This is the first new Predator in this bracket for years. The original 55 was built on the 53 hull with big diesels and surface drives, and it delivered the speed but maybe lacked the comfort and finesse that buyers expect now.
Here, the layout is stripped back to what matters - a cockpit that works underway, a saloon that opens to the sky, and enough accommodation below to spend real time aboard. With IPS propulsion and a top speed in the mid-30s, it should be manageable out on the water and easier to handle at slow speed for this upgrade from a smaller boat. It's a more grown-up package, but does it still have that Sunseeker edge?
Sunseeker Predator 55 Key Facts
- LOA 17.15m
- Model Year 2025
- Cabins 3
- Max Speed 36 knots
- Status In Production
- Generations 2
- Yacht Type Sportsboat
- Use Type Cruising
Review Video
The original Predator 55 launched in 2005, built on a beamier version of the 53’s hull, and it sat between the 50 and 60 in the range. It offered proper liveaboard space and could still hit high 30s with big MAN V8s and surface drives. But it was heavy, tricky to handle, and the layout felt busy below decks. Sunseeker phased it out after a short run.
This new model picks up the thread but starts from scratch. Built in Poole and launched in 2024, the Mk2 sits as the entry point to the Predator line. A pure sportscruiser without the flybridge of the Sport Yacht variant that shares the same underpinnings. There’s no extra deck, no upper helm, and no compromise in the roof aperture. It’s a hardtop coupe with an open layout and a clear focus on the experience of driving and day-to-day use.
At just over 17m (56ft 2in) long and nearly 5m (16ft 2in) across the beam, the Mk2 isn’t quite as long as the Mk1, but it’s wider and more efficient. It’s lighter too, with a dry displacement of 26,100kg, and built on a modern GRP hull with a carbon-fibre sunroof.
The planing hull is matched to twin Volvo Penta IPS950 pod drives - 725hp per side - which bring joystick control and smoother handling at speed. The top speed is around 36 knots, depending on load, and the range is around 250nm at a cruising speed of 25 knots.
Sunseeker builds the hull and superstructure in GRP, and it actually shares its hull platform with the Superhawk 55. Both use the same moulded hull form below the waterline, with identical beam and drive setup. Above deck, the two models differ completely.
The Superhawk features an open walkaround layout with a central helm, whereas the Predator boasts a hardtop, an enclosed saloon, and a slightly larger interior volume. The Mk2 also gains a tender garage and galley-up arrangement. This hull-sharing keeps production efficient, but the design brief shifts from dayboat to something a bit more rugged and usable.
The black gelcoat hull contrasts sharply with the white deck mouldings, and although it’ll show marks more easily, it suits the lines of this boat. The fit around the tender garage, sun pad, and cockpit seating is tight, and engine room access is via a cockpit hatch with a ladder down, and space over the engines is better than you’d expect for a boat with a garage (large enough for a Williams 325).
Sunseeker’s design team, working with Design Unlimited on interior styling, has taken what the Predator line always did best and sharpened it into something far more luxurious. Inside, it feels really high-end and finished to the same standard as bigger yachts in the Sunseeker range.
The cockpit doors slide all the way to one side, with no step or threshold, so the main deck runs level from sun pad to helm. When the doors are open and the sunroof is drawn back, the boat feels genuinely open, and it highlights just how big the sunroof is for a 55-footer. It is part of what defines the Predator, separating it from the 55 Sport Yacht, which swaps this aperture for a flybridge.
A U-shaped sofa runs to port, tucked into the aft corner with storage beneath. The cushions are deep and comfortable, and the patterned upholstery lifts the otherwise dark palette. There’s no fixed table here, though a footstool with internal storage comes as standard. A saloon table is optional, but most owners will likely eat outside.
The galley runs along the starboard side in the galley-up version, which puts cooking and refrigeration within easy reach of the main deck. There’s a two-burner hob, a deep sink, and a microwave oven under the counter. Storage is generous, despite the galley's relatively compact size.
Forward of the galley, the TV swings out on an arm so it can face the cockpit or the saloon, handy if you want to watch it while having dinner in the cockpit.
Owner's Cabin
The owner’s cabin is amidships on the lower deck and takes up the full beam. The bed is set on the centreline, flanked by hull windows that run nearly the full length of the space.
The floor steps up slightly near the sides of the bed, but in the centre of the cabin, the headroom is generous. At the foot of the bed, the height drops slightly, but anyone under 6ft can stand upright without stooping. To port, there is a set of deep drawers below a wide bureau. To starboard, another bank of cabinets runs the length of the bulkhead, and the quality feels good, too. All doors are soft-close and finished in the same dark gloss timber as the rest of the boat.
On the port side, there is space to spec either a sofa or a small dinette. The boat we saw had storage in that position, but the moulding is designed to take loose furniture if the owner prefers a more homely feel. The options include a single-seat breakfast area or a low sofa with a side table.
Forward of the sleeping space, the ensuite bathroom is accessed through a door on the port side. This is a private cabin head, not shared with other guests. It includes a separate shower stall, a full-height hull window with smoked glass, and premium fittings such as a Tecma toilet and Villeroy and Boch basin.
Guest Accommodation
Forward of the lower companionway is the VIP cabin right in the bow. The bed is built on a manual scissor system, so it can be set as a double or split into two singles. It takes less than a minute to adjust, and when set as twins, each berth has good separation and adds to the flexibility of this space.
Natural light comes from long hull windows on both sides, paired with opening ports, and there's a big skylight above the bed that brings in light from the foredeck.
Storage is good in here, too, with hanging wardrobes built into the forward corners, drawers set into the base of the bed and overhead lockers for smaller items.
The VIP has private access to a bathroom, though it is also the day head and shared with cabin three if that option is ticked. It's well specified with a spacious separate shower cubicle and a decent amount of storage.
To port of the companionway is the third cabin. This is fitted as a twin, with two single berths set low in the hull, so headroom is surprisingly good. The beds are a good size too, and the space between them is enough to move around without having to climb in from the end. A hull window provides natural light, and an opening port gives fresh air. Storage includes a wardrobe and low lockers under each berth, which are easily accessed without having to lift up the mattresses to get to them.
This cabin backs onto a utility space, which replaces a third bathroom on some versions. The space includes provision for a washer-dryer and a folding worktop for laundry or storage. Owners who cruise for longer periods will find this option more useful than a third ensuite, especially given the boat is run without crew. The utility area also gives additional storage to the twin cabin, with access through a side door.
This is a new design for the Mk2, and it looks really good. The dash is trimmed in matte black to reduce any glare, and a single curved windscreen wraps the entire forward section in one sweep of glass, with no breaks or uprights, so the sightlines are excellent.
Twin multifunction displays are an option, as only one screen comes as standard, but most buyers will spec the second as it allows charting and system data to run in parallel and simplifies switching between radar, cameras, and navigation. Sunseeker's lovely retro dials are in place here, controlled by a rotary dial on the dash. They're a little bit of a gimmick, but they really liven up a dash and break the homogenous look of so many dashboards these days.
Alongside them, a bank of stainless steel hard keys manages wipers, lighting, the horn, and the electric sunroof. Yes, you have the CM8 digital switching system, but it's great that key features have hard buttons that you can easily use when the boat is moving quickly.
Both helm seats are firm and supportive, with the footrests well placed to allow the driver to stand upright with a clear view over the dashboard, and the driving position works equally well seated or standing.
One of the key features of the Predator 55 is the combination of a hydraulic bathing platform and tender garage. The tender garage holds a Williams 325, and the hatch lifts without the need to remove cushions on the sun pad above. The combo means that the platform remains clear, and you don't always have to launch the tender to use the platform when the boat's at anchor. It also helps those sharp Predator lines.
You’ve got a deck shower on one side, drawers for shore power and switchgear on the other, and a step module for passerelle deployment. If you plan to berth stern-to in the Med, the passerelle is a must-have.
Cockpit
The cockpit centres around an L-shaped seating area and a transom sun pad. The pad is set aft, clear of the overhang, and links straight into the transom bench and runs right to the edge. The pad doesn’t block movement either, as there’s a clear step-through to port, so you don’t have to climb over cushions to move between the deck and seating.
The main seating is in the forward port corner, sheltered by the side glazing and protected underway. A folding table sits in front of it, which is a standard fit. It opens out to double in size and slides on a track so you can shift it closer to the sun pad when needed. If you’re eating here in the heat, the bimini above extends from a built-in cassette hidden behind the Sunseeker badge.
To starboard, there’s a wet bar. Most boats get a sink and fridge, and this one has a grill and ice maker as options, and you’ve also got lighting controls, stereo repeaters, and power sockets here.
Though it lacks the functionality of some of its rivals, such as folding balconies, this is still a very well-considered area with a good mix of seating and lounging space.
Side Decks & Foredeck
The Predator 55 has symmetrical side decks with direct access to the bow from both sides of the cockpit. The walkways are wide enough to move along easily and are protected by tall toe rails and guardrails that rise just above knee height, which may feel a bit low if you're on the taller side.
Teak decking is available as a cost option and adds a useful level of grip, particularly when the surface is wet. It also carries a more substantial feel than the standard non-slip GRP.
At the bow, the layout is unusually practical. The raised sun pad sits well above deck level, so you step onto it rather than down into it. The pad lifts on gas rams to reveal a deep, drained locker underneath, large enough for fenders, covers, and other bulky kit. The shape is sensible and access is easy, even when the pad is closed. It's really handy and typifies the design attitude of this boat, which is stylish but functional.
Access to the engine room is through a hatch in the cockpit sole. The lid lifts manually and stays open on gas struts, revealing a vertical ladder into the space below. The ladder is steep but secure, and the opening is wide enough to lower tools or parts without difficulty.
The garage floor sits directly above the drivetrain, but there is still enough space to reach all core components. The pods are mounted aft, beneath the garage, with the engines forward and the generator and stabiliser between. Unlike some boats in this class, the Predator 55 does not hide the pods under a raised floor or aft berth. From the hatch, you can see both drive units clearly and reach them for inspection.
Service access is strongest outboard. Both engines can be reached comfortably from the sides, and the seacocks and filters are grouped near the companionway. The forward bulkhead carries the main electrical panel, with breakers, switches, and battery isolators laid out clearly.
Headroom is limited in the centre of the space where the tender garage cuts down into the room. But around the engines, there is enough space to crouch and work without leaning over the machinery. Exhausts, lagging, and cooling lines are all accessible without dismantling fixed structures.
If major service is needed, the garage floor can be removed to allow lifting access from above. This is not a quick process, but it gives flexibility if the stabiliser or generator needs to be taken out in full.
The base price for the Predator 55 (at the time of review) is £1,675,000 ex VAT with the 725hp IPS950 motors.
The boat we saw had a list price of £2,036,454 ex VAT, which is probably closer to what most buyers will pay, as it includes a good deal of the significant cost options and many that we would advise including if you're in the market for one of these. Such as:
Second 16in Garmin MFD (£6,135), Dynamic Positioning System (which holds the boat in place at the touch of a button) (£24,430), tropical air-conditioning (£9,480), 17kW generator (£5,178), Seakeeper 6 gyro stabiliser (£71,573), Besenzoni passerelle (£32,820), third cabin arrangement (£14,100).
That's a small selection of the £360,000 worth of options fitted to the boat we toured, but the key ones we would consider when specifying a Predator 55.
Our Verdict
The Predator 55 Mk2 is a product of discipline, with a focus on making what matters work well - the helm, the hull, the flow of space, the things people touch and rely on. The hull is balanced and efficient, fast enough to stretch its legs but steady enough to run long distances at cruise.
Sunseeker has kept weight in check, carbon roof, the glass is structural, and there’s no flybridge to fight wind or weight distribution. Light reaches deep into the boat, and the transition from cockpit to saloon feels natural even at speed.
Reasons to Buy
- Wide-opening carbon sunroof
- Flush cockpit to saloon layout
- Deep, useful foredeck storage
- Easy to handle
Things to Consider
- Guardrails feel slightly low
- Limited headroom in the engine room
Looking to own a Sunseeker Predator 55? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Sunseeker Predator 55 Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Sunseeker Predator 55, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used boats for sale and find your perfect boat today!
Rivals to Consider
At 17.6m (57ft 9in) with a 5.05m (16ft 7in) beam, the Azimut Seadeck 6 is slightly longer and wider than the Predator. It uses the same IPS pod drive platform and carries twin Volvo Penta D8 engines producing 480hp per side. The hull is light and broad aft, with Azimut’s hybrid zero-emission cruising system available as an option. This allows the boat to run quietly at displacement speeds on electric power before switching to diesel for planing. The deck is highly modular, with fold-down bulwarks, loose furniture, and an aft lounge that transforms into a beach club. Below, the layout is open with a forward master, two guest cabins, and no clear separation between sleeping and day areas. Materials lean toward natural fibres and recycled composites. Performance and range fall short of the Predator’s, but this boat is designed more for light cruising and moored living than long-distance running.
The Princess V55 matches the Predator on most key measurements. It is 17.8m (58ft 4in) long and 4.65m (15ft 3in) wide. Available with shaft or IPS drives, most models now run twin Volvo D13 900s or IPS 950s, depending on spec. Performance is closely matched, with top speeds around 35 knots and cruising in the mid-20s. The layout follows a similar path, with a galley-up saloon, full-beam owner’s cabin, and forward VIP with scissor berths. The third cabin is tighter, and there is no utility room option. Engine access is limited to a narrow crawl space between the machinery, which makes daily checks more difficult than on the Sunseeker. The finish is lighter, with satin oak and fabric headliners in place of gloss timber. There is less visible hardware and a softer overall look.
The Pershing 5X is shorter overall at 16.5m (54ft 2in) with a beam of 4.38m (14ft 4in). It is lighter, more aggressive, and built around performance. Twin surface drives or IPS 950s are available, but the surface drive version offers a top speed near 45 knots. It runs on twin MAN i6 800s or Volvo D11 725s, depending on the package. This is a narrow, deep-V hull with less beam below deck and a tighter cockpit. The saloon sits deeper into the hull and has a lower roofline. There is no tender garage and less deck storage, but the open roof and aft sun pad give it a strong dayboat profile. The layout below offers two or three cabins with a midships master and forward VIP. Materials are lightweight and performance-focused, with more carbon and composite trim and fewer soft finishes. This is a driver’s boat with fast response and sharper trim control.
Considering a new boat? Explore Sunseeker's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.
Specifications
- Builder Sunseeker
- Range Performance
- Model Predator 55
- Length Overall 17.15m
- Beam 4.93m
- Draft 1.4m
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 3
- Berths 6
- Yacht Type (Primary) Sportsboat
- Use Type (Primary) Cruising
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 1,800 Litres
- Fresh Water Capacity 430 Litres
- Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D11-IPS950
Sunseeker Predator 55 Layout
-
Main Deck
-
Standard galley up layout
![Main Deck Sunseeker Predator 55]()
The standard layout with the galley on the main deck
-
Optional galley down layout
![Main Deck Sunseeker Predator 55]()
With the galley on the lower deck there's more seating space on the main deck
-
Lower Deck
-
Standard 2 cabin layout
![Lower Deck Sunseeker Predator 55]()
The two-cabin layout is standard, with space for a dinette on the lower deck
-
Optional galley down layout
![Lower Deck Sunseeker Predator 55]()
The galley on the lower deck is smaller than the on-deck option
-
Optional 3 cabin layout
![Lower Deck Sunseeker Predator 55]()
The three-cabin arrangement adds twin bunks on the starboard side
Interested in a Predator 55?
NEW Build
Find your local dealer for a personalised, no-cost consultation
or just request
Brochures & Pricing
Used & In Stock
Looking for a ready-to-go Predator 55 or pre-owned options? Explore all inventory of the Predator 55 available worldwide
