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Sunseeker Predator 50 Review – Full Specs, Performance, and Features Explained

The Sunseeker Predator 50 is more than just a motor yacht—it’s a statement of power, elegance, and innovation in the 50-foot class. Designed by one of the most respected yacht builders in the world, the Predator 50 combines striking exterior styling with high-performance engineering and a luxurious interior that makes every voyage unforgettable. For many buyers, it represents the perfect balance between sporty handling and the kind of comfort you’d expect from a larger yacht.

What sets the Predator 50 apart is its ability to adapt. Whether you’re planning a long weekend with family, entertaining guests at the marina, or enjoying a fast cruise across open water, this yacht has the flexibility to do it all. It’s a vessel that looks just as good cutting through waves at high speed as it does sitting dockside, turning heads with its sleek, aggressive profile.

Purpose and Lifestyle

The purpose of the Predator 50 is clear: to deliver the thrill of a performance yacht while still offering the luxury and comfort of a floating home. With its powerful engines and advanced hull design, it excels at fast cruising, allowing owners to reach destinations quickly and comfortably. This makes it ideal for those who love to explore coastal regions, island-hop, or make the most of limited leisure time without sacrificing comfort.

Lifestyle plays a big role here too. Inside, the yacht offers a refined, contemporary interior with high-quality finishes and practical layouts. The Predator 50 is designed for owners who want to transition seamlessly between high-speed adventures and sophisticated onboard living. That blend of sporty excitement and refined luxury is what makes it such a compelling choice.

Who Is the Predator 50 For?

The Sunseeker Predator 50 is perfect for yacht owners who want something more dynamic than a traditional flybridge cruiser. It’s designed for those who value performance and style but don’t want to compromise on comfort. If you enjoy entertaining friends, cruising at speed, and spending long weekends on the water, this yacht delivers on every front.

It also appeals to owners moving up from smaller motor yachts who want a step into a true luxury brand without going into superyacht territory. With its manageable size, the Predator 50 offers the excitement of a performance yacht in a package that’s still easy to handle with a small crew or even owner-operators.

How Does the Predator 50 Compare to Other Offshore Boats?

When compared to similar-sized yachts like the Princess V50 or Fairline Targa 50, the Predator 50 distinguishes itself with bolder styling, higher top speeds, and a more aggressive handling character. While some rivals focus on maximizing interior volume, Sunseeker leans into its reputation for sporty performance, ensuring that the helm feels exciting and responsive.

In terms of luxury, it stands toe-to-toe with its competition, offering a mix of open-plan saloons, high-quality finishes, and flexible layouts. For buyers who want a yacht that feels more like a driver’s machine than a floating apartment, the Predator 50 often emerges as the standout choice.

Design and Technical Specifications

  • Type: Sport Cruiser / Express Yacht
  • Length Overall (LOA): 54’ 10” (16.7 m) including platform
  • Beam: 14’ 9” (4.5 m)
  • Draft: 4’ 4” (1.32 m)
  • Fuel Capacity: 478 gallons (1,810 L)
  • Engines: Twin Volvo Penta IPS 600 or IPS 700, 435–550 HP each
  • Top Speed: 32–35 knots depending on engine option
  • Cruise Speed: 24–28 knots
  • Hull Design: Deep-V planing hull
  • Layout Highlights: Open cockpit with retractable sunroof, salon with panoramic windows, two or three stateroom options, full-beam master suite

The Predator 50’s design makes a strong first impression. The exterior is unmistakably Sunseeker, with sharp lines, a low profile, and a retractable hardtop that instantly transforms the saloon into an open-air space. Inside, natural light floods through the large windows, creating a bright and modern atmosphere.

Performance and Handling on the Water

The Predator 50 is built for owners who enjoy the thrill of driving their yacht. With Volvo IPS pod drives, it’s agile and responsive, making docking and close-quarters maneuvering surprisingly easy for a 50-foot vessel. Out on the open water, it accelerates quickly, maintains speed effortlessly, and feels stable and controlled even when seas get choppy.

Cruising at 25 knots feels natural and efficient, while the top-end speed in the mid-30-knot range adds a rush of excitement. The deep-V hull design ensures that it slices cleanly through waves, giving passengers a comfortable ride. Owners often remark on the confidence it inspires—this is a yacht that encourages you to take the longer route simply for the joy of the journey.

Safety and Reliability

Sunseeker takes safety seriously, and the Predator 50 reflects that commitment. The yacht is equipped with advanced navigation systems, joystick control for precise handling, and robust build quality throughout. Wide side decks with grab rails make moving around the yacht safe, while the cockpit layout is designed to keep guests secure even when underway.

From a reliability standpoint, the Volvo IPS system is proven and efficient, with worldwide service networks making maintenance straightforward. Like any high-performance yacht, regular servicing is essential, but owners consistently praise the Predator line for its durability and solid construction.

Things to Consider

While the Predator 50 is impressive, there are a few considerations for potential buyers. First, it’s priced as a premium luxury yacht, so the investment is significant compared to smaller cruisers. Operating costs, from fuel to insurance, should also be factored in.

Another consideration is layout. While the interior is luxurious, the emphasis on style and open space means some storage is sacrificed compared to more volume-focused rivals. For those who prioritize storage for long-haul cruising, this may be a point of comparison.

Features and Key Advantages

The Predator 50 comes loaded with features that elevate its appeal:

  • Retractable hardtop for instant open-air living
  • Spacious aft cockpit with sunpads and seating
  • Panoramic windows in the salon for natural light
  • Full-beam master suite with en-suite bathroom
  • Versatile guest accommodations (two or three staterooms)
  • State-of-the-art navigation and entertainment systems

The key advantage is flexibility. With its mix of speed, comfort, and style, the Predator 50 is equally suited to short getaways, entertaining, or long weekend cruises. It delivers the luxury yacht lifestyle in a manageable size, which is part of its enduring appeal.

Owner Impressions and Testimonials

Owners frequently highlight the Predator 50’s sporty driving experience, saying it feels more like piloting a high-performance car than a traditional yacht. Many praise the combination of speed and comfort, noting that they can cover long distances quickly without passengers feeling fatigued.

Testimonials also emphasize Sunseeker’s reputation for style. Owners often remark on the yacht’s striking looks, with comments about the Predator 50 turning heads at every marina. It’s not just about performance—it’s about pride of ownership and the satisfaction of joining an elite community of Sunseeker enthusiasts.

Storage and Ownership Costs

Owning a Predator 50 comes with responsibilities. Most owners choose to keep the yacht in a marina slip, and annual costs for docking, insurance, and maintenance should be budgeted accordingly. Fuel efficiency with IPS drives is strong for a yacht of this size, but running costs are still significant when compared to smaller cruisers.

That said, the Predator 50 enjoys strong resale value, thanks to the Sunseeker brand’s global reputation. Buyers can expect this model to hold its value well, particularly if kept in good condition and serviced regularly. From an ownership perspective, it’s a rewarding yacht that blends excitement with long-term value.

Final Verdict

The Sunseeker Predator 50 is a performance-driven yacht that doesn’t compromise on luxury. It’s stylish, agile, and comfortable, making it ideal for owners who want a versatile yacht that feels as good to drive as it does to relax on. While it requires a significant investment, the rewards come in the form of thrilling performance, strong brand prestige, and the joy of owning a vessel that commands attention on the water.

For those seeking a balance of speed, sophistication, and luxury in the 50-foot range, the Predator 50 remains one of the most exciting choices available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Predator 50 have a flybridge?
No. The Predator series is designed as a sport cruiser with a sleek, low profile. Buyers seeking a flybridge option might look at the Manhattan range instead.

How many people can the Predator 50 sleep?
Depending on the layout, it typically accommodates 4–6 guests across two or three staterooms, with additional space for crew if specified.

Is the Predator 50 easy to handle without a crew?
Yes. Thanks to Volvo IPS pod drives and joystick controls, it is designed for owner-operators who prefer to manage their own yacht.

What is the average cruising speed?
The yacht comfortably cruises at 24–28 knots, balancing speed with fuel efficiency.

How does it hold its value over time?
Sunseeker yachts, particularly the Predator series, are known for strong resale values due to brand recognition, performance, and style.

Fly Yachts provides a full range of services, starting with a large inventory of yachts for sale and information about luxury yachts, super yachts, and center consoles, all easily found from their homepage. To learn about their company history, team, and expert knowledge, check their About Us page, and if you want a custom yacht built, visit Build a Yacht. They feature travel options to various charter destinations around the world and list many yachts charter choices for private bookings. If you want to sell your vessel, the Sell Your Yacht page explains their process and support. For private aviation, they offer a selection of aircraft for sale. You can stay up to date on industry updates and company activities on the Gulfstream News page, and find yachting tips or advice in their Compass Articles. For any help or to get in touch, you can use the Contact page.

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