Sunseeker Predator 75 boat test

There are grander examples, too, such as a two-piece sliding companionway door that disappears vertically into a deep void between the indoor and outdoor lounges, completely opening the Predator’s saloon/cockpit gateway.

For lightness and looks, the curved sunroof above the helm is carbon, Closed, it creates a bright, all-weather atrium effect before retracting for full ventilation. Resting upon highly polished adjustable pedestals, the dining tables are also carbon as a reminder of the Predator’s sporting persona.

At 23m LOA, the 75 is an owner/driver proposition while having the facilities and mechanical muscularity of a considerably larger boat. Seakeeping characteristics, in fact, are reportedly similar to that of the Sunseeker 76 Yacht but with a 7-tonne weight saving in the absence of a flybridge.

Our test boat sported twin 1900hp V12 24.2L MAN diesels as upgrades over the standard 1550s, with shafts dispersing the immense torque. Sleipner hydraulic thrusters reinforce that sense of power as they work with a joystick or remote. Hydraulic fin stabilisers create equally resolute handling and stability.

As an apex Predator, the 75 can certainly eat nautical miles … but also drink thirstily if pushed hard. So let’s start with displacement speeds where, in gear at an idle speed of 600 rpm, the 75 maintains 8 knots (14.8km/h) at just 27lt/hr total.

Bump the throttles to 1000 rpm and speed rises to 12 knots (22.2km/h) for harbour cruising, with 35 per cent engine load and the MANs imbibing 90lt/hr.

The tabs should now be trimmed down, not just for planing transition but to maintain a level running attitude. You hear the turbos spooling as speed jumps to 21 knots (39km/h), rpm to 1550, and fuel burn to 280lt combined.

Our top consumption was 720lt/hr for 38 knots (70.3km/h), which is fine if you want to zip between anchorages but won’t amuse your accountant or prove practical from a coastal perspective. 

Sunseeker’s formula is to create yachts that drivers love to drive, and folk enjoy spending time on at anchor. The Predator nails the brief as a social platform and passagemaker.

Its boarding platform and cockpit are both generous, the latter being anchored by a vast sunpad and U-shaped lounge with drop-leaf table. The wet bar to port has an electric grill, fridge, icemaker and sink, along with a shoe cupboard.

The foredeck adds a forward-facing lounge wrapping around a table, plus a massive sunpad separated by a walkway. I like that you can raise a bimini canopy over the lounge, which is more elegant than drop-in Euro awnings found on rivals.

The saloon is essentially an extension of the cockpit, mirroring the lounge while adding a TV and drinks cabinet to port and an additional raised seating area forward.

Unlike Australian boats that mostly have galley-up arrangements, the 75 Predator’s kitchen is down a flight of seven stairs, adjacent to a dining nook for two to three guests. The positioning necessitates passing meals upstairs yet is also convenient for those taking late-night snacks to their rooms.

The standard plan has three staterooms and three bathrooms, including a full-beam master amidships that offers a truly exceptional ensuite, two-seater desk to port, and dresser to starboard. Huge hull windows flood this space with natural light.

The guest cabin with twin singles and the vee stateroom also benefit from windows. Photos tell the story of a tasteful colour palette and comfortable furnishings far better than I can. There are a few steps and varying levels here and there you’ll have to be mindful of.

Externally, the 75 has the confident swagger of a Mediterranean express cruiser and will surely turn heads from Portofino to Pittwater. Accelerate to 38 knots, and there’s no doubting you’re on a sports vessel, not a villa.

The good times can continue in the cockpit and foredeck. Inside, however, the 75 becomes more muted for long-term liveability. Quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail are aspects that differentiate Sunseeker from other builders, going a long way toward explaining the test boat’s $8m asking price.

• Price as tested: $A8,000,000

Price correct as of July 2026 for stock boat only

LOA: 23.06m

Beam: 5.38m

Draft: 1.87m

Displacement: 46,900kg

Fuel Capacity 4800lt

Water Capacity: 800lt

Power: MAN 1550hp diesels

As tested: MAN 1900hp diesels

Find out more information at DCH Marine, Tel 0433 488 428.