Sunseeker choose aluminium

Sunseeker have announced that they are planning to build vessels in excess of 170ft (52m) out of aluminium.

Codenamed Zeus (nothing to do with the pod propulsion drive from CMD) the project comes after requests from clients for yachts of this size.

The use of aluminium will mean a change to the production process at their Poole based factory but new facilities are planned for the hugely technical process of building such large boats - so far a 54m Zeus has been announced.

Sunseeker already have a range extending up to 150ft (46m) but managing director Robert Braithwaite is excited about the new project, he says: "This is a very exciting time for the company. We have years of experience in building the highest quality motoryachts and I am very confident the move into larger bespoke shipbuilding will bring further success.

"What is reassuring is that our clients are asking us to make this move and the comments received on our initial designs have been extremely encouraging."

Find out more about the Sunseeker International Zeus project on their website.

Motor Boat and Yachting , Jack Haines, 8 January 2009