Sunseeker 116 Yacht Review (2019 Edition)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 model 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.

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.

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.

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.