Featuring expansive decks, three excellent cabins, and an impressive 30-knot performance, the Manhattan 55 presents a formidable owner-operated cruising package. Its thoughtful design integrates all the key elements, ensuring a rewarding experience on the water.
During our closer inspection of this imposing yacht on the South Coast of England, we were struck by its attention to detail and overall quality of craftsmanship.
Sunseeker's signature styling is evident in the bold design of the Manhattan 55. Its sharp, commanding lines, reminiscent of larger yacht models, exude confidence. The muscular bow gracefully transitions into topsides adorned with daring, oversized glass panels, adding to its imposing presence.
Despite its size, the Manhattan 55 maintains a sense of proportion and stability, projecting a performance-driven attitude on the water. Inside, the clever and thoughtful design shines through, particularly in the spacious galley aft and three-cabin layout, optimizing comfort and functionality. However, the true highlight lies in the class-leading flybridge, which offers abundant seating and ample space, providing an elevated experience for all onboard.
As expected from a Sunseeker, performance figures play a crucial role. While the top speed of 30 knots aligns with industry standards, it's the suggested cruising speed of 25-26 knots that truly impresses. This optimal cruising speed, coupled with a range of approximately 250nm, offers a compelling balance of efficiency and power for extended voyages. Furthermore, the Manhattan 55's handling is as sharp as its distinctive style, ensuring a responsive and exhilarating experience on the water.
Stepping into the salon of the Manhattan 55 is an experience of space and light, amplified especially when the cockpit doors are opened wide, inviting in the surrounding ambiance. The next delightful surprise is the impeccable finish, characterized by exquisite, rich cabinetry set against soft linings, creating a striking contrast that enhances the yacht's overall aesthetic. Strips of carefully placed lights further contribute to the ambiance, integrating into the design and adding a touch of sophistication to the interior space.
The galley-aft layout of the Manhattan 55 creates a spacious and functional cooking area that extends across the beam, offering ample storage and drawer fridges conveniently located to port. A gentle step up leads to the lounge area, featuring a comfortable U-shaped sofa that doubles as a dining space, with a well-positioned TV cabinet enhancing entertainment options.
Below decks, the owner's cabin immediately impresses with its luxurious design and thoughtful details, such as the ensuite bathroom and backlit shelving that extends from the entranceway. This stateroom exudes a sense of luxury, boasting deep, wide dimensions and rich cabinetry, complemented by a cozy dinette or sofa and generous storage options. Oversized hull windows and ports ensure excellent ventilation, enhancing comfort for extended stays onboard.
At the flybridge helm of the Manhattan 55, a pair of twin seats are strategically positioned before a built-in console, providing the skipper with a commanding view and a sense of control. The well-designed dash accommodates two multifunction displays (MFDs) effortlessly, while Sunseeker's intelligent steering wheel ensures precise handling and control even at high speeds.
The lower helm features a similar console layout but opts for a space-saving bench seat, maximizing functionality while maintaining comfort for extended periods of operation.
Choosing where to begin aboard the Manhattan 55 is a delightful dilemma, with both the aft deck and flybridge vying for attention. Let's ascend first to the flybridge, a remarkable space that immediately captivates with its size and amenities.
Sunseeker has ingeniously crafted a deck featuring two distinct seating areas, a well-equipped wet bar, generous deck space, and a spacious sunpad, leaving us in awe of their design prowess. The complexity of creating such a multifunctional space has even left our competitors scratching their heads in admiration. Additionally, owners have the option to personalize their flybridge with either a sleek hardtop with a sunroof or the standard Bimini, ensuring every detail caters to their preferences and needs.
The aft deck of the Manhattan 55 offers clever integration between the galley-aft salon layout and outdoor living. When the cockpit doors are opened wide, a magnificent bar area effortlessly connects the interior with the exterior space. Complete with two stylish stools, a comfortable U-shaped bench seat, and a teak table, this area fosters a highly sociable atmosphere, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying al fresco dining against the backdrop of the open sea.
Our Verdict
Big, typically bold and luxuriously finished, the Manhattan 55 is a useful reminder of Sunseeker’s flybridge prowess. Loaded with quality and style, this three-cabin yacht borrows plenty of big-boat prowess from its superyacht sisterships but also uses its space in a way that larger yachts could only marvel at, highlighted by a class-leading flybridge, aft deck and Owner’s cabin.
Reasons to Buy
- Best-in-class flybridge
- Spacious beautifully finished interior
- Superb galley aft layout with cockpit bar
- Three good cabins
- 30knots performance
Things to Consider
- No facing salon sofas
- No helm side deck door
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Rivals to Consider
We think the 50ft flybridge market is, pound-for-pound, dollar-for-dollar, the best place to maximize your yachting enjoyment, without the need for crew, while still enjoying serious cruising capability.
The Sunseeker has a good few class-leading attributes, not least its massive flybridge and a rich, palatial owner’s cabin - two key areas. There are, of course, some serious rivals, all offering the same bright, social galley aft salon, a full-beam stateroom, and a 30-knot performance.
The sleek and sophisticated Azimut 53 is an interesting rival because it feels the most different onboard, the Italian builder’s fresh and contemporary take on interior style matched a sleek exterior design.
The Princess F55 is a hugely popular yacht, with some typically intelligent design delivering space from bow to stern. A near-identical layout to the Sunseeker does include facing sofas in the salon, and Princess’ clean, understated finish feels quite different from the Manhattan’s rich detail.
The Ferretti 550 is an older design but doesn't look it, a smaller flybridge is the only possible clue. The rest of the yacht really delivers. This was a design that moved flybridge on and it still looks superb with a glass-lined galley aft salon and smart full-beam owner’s suite.
Considering a new boat? 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 Manhattan
- Model Manhattan 55
- Length Overall 17.21m
- Beam 4.87m
- Draft(full load) 1.26m
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 3
- Berths 6
- Crew 1
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 2,200 Litres
- Fresh Water Capacity 600 Litres
- Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D13-800
- Engine economic speed 10 knots
- Engine max range (speed type) 250 (nm)
Sunseeker Manhattan 55 Layout
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Flybridge
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![Flybridge Sunseeker Manhattan 55]()
This class-leading deck creates two separate seating areas that will convert to sun pads, but you might not need to both as there is already forward pad. The optional hardtop has a big sunroof so you can keep the deck open if you want.
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Sunseeker Manhattan 55]()
A superb example of why the galley aft layout works so well, serving both inside and out and including a fun bar area. Some clever coachroof cuts create a neat foredeck seating area.
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Lower Deck
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![Lower Deck Sunseeker Manhattan 55]()
The three-cabin layout creates two ensuites for the Owner and VIP. The optional crew cabin aft can be sped'd with a utility area and space for a washing machine.
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