Sunseeker Superhawk 48/50 Review

[SageMaster]

Hi All,
What are your thoughts on Sunseeker Superhawk 48/50

1. Whats the difference between the two models
2. How to they handle moderate to heavy seas.
3. pros and cons of stern drives to surface drives.
4. advice on restoring these.
5. what other vessels compare for speed, quality and seaworthiness.

Greatly appreciate you advice.

 

[ChromeDome]

Until someone with personal experience chip in, a search for Sunseeker "Superhawk" test review 48 finds several reviews.

Even finds posts on these forums.

 

[stelican]

The 48 looks much smaller in the photo.

 

[Portofino]

They look nice sure .They are very thin old school arrow like hulls .This might ….well does impact on interior space if you want to live on board for a few days ? You have not said what’s the intended use age pattern .A day boat fast commuter in the Med then even the narrow beam impacts on the cockpit live ability .Additionally what it can carry in terms of toy ….tenders etc .

Then theres the drives Volvo Penta ..….now all aged. Basically ongoing money pits in the 48 avoid a tripple btw .Similarly in the 50 the surface drive is a bit better with none Volvo engine’s but the Trimax drives could be maintenance heavy at that age .That’s a service history, Close inspection of recent expenditure thing really ,That file need to be at least 10 cm thick .

Having said all this you can’t defy the basic laws of physics that s the running issue with these = the excess rear ward weight distribution ( avoid the triple) Even the 50 with big engines and overhanging surface drives suffers .They are unbalanced.

This brings me round to sea keeping / running etc .They can’t run very well at low to mid speeds as the bog down at the stern because of the rear wards weight and narrow arrow beam unable to produce enough lift .So they can porpoise a lot if the sea state makes them slow down .
Followings big seas tend to bow steer in big seas as the waves push the stern around and the narrow bow sinks .
So really the sea states dictates when you can go out , it’s a narrow range of low F numbers so you can travel at high enough speed to get the best dynamics out the hull .

I have witnessed plenty in the Med making heavy going in moderate waves .Up wind the cockpit occupants ( long thin hull goes well ) ge very wet , ladies get a hair wash from the spray . Overtaken a plenty btw when the going gets tough - waves .

Your final Q 5 .
It all depends on balance - central mounted engines , the hull form and many other details summed up .
The better tend to be Italian mid engined and a more efficient speed beam ratio for stability at speed .The ultimate wave crushers while not backing off have dead-rises over 20 degrees .Are simply heavier built because there was no Hp limiting factor Sunseeker where tied to back in the day wedded to Volvo Penta .

The likes of Baia B1 , Itama 38 through to 50 , Pershing various sizes up to 50 , Rizzardi , + many more handle a far wider range of sea states and depending on engines and drive configuration equal speeds as the SH 48/50 s .Plus far better accommodation if that’s in the mix ?
They cost more and burn more fuel or will do as they hardly ever need to back off and carry proper high displacement trad turbo diesels . Which if shafts in the long run are more reliable and arguably cost less over all then running lightweight aged VP boat which is fundamentally unbalanced .

Edit = As always try before you buy …..in the sea states you are questioning ^ .

 

[SageMaster]

The 48 looks much smaller in the photo.

They look nice sure .They are very thin old school arrow like hulls .This might ….well does impact on interior space if you want to live on board for a few days ? You have not said what’s the intended use age pattern .A day boat fast commuter in the Med then even the narrow beam impacts on the cockpit live ability .Additionally what it can carry in terms of toy ….tenders etc .

Then theres the drives Volvo Penta ..….now all aged. Basically ongoing money pits in the 48 avoid a tripple btw .Similarly in the 50 the surface drive is a bit better with none Volvo engine’s but the Trimax drives could be maintenance heavy at that age .That’s a service history, Close inspection of recent expenditure thing really ,That file need to be at least 10 cm thick .

Having said all this you can’t defy the basic laws of physics that s the running issue with these = the excess rear ward weight distribution ( avoid the triple) Even the 50 with big engines and overhanging surface drives suffers .They are unbalanced.

This brings me round to sea keeping / running etc .They can’t run very well at low to mid speeds as the bog down at the stern because of the rear wards weight and narrow arrow beam unable to produce enough lift .So they can porpoise a lot if the sea state makes them slow down .
Followings big seas tend to bow steer in big seas as the waves push the stern around and the narrow bow sinks .
So really the sea states dictates when you can go out , it’s a narrow range of low F numbers so you can travel at high enough speed to get the best dynamics out the hull .

I have witnessed plenty in the Med making heavy going in moderate waves .Up wind the cockpit occupants ( long thin hull goes well ) ge very wet , ladies get a hair wash from the spray . Overtaken a plenty btw when the going gets tough - waves .

Your final Q 5 .
It all depends on balance - central mounted engines , the hull form and many other details summed up .
The better tend to be Italian mid engined and a more efficient speed beam ratio for stability at speed .The ultimate wave crushers while not backing off have dead-rises over 20 degrees .Are simply heavier built because there was no Hp limiting factor Sunseeker where tied to back in the day wedded to Volvo Penta .

The likes of Baia B1 , Itama 38 through to 50 , Pershing various sizes up to 50 , Rizzardi , + many more handle a far wider range of sea states and depending on engines and drive configuration equal speeds as the SH 48/50 s .Plus far better accommodation if that’s in the mix ?
They cost more and burn more fuel or will do as they hardly ever need to back off and carry proper high displacement trad turbo diesels . Which if shafts in the long run are more reliable and arguably cost less over all then running lightweight aged VP boat which is fundamentally unbalanced .

Edit = As always try before you buy …..in the sea states you are questioning ^ .

Hi Portofino really appreciate your experienced feedback. Thanks so much for the in-depth reply. Yes I was looking at spending a few nights aboard and was ship one to Australia. We have some big seas here so may need a more suitable hull. A pity as they look damn sexy.

Whats your thoughts on the Fountain Express Cruiser 48. Would this be a better option. Thanks again.

 

[MRC]

Having owned dozens of boats and plenty of SH34's and 48/50's I still think my 48 with 3 x KAD300 was one of teh best fun day / weekend boats ever. Loved it. Was younger then and loved open boats, now back in the UK we have an enclosed boat.

But the new SH55 is really pulling at the heart strings.

 

[Portofino]

Hi Portofino really appreciate your experienced feedback. Thanks so much for the in-depth reply. Yes I was looking at spending a few nights aboard and was ship one to Australia. We have some big seas here so may need a more suitable hull. A pity as they look damn sexy.

Whats your thoughts on the Fountain Express Cruiser 48. Would this be a better option. Thanks again.

Yes without doubt .
I nearly bought a SH 48 and a 50 .Have a mate who had a 50 but a one off with Arnesons ( std was Trimax ) and Fiat powertrain twin 700 s .Fast on flat seas could easily see 60 knots but it was very rare the sea was that flat and the accommodation as I mentioned poor ,Ie you cant stand up below unless you are 5 ft tall ! .No where to store stuff etc .

Jeff Fountains 48 is a better boat than any SH .You can stand up , it beam L ratio is good it’s fast stepped hulls .Deep deadrise.
Stepped hulls fail to air rate properly in a bigger beam seas as the wave block air passages …..
Also it’s beamier hull means it can be had with Aircon + geny + tender storage = stuff that enhances nights on board and away at anchor .
I looked at the F48 too but availability was limited in the Med and yes I did consider flying out to Florida , to view and sort out bringing one over .Sone technical aspects of the AC electrotwackery and shore power compatibility plus a huge barrier of Brussels regs basically killed the idea ,

Talk to the dealers they know .

You are approaching this the right way btw ……sort out the seakeeping @ speed first then find one with the accommodation that suits your needs .

PYB on this forum is the best person to advise you and even find you a boat help ship it from the EU to Aus .

 

[SageMaster]

Having owned dozens of boats and plenty of SH34's and 48/50's I still think my 48 with 3 x KAD300 was one of teh best fun day / weekend boats ever. Loved it. Was younger then and loved open boats, now back in the UK we have an enclosed boat.

But the new SH55 is really pulling at the heart strings.

Hi MRC appreciate your insight. How did it perform in different sea conditions. Do the 48/50 SH perform differently in heavy seas with stern drives or surface drives? What top speed did you get? What would be your advice to an owner of a second hand SH 49/50?

 

[SageMaster]

Yes without doubt .
I nearly bought a SH 48 and a 50 .Have a mate who had a 50 but a one off with Arnesons ( std was Trimax ) and Fiat powertrain twin 700 s .Fast on flat seas could easily see 60 knots but it was very rare the sea was that flat and the accommodation as I mentioned poor ,Ie you cant stand up below unless you are 5 ft tall ! .No where to store stuff etc .

Jeff Fountains 48 is a better boat than any SH .You can stand up , it beam L ratio is good it’s fast stepped hulls .Deep deadrise.
Stepped hulls fail to air rate properly in a bigger beam seas as the wave block air passages …..
Also it’s beamier hull means it can be had with Aircon + geny + tender storage = stuff that enhances nights on board and away at anchor .
I looked at the F48 too but availability was limited in the Med and yes I did consider flying out to Florida , to view and sort out bringing one over .Sone technical aspects of the AC electrotwackery and shore power compatibility plus a huge barrier of Brussels regs basically killed the idea ,

Talk to the dealers they know .

You are approaching this the right way btw ……sort out the seakeeping @ speed first then find one with the accommodation that suits your needs .

PYB on this forum is the best person to advise you and even find you a boat help ship it from the EU to Aus .

Thanks Porto, Great info.

What are your thoughts on conversion of Fountain 48 to 4 x outboard 400's. It seams conversion becoming popular as outboard technology reliability, weight and fuel economy improves. Also in regards to shipping to Aus who is PYB are they in the industry.

 

[SageMaster]

Hi MRC appreciate your insight. How did it perform in different sea conditions. Do the 48/50 SH perform differently in heavy seas with stern drives or surface drives? What top speed did you get? What would be your advice to an owner of a second hand SH 49/50?

If you could find a well kept cheap second hand would it be worth converting to outboards if the inboards were blown?

 

[SageMaster]

If you could find a well kept cheap second hand would it be worth converting to outboards if the inboards were blown?

Yes good question

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

The 50 was available with surface drives and tri-max drives making the 50 SH a better boat to the 48. This shows in the longer extended bathing platform made to cover the drives.
There was also a Mk.II 48 introduced in 98 with softer curved and curved windshield design.
49 SH was max powered with triple engines.

 

[SageMaster]

Yes without doubt .
I nearly bought a SH 48 and a 50 .Have a mate who had a 50 but a one off with Arnesons ( std was Trimax ) and Fiat powertrain twin 700 s .Fast on flat seas could easily see 60 knots but it was very rare the sea was that flat and the accommodation as I mentioned poor ,Ie you cant stand up below unless you are 5 ft tall ! .No where to store stuff etc .

Jeff Fountains 48 is a better boat than any SH .You can stand up , it beam L ratio is good it’s fast stepped hulls .Deep deadrise.
Stepped hulls fail to air rate properly in a bigger beam seas as the wave block air passages …..
Also it’s beamier hull means it can be had with Aircon + geny + tender storage = stuff that enhances nights on board and away at anchor .
I looked at the F48 too but availability was limited in the Med and yes I did consider flying out to Florida , to view and sort out bringing one over .Sone technical aspects of the AC electrotwackery and shore power compatibility plus a huge barrier of Brussels regs basically killed the idea ,

Talk to the dealers they know .

You are approaching this the right way btw ……sort out the seakeeping @ speed first then find one with the accommodation that suits your needs .

PYB on this forum is the best person to advise you and even find you a boat help ship it from the EU to Aus .

With much deliberation on your input I clarified the priorities of the vessel I'm looking for and realised a new search is required from the boats suggested and came across the Baia Azzura 63. What are your thoughts. Baia Azzura 63

 

[SageMaster]

Yes without doubt .
I nearly bought a SH 48 and a 50 .Have a mate who had a 50 but a one off with Arnesons ( std was Trimax ) and Fiat powertrain twin 700 s .Fast on flat seas could easily see 60 knots but it was very rare the sea was that flat and the accommodation as I mentioned poor ,Ie you cant stand up below unless you are 5 ft tall ! .No where to store stuff etc .

Jeff Fountains 48 is a better boat than any SH .You can stand up , it beam L ratio is good it’s fast stepped hulls .Deep deadrise.
Stepped hulls fail to air rate properly in a bigger beam seas as the wave block air passages …..
Also it’s beamier hull means it can be had with Aircon + geny + tender storage = stuff that enhances nights on board and away at anchor .
I looked at the F48 too but availability was limited in the Med and yes I did consider flying out to Florida , to view and sort out bringing one over .Sone technical aspects of the AC electrotwackery and shore power compatibility plus a huge barrier of Brussels regs basically killed the idea ,

Talk to the dealers they know .

You are approaching this the right way btw ……sort out the seakeeping @ speed first then find one with the accommodation that suits your needs .

PYB on this forum is the best person to advise you and even find you a boat help ship it from the EU to Aus .

Looking at the following Predator 52, 56, Predator 60/61, Princess V 58 Princess Fly 56, Sunseeker Manhattan 56, Azimut Atlantis 55,Azimut 55E, Cayman 58, Sarnico 58, Neptunus 58 Sport. Baia Azzura 63. Some are in Australia which is exciting to get a first hand feel.

 

[SageMaster]

Looking at the following Predator 52, 56, Predator 60/61, Princess V 58 Princess Fly 56, Sunseeker Manhattan 56, Azimut Atlantis 55,Azimut 55E, Cayman 58, Sarnico 58, Neptunus 58 Sport. Baia Azzura 63. Some are in Australia which is exciting to get a first hand feel.

Also Baia Aqua 54. I feel the Baia are the more seaworthy out of the lot by the look of their hull.

 

[Portofino]

The two Baia . The 63 is the better by a country mile .
Now your are talking .Both fantastic boats fit the criteria .The only thing you need to look for is the largest engine option .
Surface drives are sensitive to propellor hygiene and even the slightest fouling puts enormous strain on the engines during the transition phase - getting on the plane .If you are comfortable regularly having to dive in and scub them , even after after as little as a two week stint with the boat parked in a marina then fine .

I see plenty of Baia around the Western Med .

S/ Skr Pred 55 is another .Get the larger 1100 or was it 1200 Hp ? Version as opposed to the cooking 800 Hp .This has a clever swinging roof which swings aft to open the cockpit and make a sunpad shade as well .

But Baia are masters of surface drive ( Arnesons ) boats so they edge Sunseeker off the top perch .

None surface drive the Caymen 58 s have a good hull = go well in big seas .

All theses ^ are at a different price point regarding running costs and engine maintenance to the “ sexy toys “ - Superhawk/ fountains .

Just one thing I am a 30 knot cruise man on simple ( low maintenance thus far ) straight shafts it’s enough for us .I have already lost 3 x pairs of rayban s and various hats ….flying off when I put my head above the wind shied .Remember add on the head wind speed when travelling up wind .So in a 15-20 knot upwind you loose headgear easily if you stick your head up .

imagine the lady here a guest or your partner who’s just yesterday spent $200 @ the hair dresser
Itama 60 ….all open unlike the hard top Baia 63 ……..but you get the “bad hair day “msg .

Also note the gentle ride approaching 50 knots …..no bang bang bang unlike that Fountain.Normal cushions for helm seats .

 

[SageMaster]

The two Baia . The 63 is the better by a country mile .
Now your are talking .Both fantastic boats fit the criteria .The only thing you need to look for is the largest engine option .
Surface drives are sensitive to propellor hygiene and even the slightest fouling puts enormous strain on the engines during the transition phase - getting on the plane .If you are comfortable regularly having to dive in and scub them , even after after as little as a two week stint with the boat parked in a marina then fine .

I see plenty of Baia around the Western Med .

S/ Skr Pred 55 is another .Get the larger 1100 or was it 1200 Hp ? Version as opposed to the cooking 800 Hp .This has a clever swinging roof which swings aft to open the cockpit and make a sunpad shade as well .

But Baia are masters of surface drive ( Arnesons ) boats so they edge Sunseeker off the top perch .

None surface drive the Caymen 58 s have a good hull = go well in big seas .

All theses ^ are at a different price point regarding running costs and engine maintenance to the “ sexy toys “ - Superhawk/ fountains .

Just one thing I am a 30 knot cruise man on simple ( low maintenance thus far ) straight shafts it’s enough for us .I have already lost 3 x pairs of rayban s and various hats ….flying off when I put my head above the wind shied .Remember add on the head wind speed when travelling up wind .So in a 15-20 knot upwind you loose headgear easily if you stick your head up .

imagine the lady here a guest or your partner who’s just yesterday spent $200 @ the hair dresser
Itama 60 ….all open unlike the hard top Baia 63 ……..but you get the “bad hair day “msg .

Also note the gentle ride approaching 50 knots …..no bang bang bang unlike that Fountain.Normal cushions for helm seats .

Ha ha that lady did nothing for the Itama promo video. Yes Baia!!!! I have been on a Baia binge watching session of reviews and videos. Your Arneson insight is valued as I'm from stern drive/outboard world. Baia seam to tick many boxes speed, finish, seaworthiness and style. Some great videos showing their highlights.
Baia 63
Baia 54 Australian Review. (I apologise for my fellow Australian sounding like a twat)
Baia Aqua 54 for sale
Baia Azzura 63 for sale

Also the second market has some of these vessels under $500k US obviously as you mentioned finding them with the right engine package is key and vessels that aren't ex charter.
What are your thoughts on the above vessels and potential milage, range, performance?

 

[SageMaster]

Ha ha that lady did nothing for the Itama promo video. Yes Baia!!!! I have been on a Baia binge watching session of reviews and videos. Your Arneson insight is valued as I'm from stern drive/outboard world. Baia seam to tick many boxes speed, finish, seaworthiness and style. Some great videos showing their highlights.
Baia 63
Baia 54 Australian Review. (I apologise for my fellow Australian sounding like a twat)
Baia Aqua 54 for sale
Baia Azzura 63 for sale

Also the second market has some of these vessels under $500k US obviously as you mentioned finding them with the right engine package is key and vessels that aren't ex charter.
What are your thoughts on the above vessels and potential milage, range, performance?

What are your thoughts on the AB 58 & AB 68 models? how do they compare to Baia 54 & 63? How do jets compare to surface drives?
Thanks in adavance