Sunseeker Superhawk 55 Review (2024 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The Sunseeker Superhawk 55 is built for day boating and cockpit living, though it still carries two well-finished cabins below. Right at the stern, the bathing platform fully submerges to launch a jet ski. As it drops, the transom lowers with it, revealing a Williams Mini Jet tender hidden neatly out of sight when the platform rises again. Stainless steel engine vents and Union Jack-style doors add strong British character, while the back section lifts to reveal deep storage space for deck gear or SeaBobs above the tender.

Movement around the cockpit is easy with access from both sides. The backrests adapt to provide either aft-facing sunbathing or forward-facing seating, depending on what the day calls for. The cockpit table unfolds for dining, and an awning pulls out from the trailing edge of the hardtop when shade is needed. Radar, searchlight, antennas, and navigation lights are cleanly mounted on the hardtop above.

Flexibility continues in the seating layout. Side seating sections slide inward to create an enclosed dining space around the table and slide back again to open the walkway. Lighting built into the hardtop finishes the space nicely. Alongside, the outside catering area is well-equipped with a big sink, a barbecue, a fridge, an ice maker, storage, and even slots for champagne bottles and glasses.

The cockpit stretches almost the full beam of the boat, with minimal side decks. Instead, wide front doors provide easy access forward. These doors pin open to allow airflow even when under way, helping the boat stay open and breezy. A canopy-style sun top replaces the enclosed hardtop often seen today, keeping it true to the open-air dayboat spirit.

The foredeck has a large seating area with storage underneath, and a design tweak is planned to add a cutaway for easier access. Seating here slides back to create a full sun pad if needed, with neat lighting built into the deck. Anchor gear is hidden under lifting panels at the bow, with a remote control neatly tucked nearby. Even the engineering of the cockpit side doors, with their robust hinges and locking mechanisms, feels thoughtfully done.

Inside, the Union Jack motif continues, worked into glass panels and ceiling spars to create a bright atrium feel. The main saloon features a straight settee, although an L-shaped layout is available for a more sociable setup. A TV can be fitted to the wall if wanted. Whole side windows and a large skylight flood the space with natural light, keeping the feel bright and connected to the outside.

Pale grey woodwork sweeps into light oak finishes, adding a contemporary note without making the space feel cold. The galley, designed with the dayboat focus in mind, is compact but smart. It includes a Miele oven, a hob with a downdraft extractor, a sink, storage for crockery, and a large fridge-freezer. The space feels practical and stylish, with enough room for casual dining and food preparation without overpowering the open plan layout.

Guest Accommodation

There is no fixed owner’s cabin - both cabins are well-proportioned and comfortable.

The forward cabin has a central double bed, large hull windows with opening sections, and the Union Jack motif continued in the ceiling. An escape hatch leads directly onto the bow, and there are small reading lights to each side of the bed. A TV can be fitted to the forward bulkhead if required. A good-sized wardrobe is positioned behind the door, and the ensuite bathroom alongside has a full separate shower.

The aft cabin is another well-sized space. Full standing headroom is available at the entrance, tapering off slightly towards the sleeping area to preserve the cockpit height above. Storage areas are tucked under the sides, with power sockets, USB ports, and a hanging locker all easily to hand.

Its ensuite bathroom is arranged as a wet head, with the shower sharing the main space but still leaving an open area alongside. It's a practical and comfortable setup, fitting the Superhawk’s focus on day use and occasional stays aboard.

Twin Volvo Penta IPS 950 engines deliver 725 hp each, pushing the Superhawk 55 close to 40 knots at full tilt. Cruising speed sits around 30 knots, giving a range of about 235 nautical miles, while throttling back to 10 knots stretches that range to nearly 500 nautical miles.

The engine room is accessed through a hatch in the cockpit. Engines are mounted centrally with fuel tanks placed outboard. The generator sits neatly in the centre, with a SeaKeeper gyro stabiliser fitted aft. There’s a tender garage behind, large engine vents for cooling, fire suppression systems, and tidy, accessible engineering spaces throughout.

The Superhawk 55 is a pure dayboat with a strong sense of fun and style, offering clever deck layouts, smart outside catering, and a breezy open-air feel that suits warm-weather cruising perfectly.

The interior is bright, modern, and relaxed, with two cabins and two good ensuites meaning two couples could easily stay aboard for a few days. Smart woodwork, big windows, and thoughtful detailing lift the atmosphere without losing focus on simple usability.

Performance matches the looks, with fast cruising speeds, a solid range, and handling to suit the boat’s sharp, athletic profile. Clever storage, flexible seating, and a clear design focus set the Superhawk 55 apart, giving owners a lively, confident choice within Sunseeker’s 55-foot range.