In Quantum of Solace, the Sunseeker Superhawk 43 belongs to the villains: low, dark-screened and built to cover water quickly. It is a handsome piece of British boatbuilding and, in our view, one of the more sensible ways to own a slice of the film’s world, provided you are happy to buy second-hand.
In the film
In the Haiti sequence of Quantum of Solace (2008), General Medrano and his men use the Superhawk 43 to take Camille toward the larger yacht M4. Daniel Craig’s Bond intervenes by ramming its hull. The scene was filmed in Panama in March 2008. Our Quantum of Solace page has more on the film.
The details of the Sunseeker Superhawk 43
A twin-stepped hull. The deep-vee hull is stepped twice, which reduces the area in contact with the water and with it the drag. The practical effect is speed without tiresome handling. Motor Boat & Yachting found it controllable and forgiving in a two-metre chop.
A choice of engines. The range ran from twin Volvo Penta diesel sterndrives to triple Yamaha sterndrives and, at the top, twin 480hp Yanmar diesels driving Arneson surface drives. With that last setup, the magazine recorded 47.6 knots (54.8mph) in its test. Sunseeker estimated about 43 knots for the smallest sterndrive option. We would start with the engines when choosing one.
A cockpit that rearranges itself. The seat backs hinge forwards, backwards or lie flat, the cockpit table folds away, and the sunbed bases lift on gas struts to reveal removable stowage trays. Deep wraparound helm seats hold driver and crew in place.
More below than you expect. For a boat this low, the cabin has a proper galley and berths. The forward berth is 1.88m long and headroom at the foot of the steps is 1.80m. It is a boat for a weekend away, not a week.
Proportion. At 13.49m overall and 3.63m in the beam, it is wide for its length. The radar arch and tinted screens give it a low, purposeful profile.
Owning it now
Production ended in 2009, so every Superhawk 43 is out of production and found second-hand; the button below runs a search of eBay for it. That is no hardship; it simply changes how you shop. Find a broker you trust, ask for the service history on both engines and drives, and commission an independent survey. Surface drives reward a particular handling technique, so ask to drive it, not only to see it.
Which one? We would look for the Arneson surface-drive boat with the Yanmar diesels. It is the fastest version and the most distinctive, although it was also the most expensive when new. If you want a calmer life, the Volvo sterndrive boats cost less new and respond more readily at low speeds.
Where it suits. Coastal day trips, a lunch at anchor, a fast run between harbours. Anyone who wants more of the film’s machines will find them in our vehicles collection.
Specifications
| Model | Sunseeker Superhawk 43, built 2006 to 2009 |
|---|---|
| Designer | Sunseeker and Don Shead, 2006 |
| Length overall | 13.49m (44ft 3in) |
| Beam | 3.63m (11ft 11in) |
| Draught | 1.08m (3ft 6in) |
| Hull | Twin-stepped deep-vee |
| Engines (as tested) | Twin Yanmar 480hp diesels with Arneson surface drives; sterndrive options also available |
| Fuel capacity | 1,000 litres |
| RCD category | B (for 8 people) |
| RRP | Discontinued; no current RRP. Sold pre-owned through brokers |
Questions
Is this the boat from Quantum of Solace?
Yes. General Medrano and his men use a Sunseeker Superhawk 43 in the Haiti sequence of the film, and Bond rams its hull. Bond himself does not drive it.
Can you still buy a new Sunseeker Superhawk 43?
No. Sunseeker built it from 2006 to 2009 and it has been discontinued. Examples are sold pre-owned through brokers and listing sites.
How fast is the Sunseeker Superhawk 43?
It depends on the engines. With twin 480hp Yanmar diesels and Arneson surface drives, Motor Boat & Yachting recorded 47.6 knots (54.8mph). Sunseeker estimated around 43 knots for the smallest sterndrive option.
Where was the Superhawk 43 scene filmed?
In Panama, in March 2008. The scene is set in Haiti, but the boat chase was filmed in Panama.
For more from the film, see the full list of Bond films.
