showcases a spacious foredeck terrace, epitomizing luxury and offering one of the most impressive outdoor living spaces available in its class.

sunseeker 116 yacht design
A smart two-deck design © Sunseeker

With a sleeker profile compared to its tri-deck counterpart, the 131, the 116 exudes a modern aesthetic while retaining the signature flared bow sections characteristic of Sunseeker's larger models. Notably, this model features a vertical prow, a design evolution seen in Sunseeker's more recent 42M and 50M Superyacht models.

Despite its low-profile appearance, the 116 maintains functionality with a separate bridge and is propelled by a planing hull driven by twin 2,600hp 16V MTU shaftdrive engines, delivering an impressive top speed of 24 knots. For extended cruising, owners have the option of larger fuel tanks, extending the range to approximately 2000nm at 12 knots.

Interior Accommodation

Following superyacht convention, the main deck layout of the 116 features a spacious lounge and forward dining area, enclosed within expansive sections of glass that flood the interior with natural light. Positioned just forward is the large, well-equipped galley, offering convenient access for both guests and crew. Crew quarters below the deck are easily accessible from the side deck, ensuring efficient service without intruding on guest areas.

sunseeker 116 yacht interior
The salon features massive side-deck doors for the lounge © Sunseeker

The exceptional views offered by the cutaway bulwarks are further enhanced by the expansive side deck doors, allowing for an immersive connection with the surrounding environment. Unlike many other builders who position such doors forward, Sunseeker's thoughtful design places them around the lounge area, maximizing accessibility and creating an indoor-outdoor flow. Paired with wide aft deck doors, this configuration enables the lounge to be opened on three sides, offering flexibility and freedom.

Inside, the finish and color palette can be tailored to reflect the owner's style. The test yacht showcases a sophisticated combination of dark Wenge wood, complemented by contrasting high-gloss sections and clever lighting solutions, resulting in a luxurious and inviting interior ambiance.

sunseeker 116 yacht design
A stateroom which feels like a boutique hotel © Sunseeker
sunseeker 116 yacht ensuite
sunseeker 116 yacht design

Cabin Choice

Transitioning to the Owner's stateroom, one cannot help but be awestruck by the breathtaking views afforded by the deep windows, creating an ideal setting for a lounge and study area. The ensuite on the test yacht is located forward in the bows, accessed via a couple of steps. The layout offers flexibility, with the option for a twin configuration featuring twin showers, or, as demonstrated here, a spacious central shower. Additionally, owners have the option to include a luxurious bath for added indulgence and comfort.

sunseeker 116 yacht design
Offset, diagonal berths create interesting VIP rooms © Sunseeker
sunseeker 116 yacht design
sunseeker 116 yacht design

The true versatility of the 116's semi-custom build is most apparent below decks. While the standard layout includes four guest cabins, with two VIPs amidships and twins forward, all ensuite, owners have the freedom to personalize their space according to their preferences. This can include opting for a single, expansive VIP cabin or replacing one of the twins with a dedicated study area. Sunseeker's semi-custom approach even allows for completely unique layouts, such as one yacht featuring a dedicated gym below deck. This commitment to customization is at the heart of Sunseeker's ethos, ensuring each yacht reflects the individual tastes and needs of its owner.

Helm Station

The flybridge helm integrates with the deck's relaxed lounge atmosphere, featuring smart twin seats and a subtle console that blends effortlessly into the surroundings. Despite its understated appearance, the helm station offers excellent functionality, ideal for shorter cruises. A cleverly designed lip shades the counter-sunk dash, ensuring optimal visibility and ease of reading the twin multi-function display screens and instruments. This thoughtful design approach combines both style and practicality, enhancing the overall experience for those at the helm.

sunseeker 116 yacht helm
sunseeker 116 yacht helm
sunseeker 116 yacht bridge
The bridge sits between the main and flybridge deck, and offers an impressive driving position © Sunseeker

For extended passages, a central stairwell leads to a sophisticated bridge. The interior finish exudes a luxurious executive automotive aesthetic, characterized by rich dark leather and wood accents, instilling a sense of purpose and refinement. To starboard, a spacious chart area accommodates twin pods capable of supporting up to four multi-function display screens, ensuring comprehensive navigational capabilities.

Ample seating is provided for both crew and guests, with this particular yacht featuring an L-shaped bench and table for added comfort and functionality. Despite the current helm design, Sunseeker is actively developing a next-generation helm design for its superyacht range, hinting at exciting innovations to come in future models.

Deck Lifestyle

The 116 boasts two expansive and socially inviting deck areas, each offering impressive amenities and views. While the upper flybridge typically takes precedence, the forward section of this yacht demands immediate attention. Positioned above the owner's cabin, this deck features a surround of seating, generously sized forward-facing sun pads, and a lower section suitable for installing a Jacuzzi.

Surpassing the forward lounge of the 131 yacht in both size and allure, it serves as the ideal retreat while in port, especially when the yacht is moored stern-to. Moreover, it provides an exhilarating spot for guests to enjoy the journey while underway, further enhancing the overall experience aboard the 116.

sunseeker 116 yacht decks
The foredeck terrace features lounges and sunpads with space for a Jacuzzi in the lower section © Sunseeker
sunseeker 116 yacht decks
sunseeker 116 yacht decks

The flybridge serves as the ultimate spot for experiencing the thrill of this yacht's performance. On the test yacht, a forward bar area adjacent to the helm offers a convenient spot for refreshments, while a spacious dining table positioned athwartships provides ample seating for enjoying meals with stunning views. Aft, guests can relax on abundant lounge furniture, soaking in the sun and sea breeze.

Deep structural A-pillars and a hardtop create a sense of enclosure and privacy in the central flybridge area. However, the prevailing sensation is one of spaciousness, especially in terms of width, affording owners abundant options for customizing the final layout to suit their preferences.

sunseeker 116 yacht decks
This image perfectly reflects what is a wonderfully social flybridge deck © Sunseeker
sunseeker 116 yacht decks
The hydraulic swim platform
sunseeker 116 yacht decks
A tender garage lies behind that tall transom door

At sea level, the yacht features a stern tender garage that provides easy and efficient launch and recovery for a RIB and PWC. However, due to the transom door design, there is no space available for a waterside terrace outside of the swim platform. Nevertheless, the focus remains on functionality and convenience, ensuring smooth operations for watercraft storage and usage.

Value For Money

The competitive nature of the market becomes apparent when examining pricing in the €UR 13M-€ 14M range, with all major builders closely aligned in cost. However, it's important to note that this figure is subject to change based on the specific specifications chosen by buyers. Builders offering true semi-custom options stand to benefit significantly, as they can cater to individual preferences and deliver tailored solutions to discerning buyers.

The 116 Yacht is competitively priced around €UR 14M, reflecting Sunseeker's commitment to providing a high standard specification while also offering customization options. Sunseeker is adept at tailoring each yacht to meet the unique preferences of buyers, and they are open to collaborating with outside designers if necessary, all without significantly increasing costs or extending build times.

Moreover, the 116's healthy new build numbers contribute to favorable residual values, bolstering its presence in the brokerage market and ensuring a strong resale value for owners in the future. This combination of competitive pricing, customization capabilities, and strong resale value positions the 116 Yacht as an attractive investment in the luxury yacht market.

sunseeker 116 yacht design
It's not exactly hard to see why she's a best-seller © Sunseeker

Our Verdict

There may or may not be an old proverb that suggests while a great yacht might not always sell well, a yacht that does sell well will always be great. The Sunseeker 116 Yacht undoubtedly falls into the latter category, selling like proverbial hotcakes. This superb superyacht is laden with fantastic design, boasting two excellent decks and stirring performance. However, don't just take our word for it; listen to the many happy Sunseeker 116 owners who attest to its excellence.

It's no coincidence that the best-selling 35m yacht is also one of the finest examples of Sunseeker's bold and brave large yacht design. With its enduring appeal and timeless quality, the Sunseeker 116 Yacht will undoubtedly remain a sought-after model on the brokerage market for decades to come.

Reasons to Buy

  • Two excellent decks areas across the flybridge and foredeck
  • Versatile five-cabin layout
  • Superb example of Sunseeker design
  • 20-knot cruising
  • Huge glass sections

Things to Consider

  • Conventional salon design
  • No aft terrace

Looking to own a Sunseeker 116 Yacht? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Sunseeker 116 Yachts for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Sunseeker 116 Yacht, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used yachts for sale and find your perfect yacht today!

Rivals to Consider

The current 35m superyacht market is awash with luxury, semi-custom choice. Go a little longer on hull length and you will find plenty of tri-deck designs, but at 35m (115ft) we see mainly two exterior decks with an upper flybridge. There are exceptions to this, as with the Benetti Mediterraneo 116, but these tend to be more 2.5-deck designs, with isolated lower aft decks or sneaky upper perches.

As the Sunseeker is a fast cruising yacht, with a 24-knot top speed, we have chosen similarly swift rivals, but there is a whole fleet of semi and full displacement models all offering the same level of space and style. 

All boats at this LOA are at least five-cabin, most with a main deck Owner’s stateroom, but the semi-custom nature of each build means you can opt for a four, five or even six-cabin layout. Most yachts are, regardless of top speed, also serious passage-makers with a 2000nm+ range. 

Usefully, and quite surprisingly, this premium market is very close and competitive on price. The yachts we have listed have a base price of around €13m ($15m), with any notable variations smoothed out once options and specifications are decided. There are some interesting variations, though. In what might be a first, the sublime Riva 110 Dolcevita comes in slightly lower, perhaps pointing to why this model has sold so very well. At the other end, Westport comes in high but does offer an excellent standard specification. And specification makes a big difference to the final on-water price.   

Sitting at the very top of production yachting, the build numbers for the 116 Yacht are impressive, with some 21 launched in just five years. The Azimut Grande 35m Metri can match it with around 17 built in just four years. The Azimut offers even more glass than the Sunseeker and a wonderfully sneaky third deck, a fun lookout-style platform above the flybridge. A side tender garage allows a waterside terrace and bar to be worked into the transom.

Buyer confidence is clearly a good indicator of quality and capability, so the Riva 110 Dolcevita, a yacht that sits at the very summit of quality, has an impressive 15 sales to its name in just a few years. The Riva is a slightly smaller yacht at 33.5m but has a good 7.3m beam with five excellent cabins and a spectacular salon and flybridge.    

Sanlorenzo has been busy shaking up the 40-70m market of late, but it has plenty of firepower around 35m. The SL118 and SL120 Asymmetric are two key rivals, both are fast, spacious and smart, the larger 120 offering a full beach club and an impossibly large salon and main deck stateroom.

Staying in Italy, the larger 38m (125ft) Custom Line 120 is similarly priced to the Sunseeker with the same five-cabin, two-deck layouts, sleek, sharp design and massive glass sections.      

All of these yachts are still in production, so the healthy build numbers are only going in one direction. The yachts also share similarly healthy brokerage values, so this is an equally relevant pool for used boat buyers.

One newer yacht that hasn’t had time to build up sales number data is the American Westport 117, a serious yacht with a modernist take on the Westport style including a split-level upper deck with an open working area aft.

Considering a new yacht? Explore Sunseeker's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.

Specifications

  • Builder Sunseeker
  • Range Superyacht
  • Model 116 Yacht
  • Length Overall 115.486ft
  • Beam 24.049ft
  • Draft 8.005ft
  • Hull GRP
  • Cabins 5
  • Berths 10
  • Crew 5
  • Cruising Speed
  • Max Speed
  • Fuel Capacity 3,817 Gallons
  • Fresh Water Capacity 1,057 Gallons
  • Engine Model 2x MTU 16V 2000 M96L
  • Engine HP 2638
  • Engine economic speed 12 knots
  • Engine max range (speed type) 1560 (nm)
New Model Specs & Options

Sunseeker 116 Yacht Layout

  • Optional jacuzzi on foredeck

    Sun Deck Sunseeker 116 Yacht

    Technically a flybridge due to its steering position, this deck is wide, private and packed with opportunity. The foredeck lounge spreads down to the bows with massive sunpads and space for a Jacuzzi.     

  • Wheelhouse Sunseeker 116 Yacht

    The bridge sits between the main and flybridge decks, with good visibility forward

  • Main Deck Sunseeker 116 Yacht

    The conventional salon lacks some of the curves more recent designs come with but is a bright, glass-clad space with a large dining area and main deck Owner's stateroom. 

  • Lower Deck Sunseeker 116 Yacht

    The standard four-cabin layout is full of potential for change. The crew quarters lies forward, the stern taken up by a tender garage.

View All Layout Options