Manhattan is one of Sunseeker's longest-standing flybridge ranges, and the Manhattan 56 is its new entry point, replacing the Manhattan 55. The 17.21 m (56 ft 6 in) yacht made her world premiere at boot Düsseldorf, where she was the centrepiece of the British yard's five-boat line-up. Her US debut came at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Sunseeker describes her as a yacht for owners who will helm her themselves rather than employ a captain. Above her in the range are the Manhattan 68 and the 28.6 m (93 ft 10 in) Manhattan 94, which had its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival.
Exterior and cockpit
The profile has been redrawn. The main-deck windows run uninterrupted along the side of the hull, widening the view of the sea from the saloon. The aft cockpit has been designed afresh: modular seating converts from a dining arrangement to a lounging one, and from there to a sunpad across the full width of the cockpit. The platform beyond can serve as a small beach club, with an optional grill and shower.
Interior and cabins
On the main deck, saloon, dining area and helm share one open space. The interior comes from the collection Sunseeker created with Design Unlimited, using natural materials and simple forms.
There are three cabins below. The full-beam master has a curved double bed, full standing headroom and an en suite bathroom. Its starboard side can be fitted with a chaise-style sofa, a breakfast table or a wardrobe. In all, she has two bathrooms and sleeps six, a comfortable arrangement for two couples or a family with children.
Flybridge and performance
The flybridge has a second helm and seating. Power comes from twin Volvo Penta D13-800 engines with a choice of shaft or pod drive. The builder's specification gives a maximum speed of up to 31 knots and a range of up to 230 nautical miles at 21 knots; press reports put the cruising speed at around 25 knots. Choosing pods or shafts does not change the engines but it does change how the boat handles: pods generally make joystick manoeuvring in a marina easier, while shafts are the more widespread system and easier to have serviced.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length overall | 17.21 m (56 ft 6 in) |
| Beam | 4.87 m (16 ft) |
| Draught | 1.37 m (4 ft 6 in) |
| Engines | 2 × Volvo Penta D13-800; shaft or pod drive |
| Power | Up to 1,600 PS combined |
| Maximum speed | Up to 31 knots |
| Range | Up to 230 nautical miles at 21 knots |
| Cabins | 3 (including full-beam master), 2 bathrooms, 6 berths |
| Fuel | 2,200 litres |
| Water | 600 litres |
| Displacement | Approx. 27 t, half load |
| Design | Sunseeker; interior with Design Unlimited |
Who she is for
The Manhattan 56 is aimed at buyers in the 15–18 metre range who want a three-cabin flybridge they can run without a captain. The adaptable cockpit gives flexibility to owners who use the boat both in the marina and at anchor in the course of a day. Settle the choice between shaft and pod at the outset, according to how you like to manoeuvre and what you expect from maintenance.
In brief
- World premiere at boot Düsseldorf; she replaces the Manhattan 55.
- The aft cockpit converts between dining, lounging and a full-width sunpad.
- Three cabins below, including a full-beam master, with two bathrooms and berths for six.
- Twin Volvo Penta D13-800 engines with shaft or pod drive; up to 31 knots, according to the builder.
