BLACK SOIL

The Horizon FD80 Skyline’s hybrid hull shape featuring shaft tunnels and a wave-piercing bow reinforced with stainless steel plates all contribute to efficient cruising speeds and excellent stability.

Horizon uses world-class construction methods using ABS/DNV type-approved fibre and resin, and sandwich core material. It has developed its own patented one-piece hull infusion technology, called SCRIMP, that is used for the skeg and longitudinal girders and results in more strength for lighter weight. The engine room is as good as it gets with plenty of room to move around for maintenance.

This tri-deck features an on-deck master stateroom and three guest cabins below, all with well-appointed ensuites. She boses an impressive beach club that opens via a full-width hydraulic door on the transom onto a huge height-adjustable swim platform.

Formal dining can take place on the aft deck or in the saloon. The flybridge features a compact pilothouse that leads onto a huge semi-open lounge with stacking side windows that make the most of natural light and ventilation, a bar, dining area and a jacuzzi.

The forward deck features another large seating area and sun pads. It also has large storage lockers for fenders and the like, with easy passage forward to access the windlass.

Walking into the saloon through the large sliding doors off the aft deck feels like walking into a luxury apartment. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide endless natural light and an amazing view of the passing scenery, while the saloon’s open plan adds to the sense of spaciousness while also ensuring everyone is part of the action.

An internal staircase takes you from the forward end of the saloon directly into a pilothouse described as a “neo-bridge”. The pilothouse includes a small dinette.

While the forward-raked windows on the bridge is a feature designed on practicality rather than looks, as they offer better vision, more volume and provide much better sun protection by reducing glare on the electronics. They can even help to lower the temperature inside the bridge, reducing the need to run the aircon flat out.

Pilothouse doors to port and starboard provide access to wing stations – not a common feature on smaller motor yachts – that protrude from the side decks to give good forward and aft vision when pulling alongside. They’re a nice touch from Horizon that makes life a little easier when the time comes to put her in a berth. The portside pilothouse door also provides access to the foredeck.

The foredeck has access from the port side of the boat deck. A wide walkway takes you past the port side wing station before opening up to another large seating area with dinette tables and sun pads. Open the sliding door aft of the dinette there's the jacuzzi which is the centre stage of the upper deck.