Sunseeker Nods – On Deck

In the previous post, I talked about the Sportsbridge that is fitted to Nods; this is in effect like a mini-flybridge without the appointments of a full size flybridge. This equates to the provision of a more usable cockpit area than is often found in flybridge yachts of a similar size; of particular note being the large semi-circular sunpads at the stern of the boat. It’s always a trade-off decision between fly bridge and Sportsbridge – more space and appointments up top or down below?

The cockpit itself is fairly spacious with a wet-bar comprising chilled drinks icebox, electric grill, a small sink and an ice making machine which all works pretty well. Seating is provided through a bench to the rear of the cockpit and an L-Shaped seating area around a teak table with folding leaves. This outside seating area is ideal for seating 3 – 4 people in comfort around it although do not expect to be seating a full compliment of people for dinner in the cockpit – on anything other than an informal basis.

Stowage exists within the seating areas.

The aft of the cockpit can be very exposed to the sun in a hot climate although an extendable canopy provided by Broadview Blinds solves this problem. Be careful not to leave this extended when the boat is unattended, overnight in strong winds or rain. It works effectively in light weather but (as we found out to our cost) is vulnerable in stronger conditions.

Access to the Sunseeker Predator 74 engine rooms is via a lift up hatch in the centre of the cockpit. This is great except where work is being carried out in the engine rooms whilst the boat is busy; then the open hatch can become inappropriate as far as yacht guests are concerned and also a potential hazard, particularly if there are little people on board.

The ‘patio’ doors open up between cockpit and saloon and help to make the interior an airy space, blending exterior and interior living areas relatively well.

There is a narrow walkway up to the front of the Predator 74 to two sun-pads on the foredeck. The decks are teak throughout.

Aft of the cockpit on-board Nods is the raise/drop sunbathing platform and hydraulic garage door. Both of these are operated from a single hydraulic pack. The platform generally works OK although it seems that there may be some issues in respect of sensor issues and the geometry of the platform at the time of build; Sunseeker’s engineers simply added a metal tape on top of the sensor as a temporary cure. I couldn’t advise if this issue has been resolved yet although when the boat was out of the water in St Lucia, it was apparent that the ram had be tightened as far as possible so it would seem that the solution would require some modification. The downside to this is that the platform can sometimes be inoperable.

The garage is a usable space, containing a Williams tender with a very good launch and recovery system.