Semi displacement from Sunseeker

[burgundyben]

So I see that the new 155 Sunseeker Yacht is a long keel round bilge semi displacement hull, the first such from Sunseeker, is this the shape of things to come? Or is it more to do with the size of the boat?

I've hold a view that the future of biggish planning mobo's is limited and that displacement boats will become more popular.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

More to do with the size of the boat IMHO. Many boats around that size are displacement hulls but because of their hull lengths can achieve 15kts+ at displacement speeds so full planing capability is somewhat redundant. Also many owners of boats of this size expect their boats to shuttle between the Caribbean and the Med regularly so they have to have 3000nm+ range and carrying enough fuel to do that means that a full planing hull would need a huge amount of power. And yes, I guess even mega rich owners have to think about fuel consumption and environmental responsibility these days.
Yes I agree that the days of gas guzzling 30kt planing boats are numbered unless there is a step change in either hull design or propulsion system which leads to a significant improvement in fuel efficiency. I think an increasing number of boaters will be looking for boats that can perform comfortably at displacement speeds 90% of the time but with the capability to do 15-20kts when needed. That probably means more semi-d or hybrid hulls, stabilisers and smaller engines. Another trend that may drive this is the increasing interest in bluewater motor cruising which requires boats capable of extended offshore passages and the average 30kt planing motor cruiser doesn't fit this market either

 

[Momac]

The Sunseeker website claims it does 26 knots

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

The Sunseeker website claims it does 26 knots

Well it will do with a semi d hull but no way it'll do the claimed 4500nm at 26kts IMHO, this is a boat that will be cruising at d speeds around 15kts most of the time

 

[[2068]]

15kts is enough to "get somewhere".
18-20kts better, if possible without sucking the planet dry.