As Sunseeker continues over the next few years to launch about two dozen new boats, Project X has taken form as the new 87 Yacht.
The supposed bigger news is the 133. It has the same family look of their super yachts with the reverse-rake windshield on the pilot house. But I think the 87 is bigger news.
Sunseeker claims that they will continue producing the 86. I don’t think so. The new 87 is more than an evolution over the 86 in design, function and space. While the 86 is a great boat, put the two side-by-side and there’s no comparison.
Project X in the form of the 87 doesn’t disappoint. With super yacht features, the competition would be wise to scramble to compete with this one!
Starting topside, the flybridge is an entertainers dream. The convertible hardtop give you the best of both worlds. There’s a bar and plenty of seating. The aft section can be configured to the owners preference – but the jacuzzi / infinity soaking pool seems to be made for it.
The foredeck has practical entertaining space with sofas, tables and sunpads. Unlike many boats in class, the high bulwarks and wide protected side decks offer exceptional safety and the ability to use the space even underway.
The aft deck features twin “L-shaped” settees and tables that face aft. Why more builders don’t do this I have no idea. Seating forward looking into the salon is no where near as tranquil as looking at the ocean.
Another surprise is the Beach Club. Theres room for a Williams 460 SportJet tender and PWCs. Or if you prefer, a larger tender. There are twin lounges and a proper grilling area. At anchor, or even at dock, this Beach Club is the place to be.
Now, you might think that with all these new spaces, the interior might suffer. Not this time. Sunseeker has paid some serious attention to the interior areas.
The main salon area has two standard configurations. One is a bit more traditional, the other, more casual. Both have a dining space for those times when you may want to eat inside. Personally, I prefer the casual layout. It seems more fitting for this boat.
The galley is forward with good room for food prep, top quality appliances and storage. It can either be enclosed or open with bar seating. Both are nice, but if you plan on having a chef or catered events, you might opt for the partition.
To port of the galley are stairs to the owners and two guest cabins. Forward to the galley is the pilot house. It is partially sheltered by the galley for the captain to pilot with less interruptions.
The pilot house is several steps up with starboard controls and twin seats. To port is a dinette for guest to communicate with the owner-operator, or just enjoy the view. Another set of stairs goes to the forward lower guest suite.
Being forward with its own entry, the guest suite has a great deal of privacy. There is a large centerline bed, an generously-sized ensuite bath, plenty of storage and a desk-makeup table.
From the aft stairs you have access to the full-beam owners stateroom. It is spacious with a full sofa for lounging and a proper desk. Whether you want to just do makeup, or be able to park your laptop, there’s plenty of room. The ensuite is generous with dual sinks and a sizable shower.
Aft of the owners are two ensuite guest staterooms. Both cabins can have a single bed or twins that come together. This provides a lot of versatility.
If I had a criticism it would be the long hallway below. I feel that the layout could have made a better use of space without the need for the owner to walk the full-length to get into their stateroom.
Aft of the guest accommodations are the crew quarters and engineroom/mechanical spaces. Entry to the crew space is from private stairs off the port side deck. Below is a crew kitchenette, bath, and two staterooms with over/under berths. In this arrangement a captain would share a stateroom.
When you order the 87, you need to consider the crew accommodations. For private ownership you have a lot more flexibility over charter. In the case of charter, you will want four staterooms. If it’s just your family and friends, three may suffice.
In the case of three staterooms, the forward area could be configured for the captain with an additional lounge, or one of the smaller amidships staterooms might be integrated with the existing crew area. For a boat of this size, a captain, chef and three crew seem appropriate.
The 87 has proper shaft drives with engines that can deliver up to 26 knots. According to Sunseeker, the 87 has a 1800 NM range at about 12 knots. Comfortable cruise should be around 20 knots.
The new 87 is an excellent option to competing yacht in class. It offers super yacht features that others don’t. This is a must-see if you cruise the Med or Bahamas.
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