Fairline vs. Sunseeker

[Ultimatedave2003]

I am considering the purchase of a new Fairline Gran Turismo vs. Sunseeker Portofino (both 52 feet). Any input in terms of how to differentiate these boats in terms of quality, fit and finish, ride and price would be greatly appreciated

 

[IzzyC]

Unfortunately I am only a Sealine person. I believe that the Fairline & Sunseeker are much the same in quality etc. but I think that you had better get an expert opinion on that. Why don't you just go for a test sail in each & trust instinct. Good luck.

 

[Ultimatedave2003]

I have been on a test ride on each, yet I am still conflicted. I was hoping someone might know or have experience (positive or negative) with each of the brands

 

[Jobs_a_ good_ un]

I always thought fairline had a better name than sunseeker
I wouldnt touch a sunseeker over a fairline just my opinion of course

 

[compie1]

I can not say that my opinion is 100% objective but i own a Sunseeker wich is now 13 years old (still in perfect condition) and I can tell you I would def. buy one again in fact we went looking for a new flybridge this year and compared Fairline Princess and Sunseeker all in the 50ft segment , only 1 had the wow factor of design, finishing and style and that was the Manhattan 50, my personal favourite is the Portofino 53 with the hardtop but that is another discussion. (keeping it here or the Med) every Sunseeker owner seems to say the same: if I buy another one it will be again a Sunseeker wich meens a lot… good luck you made a good choice.

 

[stelican]

Take a look at the Azimut/Atlantis 55,hardtop and 3 cabins 2 are full doubles 3 heads and extremely modern. www.atlantisyachts.it

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

I dont think there's much difference between either in terms of build quality and hull design so the decision would be down to other factors like price, resale, proximity of a dealer to your cruising location and, of course, personal preference
I did hear that Fairline were having difficulty shifting T52's so drive a hard bargain with them

 

[KevB]

In my mind Sunseeker are the Ferrari of the boat world and Fairline are the BMW.

So do you see yourself as a Ferrari owner (fast flash geezer who likes taking risks) or a BMW owner (company rep)?? /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[ari]

Not Ferrari, Porsche maybe, with Fairline as BMW.

Analogy fails when you get to performance tho, as Sunseeker not really any faster than Fairline.

So Sunseeker Porsche's that don't go any quicker, but look the biz.

Like Sunseekers a lot, but feel maybe they're a little too "Peter Stringfellow/Nigel Mansell" for me.

 

[ari]

Riva are Ferrari. Or Maserati maybe...

 

[KevB]

Nah. Riva are Bentley GT. A gentlemans sports car/boat

 

[DavidJ]

If you have thoughts of taking it to the Med and at some stage doing a trade in there, then the Sunseeker has a more international name and in consequence may be more saleable.
To be honest at the boat shows there is very little difference in boat standards between Princess, Fairline, Sunseeker and Sealine.

 

[andis]

I own a 2001 T48 and my friend owns a 1996 Camargue 55.
Sunseekers are flashier and have slightly better materials.
The fairline will be a far better sea boat - be sure of that, I've been on many.

Also, depreciation is a lot worse with Sunseeker.
Finally, as was also mentioned, you can bairgain a better deal with Fairline at the moment on a T52.
Hence, lower price now and higher in resale, makes for a less expensive hobby /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[KevB]

[ QUOTE ]
The fairline will be a far better sea boat - be sure of that, I've been on many.


[/ QUOTE ]

I thought Sunseeker were renowned for their deep V hulls which inherintly give a better ride in the rough stuff, although wetter than the lesser V of a Fairline.

 

[andis]

a sunseeker is typically wider and flatter at the stern to aid speed. they are usually built for speed as they do not expect their customers to travel at anything above force 4. also, their weight distibution and center of gravity are compromised for internall volume.

 

[compie1]

I should not dare to say that sunseekers are made to stay under force 4 /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif lets keep this a bit serious.

We travel in all kinds of seas and never had to back down to an other fast planning boat of our size yet.

The deep V makes them cut the waves so good that you dont jump round in heavy seas, as some other brands do, if they were posh boats only, they wouldnt have made it so far... just look at the range they produce...

They are always bit ahaid on design in the UK too, your boat always looks younger than another UK brand after a few years...

 

[KevB]

[ QUOTE ]
a sunseeker is typically wider and flatter at the stern to aid speed. they are usually built for speed as they do not expect their customers to travel at anything above force 4. also, their weight distibution and center of gravity are compromised for internall volume.

[/ QUOTE ]

It just so happens that the deadrise of a portofino 53 is 19 deg and that of a targa 52 is 20 deg. so I guess taking as read what you said in your previous post, Targa 52's shouldn't go out in more than a gentle F3 /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Vagabond]

What's deadrise on a Sessa? must be 2 deg going by the amount of water you get over the top Kev!

 

[KevB]

Who rattled your cage. And it's 16 deg fyi. That's why I keep going when everyone around slows down. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif And yes it's also why I get wet!! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[stelican]

Interesting comment on deadrise but I would point out that the higher the number makes for a deeper V. Maybe this is why the Targa appears to ride more bow up than the SS