Sunseeker Predator 60 Evo Review (2019 Edition)

The Predator 60 Evo marks the debut of Sunseeker's new design direction, which will be implemented across a comprehensive new yacht development program consisting of 23 models. As the first glimpse into Sunseeker's future, the 60 Evo carries significant expectations.

Its predecessor, the Sunseeker Predator, achieved remarkable success with 140 yacht sales over four years — a notable feat for a 60ft model. Sunseeker's expertise lies in constructing large yachts exceeding 100ft, making the 60ft range well within their realm of ability.

The Predator 57 gained popularity for its exceptional balance between sporty performance and onboard luxury. The 60 Evo maintains this balance, featuring an aft cockpit and deck salon that combine in both proportion and functionality. At 60ft, it hits a sweet spot in sports yacht design, offering a hull that is as agile as smaller yachts but significantly more capable, with ample onboard space.

The design of the 60 Evo retains the proven 34-knot deep Vee hull design of the Predator 57, now offered with IPS pod drives in addition to the standard shaft drive configuration.

Sunseeker has maintained the layout of the 57, offering three cabins and six berths in the 60 Evo, with consistent levels of headroom, stowage, and space throughout. While the profile remains largely unchanged, there are notable differences upon closer inspection, such as the use of carbon fiber to reduce weight and the introduction of an all-new sunroof system and tender garage.

The overall finish of the 60 Evo is superb, featuring a new Sunseeker finish that will be implemented across all models moving forward. Characterised by crispness, sophistication, and confidence, the new look includes sweeping cabinetry with contrasting dark woods and light materials, accentuated by inset lighting.

The below-deck layout comprises three cabins: a forward VIP, a bunked kid’s cabin, and a full-beam master suite, following a fairly conventional arrangement. While a 60ft yacht typically accommodates three cabins and space for six guests, Sunseeker's inclusion of a lower salon is commendable. This lower salon enhances privacy and guest choice, serving as an excellent spot to commence the day with the galley conveniently nearby for service.

Moving past the galley, you'll find the entrance to the full-beam master suite, offering an exceptional showcase of Sunseeker’s next-generation styling. The cabin boasts ample headroom and space, complemented by the expected hull-side windows, alongside a dressing table and sofa. However, it's the finishing touches that truly elevate the experience — the interplay of light strips, waves of cabinetry, and contrasting fabrics create a vibrant atmosphere. The ensuite is also noteworthy, featuring easy access facilitated by a sliding door (a trend becoming more common) and a spacious shower stall.

The upper deck salon serves as the primary social area, with its U-shaped seating enclosed by glass, including the innovative carbon fibre sunroof with tinted lateral glass sections. The salon of the 60 Evo boasts an impressive level of craftsmanship, from the elegantly sweeping forward cabinetry to the integration of lighting strips and stainless steel accents. However, its standout feature may be how it connects with the aft cockpit.

Elevated and featuring two proper helm seats, this provides a genuine driving experience. The finish combines carbon fiber with dark graphite tones and leather, presenting a serious performance aesthetic. The dashboard accommodates two MFD screens, with the steering wheel and throttle controls conveniently positioned.

The effectiveness of the design is particularly evident when the sunroof is opened. Visibility remains exceptional at all times, but with the roof open, the skipper can fully enjoy the sensation of wind-in-the-hair driving, maximizing the vessel's top speed of 34 knots.

Beyond such leisure, the helm also features Sunseeker's distinctive smart system, enabling remote control of the yacht's onboard systems and integration with your phone for mobile control. Arriving back at your yacht at night? You can conveniently illuminate the deck and interior lights for a warm welcome.

Proportion holds significant importance on every yacht, irrespective of its size. Sunseeker's major competitor, Princess, has achieved considerable success by prioritising the creation of ample space in every usable area of their yachts. However, even Princess would find it challenging to replicate the ideal balance that the Predator 60 Evo offers on deck.

The aft cockpit feels bigger than the salon, but only because of the vast sweep of the sun pad that runs aft. The interior and exterior sections are perfectly aligned and merge into each other thanks to Sunseeker’s magical cockpit door system which slides away at the touch of a button and joins inside with out in one vast lounge.

An unusual feature of the size and style of the yacht is the aft docking station, a neat joystick console set into the wet bar molding, just by the starboard deck access, that gives excellent alongside and aft visibility for when mooring. This supplements the main helm station which features two leather sports seats ahead of a smart dash, with space for two MFDs.

Tenders play a crucial role in yachting, and here the tender garage’s carbon door lifts smoothly to reveal a garage developed in collaboration with Williams Jet Tenders, equipped with a distinctive launch and recovery system. It can accommodate a 3.25m RIB, but the space is also designed to accommodate Williams' new 345 models with a fast-inflate bow section.

The bathing platform is hydraulic and includes a convenient bench seat integrated into the garage door. From here, you can access the single berth crew cabin, allowing for accommodation of up to seven guests onboard.

The Sunseeker Predator 60 Evo comes with a comprehensive set of specifications and details, with much of it being standard. The inherent design, finish, and carbon fibre elements are included in the package, but additional costs may apply for features such as the docking station, tender garage recovery system, air conditioning, and hardwood flooring.

Overall, the specification appears to be in line with other premium builders. However, we were surprised to find that some deck cushions were offered as optional extras...