GOAT: Sunseeker Hawks, British powerboats and sports cruisers at their best

I simply cannot narrow it down to one particular model, although I have a bias for a couple in the range, all of the Sunseeker Hawks that I have tried have been fabulous. It can get very confusing, Mohawk, Tomahawk, Thunderhawk, Superhawk, various lengths and engine options to choose from. I have to confess to not having tried the very latest models in the range. Sunseekers have been featured in the James Bond films, straight away they're cool!

A Deep V hulled thinly disguised racing hull, with some nods to comfort like a head compartment and a sofa, even the bigger models have very low cabin heights. The diesel power options vary from twin and triple outdrives by Volvo, Yanmar and Yamaha, and also the very special ZF Trimax surface propellers with Yanmar diesels, I think I might have seen one with VM Motori based Mercruiser diesel motors too. There are also some V8 petrol powered ones, the motors are supplied by either Volvo or Mercruiser who, also supplied the drives for the Yanmar powered diesel options.

Ripe for refit

These boats lend themselves to updating or refitting, but there are refits and refits and very unfortunately, I have seen too many that can only be described as just terrible, done in the worst possible way and in the poorest of taste, vinyl wrapped hulls, gawdy upholstery and cheap carbon fibre wrapping to the dash panel, just no, stop it. James Bond would not be impressed.

These kinds of "refits" could be for charter purpose, where "look at me" is important in some places or someone having picked up a cheap example, they tart it up thinking it makes it classy, a bit like a nautical equivalent of slapping big alloys and a fart can sounding exhaust on a car. These decisions will be regretted when it comes to selling the boat, for unless an equally tasteless buyer is found, these kinds of personalization's turn people off or, if they do make an offer its lower than a snakes private parts as they have to get all done again.

Sunseeker Hawks start arguments!

Not debates but arguments, let me paint a scenario, a Hawk (insert model here) needs to be sea trialed, irrespective of the weather there will be volunteers to go, squabbling over who is going, like children bickering over the remote control or whose turn it is to ride up front. That in itself says a lot, people who work with boats all day queuing up to take a Hawk out, these arguments usually end with everyone going out, such is the pull of the range.

Why a GOAT badge?

One word, navigation, if you ever get the chance to try one you´ll see exactly what I mean, they are surprisingly easy to drive, the surface drives do require your attention and for that reason I would leave them to people who really need or want that level of performance, the outdrive powered versions actually flatter the driver, allowing very swift progress without feeling twitchy or nervous, even the larger versions with their narrow beams are not scary.

I cannot say which is the best or narrow it down from such a large range produced over such a long time, of the older models, the Tomahawk 37 (both mk1 and mk2) are legendary, I have a very soft sport for the 41 Tomahawk with its large and very handy locker in the deck sole. Of the newer models, the 34 is cracking and a triple engine 48 Superhawk is simply stunning. I would like to think I have some restos and refits left in me, as I said before, this is one of those ranges of boats that is so worth it, now, where did I put that lottery ticket?

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