The Sunseeker Manhattan 73 2012 vs Sunseeker Predator 52 2009 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Sunseeker Manhattan 73 2012 measures 74,2 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 16,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Sunseeker Predator 52 2009 at 57,9 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sunseeker Manhattan 73 2012 tips the scales at 98 780 lbs — 44 105 lbs more than the Sunseeker Predator 52 2009 at 54 675 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 1 550 hp, the Sunseeker Manhattan 73 2012 has a 750-hp advantage over the Sunseeker Predator 52 2009's 800-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sunseeker Manhattan 73 2012 carries 1 321 gallons versus 565 gallons in the Sunseeker Predator 52 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Sunseeker Manhattan 73 2012 is rated for 22 passengers, while the Sunseeker Predator 52 2009 caps at 17. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Sunseeker Manhattan 73 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Sunseeker Manhattan 73 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 22 passengers and at 74,2 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Sunseeker Predator 52 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 17 that costs less to run day-to-day.