ABOUT THE SUNSEEKER THUNDERHAWK 43

Fully half of the Thunderhawk is cockpit area if you include the huge padded sunning area over the engine compartment, making this a perfect boat for taking friends up the coast for lunch

There are immediate clues to the boat's racing pedigree, however, particularly when you step behind the helm. Double racing-style bolstered seats allow the driver and companion to wedge firmly into place or, at the touch of a switch, the electric seat bottoms swing up to create bucket seats complete with headrests.

But there is an obvious level of luxury and refinement never found on a race boat, starting with the burled walnut instrument panel suitable for a Rolls-Royce, gleaming through layer upon layer of hand-rubbed lacquer. The wood-rimmed steering wheel is equally posh, although it connects to a high performance Morse steering system. Circuit breakers are tucked under the helm, and aircraft-style rocker switches control the electrical systems with a touch.

Opposite the helm is a cockpit wet bar with sink, refrigerator, and bottle and glass storage underneath. Wrapping around the rest of the cockpit area is a softly upholstered seating area with a removable table. When not in use, the table top stows under the engine hatch, or it can be lowered to seat level and topped with a cushion to create another sunning lounge. Aft of the cockpit is the oversized sun pad, and the swim platform has a hidden hot-and-cold shower and folding swim ladder. The radar arch over the cockpit is standard, and it incorporates twin Bimini tops for sun protection.

The wide side decks, combined with the stainless-steel grab rails atop the windshield, make it easy to get forward and the non-slip surface is very good. At the bow, an anchor windlass is standard, and it can be operated from the cockpit for remote anchoring.

Down below, it's hard to believe this is a performance boat when you look around at the designer fabrics and superlative joinerwork. Two steps down from the cockpit and you're standing in the galley area, with 6 feet 2 inches of headroom next to cabinets finished in flawless ivory lacquer. A slide-away counter top reveals the sink and two-burner electric stove, and a refrigerator is below. Pull a drawer open, and you'll be pleased to find it rolls easily on ball-bearing glides ... another thoughtful indication of quality construction. Behind the galley, there is ample storage.

Hidden quartz halogen lights are tucked under the valances to provide softly indirect lighting, and there is ample storage under (and behind) all the seats and berths. The all-white head compartment is large and easily cleaned, and there is ample room for showering.

The engine compartment shows the racing heritage, with all the wiring and hoses neatly secured. The trim motors have been moved forward for ease of maintenance, the oil fillers are relocated for the same purpose, and the entire compartment is

Twisting the ignition keys on the Thunderhawk is like twisting the tail of a tiger: there's an immediate and menacing growl. With the touch of a switch at the helm, you can shift from an unmuffled straight exhaust (for high speed running ) to a muffled exhaust for harbour cruising but, either way, there's no question that serious machinery is at work here.

Once clear of the confines of harbour speed limits, the Thunderhawk is in its element, running fast and free. Shove the throttles forward and the response is immediate--the sound level builds and the Thunderhawk is quickly skimming across the water.

It's hard to find fault with the handling of this boat. Steering was precise but not overly twitchy, and the deep-vee hull can gobble up swells with no problems. It's not often that water skiers can be towed from a 43-foot luxury yacht, but that's a simple matter for the Thunderhawk.