Sunseeker 88 Yacht Mk 2 Review (2021 Edition)

Around the Marina

With the optional third docking station fitted in the cockpit, you should always be able to find a comfortable spot to berth the 88 Yacht. The flybridge delivers a great elevated view, naturally, but for stern-to mooring in the Mediterranean style, the cockpit station is, frankly, a must-have. The lower helm isn't great for slow-speed work as the view aft and to port is so restricted. 

In terms of handling, a proportional bow thruster is standard with the option to upgrade to a stern thruster or even the Xenta joystick, which combines the props and thrusters into one simple control. It's a nice system but there is so much control with the beautifully weighted ZF throttles and CMC Marine's excellent thrusters that the joystick isn't what you'd describe as a necessary addition. Our test boat didn't have it fitted and the big Sunseeker was a breeze to move around at slow speed thanks to its predictable and responsive reactions to throttle inputs and the beefy shove of those thrusters.

In terms of crewing, it's a big boat so fenders and lines are hefty. Luckily, between the crew space, foredeck storage bins, and anchor locker there is plenty of space to stow all this kit and the decks are safe to move around.

At Sea

Even with a yacht this large that weighs the best part of 80 tonnes, there is an expectation that performance will be strong. It's in Sunseeker's DNA. The combined 4,000hp of the twin MTU 96X motors make light work of that hefty displacement and force the 88 Yacht out of the hole in a miraculously swift fashion. Something this big simply shouldn't be able to power so elegantly towards a top speed knocking on the door of 30 knots.

The flexibility of performance here is remarkable. At one end, it will chase down sportsboats at 30 knots but drop it to displacement speed and it will cover well over 1,000nm at 10 knots. Add the trailing pumps so the yacht can run safely on one engine and that range rockets to over 3,000nm! Truly remarkable for a yacht of this style. At speed, it feels happy anywhere between 18 and 25 knots, and even at the latter, it will cover over 400nm. That's what 11,000 litres of fuel capacity will do for you.

Then there's the handling. The CMC Marine fin stabilisers do an excellent job of nullifying roll at rest and at speed but pull a hard turn and the hull reacts sharply, turning as if on rails with almost immediate effect. Like with its running performance, the yacht's handling doesn't tally with a vessel of such proportions. It's, well, fun, and not many 90-foot yachts come with an engaging driving experience as part of the bargain.

All of that weight and power give the boat an immensely planted feel in a straight line, too. We weren't challenged by much of a sea during the test but it has the feel of a boat that will just crush waves. The combination of its dynamic poise, immense reserves of torque, and fin stabilisers produce a rock-solid ride and unflappable progress across the water.

Originally launched in 2014 as the 86 Yacht, Sunseeker introduced the 88 in 2021, using the 86 hull mould while making a few changes. The superstructure is pushed forward, creating a bigger saloon that sweeps from a lounge aft to a dining area forward. Full-height glass and doors flank the space, leading to the decks on three sides and offering that coveted indoor/outdoor feel.

The aft area sees a major change with a new ‘beach club’ featuring (as a cost option) Sunseeker's X-Tend seating system, also found on the Sunseeker 90 Ocean and 100 Yacht. This system opens up to give low seating on the transom. When raised, it acts as a shade, and the clamshell design opens to form a sun pad area flush with the cockpit above. This is Sunseeker's answer to the market demand for multi-functional living spaces close to the water and it's entirely electronic, hiding away the swimming gear and a shower.

Inside, the detailing is beautiful throughout. Stainless steel accents on the bar front, marble countertops, smoked wood, and underlighting show a real commitment to quality. This decor is interesting without being over the top.

Privacy is well-considered, with the ability to fully close off the galley, doors leading from crew spaces straight outside, and extendable shades at the aft of the cockpit. The crew can move around unnoticed and you can still enjoy your drinks outside without being overlooked when stern-to berthed.

Engine Room

Entering the engine room of the Sunseeker 88 through the crew space's watertight access door, you immediately sense the generous headroom. An additional deck hatch above leads straight to the cockpit for quick inspections or emergencies.

The test boat had a pair of 2,000hp MTUs and these are the largest and likely most popular engine option available. There’s no need to negotiate a cramped space; the room around these monstrous diesel engines makes for easy maintenance and vital components like fuel filters and raw water strainers are within easy reach, good for daily checks.

Equipped with twin generators, air conditioning, massive exhausts, and fin stabilisers, this engine room is a professional fit-out. The fin stabilisers, the only option on this yacht, work at zero speed and keep stability under various conditions, a benefit of fins over a gyroscope. 

For manoeuvring, the boat has proportional bow and stern thrusters (the stern thruster being optional), although you can also rely on traditional throttles. The Xenta joystick system, which combines thrusters and props, can be fitted but wasn't on the test boat.

Another impressive feature is the trailing pumps - these allow for safe operation on a single engine and extend the range to nearly 3,000nm at displacement speed. For a yacht of this style, that’s pretty good going. 

The entrance to the saloon from the cockpit has a lovely curve which is matched in the doors sets the tone right away. Next is the huge seating arrangement with Minotti furniture, featuring a large wrap-around sofa. You can customise this space with a coffee table, footstool, or completely different furniture. Opposite the sofa, there's a TV that pops out of a cabinet with a switch. Climate control, lighting, and blinds are all managed from a panel, with customisable settings like night mode and reading mode.

Standard glass on both sides of the dining area means there are excellent views, but the sliding door cost option is particularly good. This manual sliding door allows a nice thorough breeze when both the rear and side doors are open, enhancing ventilation. The décor here is superb, with smoked eucalyptus contrasting against light flooring and marble inlays on the table. 

The lighting is gorgeous, featuring both indirect overhead lights and a stunning central light fixture. There's dedicated storage for crockery, salt and pepper shakers, and even the teapot (naturally, this is a British boat after all). The glass bulwarks mean you can always see the water from inside the saloon, which is a nice effect when dining. 

Behind the forward wall lies the galley and there's an option for an access door here, although opting for a wine fridge is nice, especially next to the dining table. As standard there's a cloakroom forward but this can be converted into a day head, which is much more convenient for guests as they won’t need to go downstairs to use the toilet. The wheelhouse at the front can be separated from the guest area with a sliding door.

Galley

For a forward galley layout, the Sunseeker 88 Yacht has more room than you might expect. The galley extends back to the bulkhead on the port side, which provides loads of storage space. Being close to the windscreen, however, does mean the galley gets warm quickly on a sunny day so the air-con will be pumping.

There is almost a breakfast bar effect with the central island but it also serves as a great spot for the chef to arrange plates for the crew to transfer to the saloon out onto deck (there are side doors on both sides of this area). 

Cooking amenities include an induction hob with extraction, a microwave, and an oven. There's more storage and cooling space under the counters, but along the bulkhead is a domestic-sized fridge/freezer. 

Owner's Cabin

The amidships owner's cabin is full beam, and the amount of floor space adds to the overall feeling of luxury. There's a plush Minotti sofa, which is a repeat from other areas but fits perfectly next to the bureau and gives you somewhere to relax without having to sit on the bed.

The enormous hull windows allow you to drink in the views from the comfort of the big, low-set bed. Storage options are plentiful, with a mix of low-level storage units and a semi-walk-in wardrobe tucked in the corner.  

The bathroom features twin sinks with a floating unit and under-lighting that creates a pool of light below. Storage underneath is well-protected and practical, while the shower features a rain shower head and wand.

VIP Cabin

To get to the VIP cabin on the 88 Yacht, you have to ascend a run of stairs - a bit unusual for a VIP suite - but it adds a sense of occasion, helped by a solid stainless steel bannister and attractively finished lobby area. 

Right near the door, the ensuite bathroom has a generous size and is highly specified. Twin sinks like the master with storage behind mirrors, inset lighting, and natural light make for a well-lit space. The toilet is discreetly tucked behind the door, and an opening port delivers natural ventilation. The shower is spacious, and again features a rain shower head and a completely flat marble floor, so very easy to move around.

Moving into the cabin itself, a smart partition leads to the sleeping area with a large wardrobe in the corner that offers ample storage. The detailing, once again is beautiful, this is a cabin that guests will be very happy in. 

Both twin guest cabins are identical, with smart detailing and the beds can be configured with runners and a manual slide system to create a double. As twins, these beds are a decent width and length, with natural light through the hull windows. 

Each cabin features bedside tables, repeaters for blinds, lights, and sockets, a TV mounted behind the door, and a generously sized bathroom. Everyone's got privacy and comfort on board the 88 Yacht, which is great for long stays and ideal if you wish to use the boat in a charter capacity.  

Crew Accommodation

Access is via a hatch in the transom, leading to a space for four crew members. Sleeping quarters are OK, though the communal spaces are tight. The galley includes a microwave, storage, and a fridge underneath. Through another door, you'll find the bathroom, with a separate shower cubicle.

The mess area has seating for two with a table opposite and a television. Repeater screens, including a navigation screen and C-M8 system display, allow the crew to monitor and control the yacht’s systems from here. The bunk cabins are quite compact but come with individual air conditioning and storage. 

The upper helm has some very clever details, like the wind deflector, which lifts to provide excellent protection from the breeze. It’s surprising that more yards don’t adopt this design. When the deflector is up, the helm station can be as sleek as you like and the two people at the controls won't have wind hitting them in the face.

This helm station has room for a couple of large Simrad displays and it includes built-in phone charging, an autopilot, and MTU engine switches - though the switches look rather outdated compared to the rest of the modern dashboard. You also have handy switches for the horn, sunroof, and aft bimini.

The helm seats are bolstered, which means you can easily see the bow even when seated.  However, the trim tabs don't have a dial so a little difficult to gauge their position. The throttles are conveniently close though, and the wheel is adjustable.

Lower Helm

From this position, you sit a bit further forward than the upper helm so it feels a bit more plugged in down here. This helm has just a single chair, though a second can be added as an option. The standout here is the pair of enormous Simrad screens, accompanied by the C-M8 system that manages all the yacht’s systems, including tanks and other functions. The dash seems a bit cluttered with various buttons and screens, but it presents information effectively to the skipper.

Visibility aft is compromised due to the galley’s placement - the port side is obscured. On the plus side, the galley's proximity should prove handy for grabbing food and drink during longer passages.

At the waterline, Sunseeker's optional hydraulic bathing platform is a £60,000 addition but it has a 1,000kg lift capacity, meaning it will lift a pretty big tender. Not quite a full beach club really but the area is still nice, featuring a hatch that lifts to reveal a bench and storage for dive tanks and other watersports equipment. The overhead hatch has the option for a built-in overhead shower, though this particular boat only had a deck shower.

The X-TEND seating system would change this area into a seat that can flip to face either the water or up with the cockpit. We've seen this smart setup on other Sunseeker models, and it's a cost option here as well.

The steps leading up to the cockpit hide useful features like the shore power connection and a cassette passerelle that extends from just above the platform for stern-to-mooring. 

Boarding gates on both sides push open and lock in place and the mooring gear is big and chunky, with winches on either side to tighten lines. Controls for the passerelle, platform, and beach club are all conveniently to hand and rope bins on both sides provide a handy spot to chuck your lines and keep everything tidy.

The cockpit itself is vast and flexible. Freestanding Minotti furniture has been placed here for a casual seating area, but if you prefer, a large table can be positioned here for dining al fresco. The X-TEND seating allows for various configurations and gates open up aft to link the huge sun pad to the cockpit. The flybridge overhang gives a nice protected space with lots of spotlights installed in it for the evening.

A sink and fridge are tucked neatly into the back of the cockpit along with a bit of storage, which is a smart addition given that the galley is pretty far away at the forward end of the main deck.

Side Decks & Foredeck

The 88's side decks are nice and wide with high railings, boarding gates on both sides, and good cover overhead from the flybridge superstructure.

The elevated VIP cabin raises the entire foredeck, and so the storage lockers here are chest-high, deep, and great for stowing covers and fenders. There is a teak table for drinks and a spacious sun pad with pop-up backrests. You can relax, sunbathe, or sit and look forward. Poles slot into the deck to support a canopy, providing shade when needed.

At the very front, the working area has twin anchors, accessible windlasses, deep anchor lockers on either side, and substantial mooring cleats with built-in fairleads. Sunseeker has included little benches up front and I really love little spots like this to enjoy the view when the boat is slipping along at single-figure speeds.

Flybridge

The flybridge is one of the key features of the 88 Yacht and there are plenty of customisation options, particularly at the aft end. There can be a fixed sun pad, a hot tub, or some freestanding furniture - it's pretty flexible. The bimini, although a cost option, slides out automatically via a button at the helm, for shade when needed.

The entertaining spaces start with a huge bar. This bar is identical to the one fitted in the 100 Yacht, including a double-sized grill, cooling space, an ice maker, and a big sink. The marble top is just a lovely detail - great for lining up drinks.

The large dinette table can be folded away on both sides and when fully extended, it provides ample dining space, but folding it creates more room to move around. The optional vane sunroof, priced at £30,000, provides good shade and is less likely to rattle compared to a canvas roof. However, if you prefer a larger aperture, the canvas option is a better choice.

Forward of the helm, two helm seats are flanked by additional seating. These seats, with removable backrests, double as a sunbathing area. It’s a simple but effective arrangement. 

The Sunseeker 88 kicks off at a base price of just over £6,300,000 ex VAT with the most powerful engines. Naturally, there are plenty of options to consider, pushing up the price to reach the specification seen on our test boat.

Our Options & Pick

This particular model boasts an array of big-ticket options, including the platinum package (£492,930). This adds fin stabilizers, a hard top, twin generators, tropical air conditioning, a hydraulic stern thruster, fuel polishing, and a teak flybridge.

But that’s not all. Additional upgrades included enhanced air conditioning (£27,804), a moulded hull band (£30,548), a hydraulic bathing platform (£61,500), the sunroof in the hard top (£31,102), the day head on the main deck (£19,162), the sliding saloon door (£28,538), anchor and winch upgrades (£32,076), and a smoked eucalyptus interior (£24,784).

All these additions (plus a raft of other extras) raise the price as tested to around £7,400,000 excluding VAT.

This a pretty realistic turn-key package for the 88 Yacht with pretty much every desirable option fitted. It's a spec that covers warm weather ownership, too, with the boosted air-con and the passerelle and aft docking station set it up well to live in the Med. The only big extra you may want to tick is the X-TEND seating system. Costly, but it transforms the cockpit.