Superhawk 34 vs. Superhawk 40

[Rokkomelon]

Hello fellow boaters,

I'm on the brink of repurchasing a Sunseeker Superhawk—a model I thoroughly enjoyed a decade ago. After switching to a Chris Craft Corsair, my family and I find ourselves constantly reminiscing about the Superhawk's exceptional capabilities. We're considering upgrading to either a Superhawk 34 or 40 and would love your insights on these options.

Context:We plan to use the boat in the Mediterranean, specifically in the south of Spain. Our boating style includes enjoying ample space and time on the water, coupled with a preference for a capable, fast vessel that can handle slightly rough conditions.

Option 1: Superhawk 40

• Year: 2000
• Engines: Newly retrofitted twin Volvo Penta D4-300 engines (2023), 10 hours on them
• Condition: Requires extensive restoration including new dash, modern navigation equipment, teak, upholstery, and likely internal fixtures like the toilet. No bow thruster or generator noted.
• Engine Compartment: Appears disorganized and unfinished, which may reflect the overall state of the retrofit.
• Price: $130,000

Concerns: The boat is essentially a project. The previous owner halted the restoration, possibly due to financial constraints, raising questions about the quality of the engine installation and general fittings.

Option 2: Superhawk 34 (similar to our previous model)

• Year: 1999
• Engines: Original KAD 44 engines with a full service history and 1100 hours each
• Condition: Well-maintained with several upgrades including a new generator, bow thruster, modern Garmin navigation, new upholstery, and updated interior fixtures.
• Engine Compartment: Neat, clean, and well-organized, reflecting the meticulous maintenance of the boat.
• Price: $100,000

Comparison Needs:

1. Fuel Economy: Given the Superhawk 40's newer, common-rail D4 engines, would the fuel efficiency be significantly better than the KAD 44 engines of the Superhawk 34?
2. Engine Reliability: Are there any known issues with the older KAD series engines, particularly in terms of maintenance and longevity compared to the newer D4 engines?
3. Installation Concerns: Should the installation concerns of the D4 engines in the Superhawk 40 be a red flag?

I appreciate any advice, especially from those familiar with these models or similar experiences. Our decision hinges on balancing immediate usability with long-term maintenance and operational costs.

Thank you in advance for your insights!

 

[Seastoke]

34 short and sweet.