OCEAN 182
How Sunseeker super-sized the popular Ocean model
![Wide shot of Ocean 182 on the water](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/shorthand.boatinternational.com/next-level-how-sunseeker-super-sized-a-popular-ocean-model-boat-international/assets/wDn1dOTz9F/sunseeker-ocean-182-2-2560x1440.jpg)
By reimagining the layout with an enclosed flybridge,
Sunseeker International has breathed new life into a popular series boat.
Risa Merl steps on board the 27.1-metre Ocean 182
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL
"I t’s a good conversation starter,” says Mark Chinery, Sunseeker International’s sales manager, as we stand inside the penthouse-like interior of the new Sunseeker Ocean 182. He’s referring to the choice the British builder made to name its new yacht after its gross tonnage rather than its 27-metre length. For a boat that seems intent on eking out as much volume as possible from a proven platform, it seems a wise choice indeed. An evolution of the popular Sunseeker 90, the 182 shares the same hull mould as its predecessor but the layout is reimagined, with an open-plan main deck, new beach area at stern, flexible entertaining spaces and, to top things off, more interior volume thanks to its fully enclosed flybridge.
![Large grey leather seat facing bank of controls and monitors](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/shorthand.boatinternational.com/next-level-how-sunseeker-super-sized-a-popular-ocean-model-boat-international/assets/SCgim4WF8x/sunseeker-ocean-182-38-2560x1440.jpg)
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONALThe enclosed flybridge gives a helm with 360-degree views, yet is well protected from any inclement weather
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONALThe enclosed flybridge gives a helm with 360-degree views, yet is well protected from any inclement weather
As the name suggests, the Sunseeker Ocean 182 has a volume of 182GT, which is an impressive 50 per cent gain in interior space over the 120GT found on the Ocean 90. While it isn’t the only builder employing a volume-centred nomenclature these days, Sunseeker notes it was inspired by repeatedly having client conversations that focused on a yacht’s volume. “We could see the trend of clients asking for more enclosed living space and looking for a smaller tri-deck yacht,” says Chris Head of Sunseeker London, the official distributor for Sunseeker yachts in the UK.
![Overhead shot of the sun pad at one end of the boat](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/shorthand.boatinternational.com/next-level-how-sunseeker-super-sized-a-popular-ocean-model-boat-international/assets/aubIPtnwpF/sunseeker-ocean-182-5-2560x1440.jpg)
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONALThere are still plenty of sunny spots on board
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONALThere are still plenty of sunny spots on board
From the dock, the change is apparent. Enclosing the flybridge reshapes the profile, adding a smoothness with the tinted wrap-around glazing, which extends aft to the end of the roof overhang. This elongates the upper-deck lines without making the yacht look top-heavy.
![Wide shot of Ocean 182 on the water with city skyscraper backdrop](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/shorthand.boatinternational.com/next-level-how-sunseeker-super-sized-a-popular-ocean-model-boat-international/assets/FMebwO7KKL/sunseeker-ocean-182-22body-1000x1561.jpg)
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL
An angled swoop of the superstructure draws the eye upwards from the forward maindeck windows to the newly enclosed space. The aft deck of the bridge also benefits from glass wind-breakers capped in wood, a contrast to the stainless-steel handrails found on the 90. All in all, the 182 presents an elegant alternative to the sporty 90.
From the dock, the change is apparent. Enclosing the flybridge reshapes the profile, adding a smoothness with the tinted wrap-around glazing, which extends aft to the end of the roof overhang. This elongates the upper-deck lines without making the yacht look top-heavy.
![Wide shot of Ocean 182 on the water](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/shorthand.boatinternational.com/next-level-how-sunseeker-super-sized-a-popular-ocean-model-boat-international/assets/vIBIK5wMLS/sunseeker-ocean-182-2-2560x1440.jpg)
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL
An angled swoop of the superstructure draws the eye upwards from the forward maindeck windows to the newly enclosed space. The aft deck of the bridge also benefits from glass wind-breakers capped in wood, a contrast to the stainless-steel handrails found on the 90. All in all, the 182 presents an elegant alternative to the sporty 90.
The exterior changes were certainly noticed by the owner of the new hull when they first laid eyes on the 182. “The lines of the yacht and the magnificent volumes, with an amazing bridge deck, attracted me to the Sunseeker Ocean 182,” says the owner. “It was love at first sight when we saw the yacht at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.”
Sunseeker distributors in both the UK and US were consulted by the builder early on in the design stages to help shape the Ocean 182. Hull No 1 bent a little more to the US market, while hull No 2, which debuted at Boot Düsseldorf earlier this year, featured loose furniture from Italian company Visionnaire that might suit European clientele. “But even Americans love European styling at the moment,” says Head, noting the universal appeal.
![Main deck showing large U-shape leather sofa, soft chairs, spiral staircase and round black coffee tables with TV to one side on the wall](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/shorthand.boatinternational.com/next-level-how-sunseeker-super-sized-a-popular-ocean-model-boat-international/assets/EiAGoxPsvO/sunseeker-ocean-182-54-4096x2304.jpg)
![Alternative view of the main deck showing doors that open out at the front to soft seating in the sun](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/shorthand.boatinternational.com/next-level-how-sunseeker-super-sized-a-popular-ocean-model-boat-international/assets/uw7lW4wkny/sunseeker-ocean-182-50-2560x1440.jpg)
The 182 offers an impressive 50 per cent gain in interior space over the 120GT found on the Sunseeker Ocean 90
The new Sunseeker Ocean 182 might be proudly built in Britain, but the first hull, which strategically debuted at the Newport Boat Show, was shaped with America in mind with the help of Bryan Braley, president of OneWater Yacht Group, which is the North American importer for Sunseeker as well as the local dealer in the eastern US.
“It was important we get the flybridge on hull one right from the start, especially now that it was going to be enclosed,” says Braley. “The US market was looking for a fully enclosed, air-conditioned space for relaxed entertaining. Maximising storage, additional refrigeration and even a very specific placement of the TV were all factored into our final layout.
“The interior has elements inspired by nature, with curved lines, soft shapes and natural materials”
After trying different positions to get that placement right, the large, fixed television sits on port side. The perfect place to curl up and watch a movie, the upper saloon is one of the favourite spaces on board for the owner of the first hull. By day, the lofty vantage point of this saloon is ideal for taking in views of the water. Different seating arrangements and even an option to make an upper-deck dining room are available on the bridge. And as it’s high off the water, privacy is ensured.
“An enclosed flybridge also extends the boating season and gives the client more year-round usage,” says Braley. This suits how the owner of hull No 1 plans to use the boat, splitting their time between Florida and the Bahamas in the winter and the north-east US in the summer, cruising around Long Island, Manhattan, Block Island, Newport, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
![Dining table with seating for 8, under a slanting window. The counters are white marble and the cabinets are dark. A bunch of eucalyptus is in a ribbed clear vase on the table and there are martini glasses and cocktail shakers on the counter.](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/shorthand.boatinternational.com/next-level-how-sunseeker-super-sized-a-popular-ocean-model-boat-international/assets/lmBMdYtgt8/sunseeker-ocean-182-main-deck-galley-2560x1440.jpg)
![Dining table with seating for 8, under a slanting window. The counters are white marble and the cabinets are dark. A bunch of eucalyptus is in a ribbed clear vase on the table and there are martini glasses and cocktail shakers on the counter.](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/shorthand.boatinternational.com/next-level-how-sunseeker-super-sized-a-popular-ocean-model-boat-international/assets/Y3YK34HeDa/sunseeker-ocean-182-main-deck-galley-2560x1440.jpg)
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONALThe configuration of the main deck is for an open-plan space with the galley opening on to the dining area
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONALThe configuration of the main deck is for an open-plan space with the galley opening on to the dining area
The captain of the first hull also lauds the commanding 360-degree views enjoyed from the helm station on the bridge. Whereas the Ocean 90 had dual helms with an interior main-deck bridge and an open bridge up to it, this is the sole helm on the Ocean 182. And as it’s enclosed and not compromised by inclement weather, it’s really the only one you need.
Removing the lower bridge drastically altered the interior of the main deck. From the main saloon entrance, sight lines now stretch all the way to the forward windscreen, where a galley and dining area has replaced the bridge. “Moving the galley has changed things completely,” says Chinery of this country kitchen-style arrangement.
![A close-up view of the marble counters, dark cabinets and sun streaming through the windows on to the fitted kitchen appliances](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/shorthand.boatinternational.com/next-level-how-sunseeker-super-sized-a-popular-ocean-model-boat-international/assets/JT3boUFDlt/sunseeker-ocean-182-main-deck-galley-2-2560x1440.jpg)
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL
The standard configuration of the main deck is for an open-plan space with the galley opening on to the dining area, but there are also options to partially or fully enclose the galley for traditional crew service. The galley counters are finished in a hard-wearing Caesarstone. “We moved away from natural marbles because the consistency of quality is better and it doesn’t stain,” says Chinery. Miele appliances are standard in the galley, though Chinery notes that Americans might want Sub-Zero refrigeration instead.
Further opening up the main saloon is a floating spiral staircase to port, which catches the eye immediately upon entering the room. “It adds an interesting architectural feature to the interior and helps to create a light and airy feel, which is accentuated by natural light that’s maximised by the large windows,” says Ewen Foster, chief technical officer at Sunseeker International. “The interior has elements inspired by nature, with curved lines, soft shapes and natural materials.”
There have been multiple enquiries from Asia, which might see mah-jong and karaoke rooms included on the lower decks
![A close-up view of the marble counters, dark cabinets and cocktail shakers and glasses on the counter.](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/shorthand.boatinternational.com/next-level-how-sunseeker-super-sized-a-popular-ocean-model-boat-international/assets/N76MuUwOJy/sunseeker-ocean-182-main-deck-galley-3-4005x2252.jpg)
The sinuous staircase on the main deck fits in with other curvaceous interior items, such as a sweeping, curved bulkhead adjacent to the upholstered headboard in the master cabin and the soft curve of the bespoke vanity desk and bedside table. The full-beam owner’s cabin is found on the lower deck. Accessed from the main staircase, it is set forward of two guest cabins amidships.
The owner’s cabin offers a layout choice of a sofa or breakfast seating, and the guest cabins have the option of fixed or sliding twins or fixed double berths. Meanwhile, the forward VIP cabin is reached via a separate stairway off the dining area. “The yacht is well laid out for family cruising, and with the private VIP cabin it works great with another couple,” says the owner of the first hull.
![Bed on a raised under-lit plinth with bedding in brown, grey and neutral pallete](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/shorthand.boatinternational.com/next-level-how-sunseeker-super-sized-a-popular-ocean-model-boat-international/assets/A99rIsvPZ2/sunseeker-ocean-182-31-2560x1440.jpg)
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL The full-beam owner’s suite is on the lower deck and is accessed from the main staircase
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL The full-beam owner’s suite is on the lower deck and is accessed from the main staircase
Providing multiple options, whether it be layout or decor, is fundamental for an owner to be able to put their stamp on a series boat such as this. The builder has a dedicated interior collection for owners to choose from, which includes a range of fabrics, wall linings, leather, coloured lacquer, stone, veneer, flooring and decorative lighting. “The collection is created in close collaboration with Design Unlimited, and it’s characterised by a sophisticated palette of materials,” says Foster.
Hull No 1 features smoked eucalyptus on the walls, though future owners might opt for silver oak, which is another popular wood choice, says Chinery. The sofa in this hull is decidedly American, oversized with a high back.
![Bed on a raised under-lit plinth with bedding in brown, grey and neutral pallete](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/shorthand.boatinternational.com/next-level-how-sunseeker-super-sized-a-popular-ocean-model-boat-international/assets/eFaXbhqKjL/sunseeker-ocean-182-26-2560x1440.jpg)
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL
“The yacht is well laid out for family cruising, and with the private VIP cabin it works great with another couple”
It’s paired with a sleek Minotti coffee table. There is the option for free-standing furniture to be custom-designed to suit each owner’s style, with brands such as Visionnaire, Minotti and Poltrona Frau suggested by the yard.
The Ocean 182 also features a few options made standard. This includes items such as the mirrored medicine cabinets in the bathrooms and sidemounted ladders on the exterior. The main-deck dayhead, which was only an option on the Ocean 90, is now standard on the 182. Other elements were added to the 182 based on client requests, such as the shoe locker that’s found at the entrance to the saloon.
![Guest cabin in double bed formation with neutral linens](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/shorthand.boatinternational.com/next-level-how-sunseeker-super-sized-a-popular-ocean-model-boat-international/assets/hwgj3Ejwde/sunseeker-ocean-182-51-2560x1440.jpg)
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL
![Bathroom with double sinks and mirrors with marble counters](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/shorthand.boatinternational.com/next-level-how-sunseeker-super-sized-a-popular-ocean-model-boat-international/assets/vGGuSVjp41/sunseeker-ocean-182-28-2560x1440.jpg)
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL
The guest cabins have the option of fixed or sliding twins or fixed double berths
Fortunately, it doesn’t feel as if the added interior volume on the Ocean 182 comes as a sacrifice to her outdoor living areas. “We’ve not lost any of the aft deck areas, so we still have massive outdoor space, along with the bow lounge,” says Head. This includes the six-by-four-metre beach club, where the transom folds open to reveal sunpads. “The Ocean 182 will appeal to someone who wants big volume but doesn’t want to be running a big yacht with big crew,” says Head. “You have a 7.16-metre beam but are still under the 24-metre load line, so you have a yacht that feels like it’s bigger than 100ft (30.5 metres) at just 90ft.”
![Two white soft chairs without arms facing each other with a small brown pop-up table between them](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/shorthand.boatinternational.com/next-level-how-sunseeker-super-sized-a-popular-ocean-model-boat-international/assets/gCWM2Y09OB/sunseeker-ocean-182-49-2437x1371.jpg)
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONALThe owner’s cabin can be laid out with a sofa or breakfast seating
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONALThe owner’s cabin can be laid out with a sofa or breakfast seating
A large-yacht feel in a smaller package appealed to the owner of the first hull, who has had numerous boats over the past 40 years, including three Silvertons (up to 12 metres), two Sea Rays (up to 17 metres) and they still own a 16.5-metre Riviera. “Good sea-handling capabilities were also on my wish list,” says the owner. “Although I do have a captain, I wanted a yacht that I could feel comfortable handling by myself with a smaller crew.”
![Outdoor sofa and chairs in grey and neutral wood with a white table, facing the sun on the deck](https://s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/shorthand.boatinternational.com/next-level-how-sunseeker-super-sized-a-popular-ocean-model-boat-international/assets/69KPSQGa5f/sunseeker-ocean-182-42-2560x1440.jpg)
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL
SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL
Despite the increase in volume, Sunseeker reports no loss in performance in the Ocean 182. Like her predecessor, she still achieves a top speed of 27 knots and delivers a 1,100-nautical-mile range at 10 to 12 knots. “Solid, stable and fast” is how the captain of hull No 1 describes the performance, adding: “We ran it at 22 knots across the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas, and it seems to handle a variety of sea conditions equally well. It has a great economical cruise but can get up and move when needed.”
Sunseeker has three more of the Ocean 182 units on order – it can build up to five per year. As well as America and Europe, there are multiple enquiries from Asia, which might see mah-jong and karaoke rooms included on the lower decks. After her European debut, hull No 2 is set to make her way to the US , where she’s likely to turn more heads. “We get lots of compliments on the yacht every time we pull into a marina,” says the owner of hull No 1. It’s safe to say that with the Ocean 182, Sunseeker has taken things up a level.
First published in the August 2024 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.
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The enclosed flybridge can be arranged as a dining area or a TV lounge
The galley has discreet side-deck access for crew, and an adjoining spacious dining area
With generous proportions, the open-plan main saloon can be filled with an array of contemporary loose furniture
Positioned forward, the guest VIP cabin is luxurious
The master suite takes advantage of the full beam
The crew quarters sleep four in two cabins
LOA 27.1m | Gross tonnage |
LWL 23.95m | Engines |
Beam 7.16m | Generators |
Draught 1.95m | Speed (max/cruise) |
Range at 10-12 knots | Owners/guests 10 |
Fuel capacity | Crew 4 |
Freshwater capacity | Construction |
Naval architecture | Builder/year |
Exterior styling | +44 (0)1202 381111 |
Interior design |