A New Yacht On The Horizon...

Horizon yachts are well known throughout Europe and Asia where they are recognized as a popular line of yachts. Previous production has been sold almost exclusively in the demanding European market, where Horizon competes successfully. They build over 30 yachts a year, which is performed in-house by up to 340 full time employees whose careers are dedicated solely to the company.

Horizon utilizes a manufacturing process known as SCRIMP, a resin-infusion molding technology that adds a level of strength, durability and consistency, while reducing overall weight. SCRIMP, or Seaman Composites Resin Infusion Molding Process, is a process originally developed by the U.S. Navy and tested by the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center. The Navy was seeking new ways of adding strength and durability to a vessel’s hull without adding weight. Essentially, SCRIMP is the evolution of the vacuum bag lamination process that more precisely controls resin levels and eliminates air pockets, which tend to form during traditional hand lay-up. Horizon takes this technology several steps further by applying two layers of biaxial fiberglass to the gel coat before vacuum bagging takes place. That means no print-through from the fiberglass mats.

Construction techniques such as this are the result of compliance codes etablished for high-speed, light craft over the past decade. The world’s most reputable class societies have worked with manufacturers and naval architects to create exacting standards for designing and building private yachts. Horizon has been proactively working to standardize their entire construction process. Because of this, Horizon can offer buyers the ability to have their vessel be built in compliance with standards such as: Det Norske Veritas (DNV), High Speed & Light Craft (HSLC) Class, Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA).

There are good reason to invest in an accredited vessel. Not only is the quality of construction improved, but the resale value can be greater. In addition, there can be tax and charter benefits too.

Horizon’s 620 is the latest in a new line of revised deckhouse motor yachts ranging from 62’ to 94’ in length that benefit from these construction processes. Long known for exceptional interiors, Horizon has taken interior space to a whole new level, with an unheard of, full stand-up engine room that is accessed via a transom door (see the picture at end of this review).

The 620 is the smallest of the new revised deck Horizons, but benefits from the hand-me-downs of it's larger siblings. Sporty in nature and capable of higher cruising speeds than the rest of the family, Horizon designed the 620 with higher than normal bulwarks to add a level of safety for passengers that can't sit still while underway. They provide safe, easy access to the forward deck area, where a sunpad waits for them to settle down and enjoy the ride.

The Euro style transom features twin sweeping steps that lead down to a fully integrated swim platform. The access door, which is virtually seamless in this picture, provides near-adult-size access that leads to a full stand up engine room and workshop. This is very unusual for a yacht under 70 feet and fairly remarkable.

Frameless windows, molded into the fiberglass, provide a sleek appearance and are virtually maintenance-free. This state of the art construction technique results in less chance of moisture permeating the interior. In addition, they are quite large, offering an expansive view from most any position within the interior.

The flybridge windshield is now larger for greater visibility and reversed, raking forward to provide more open, usable space and reduced glare. At cruising speeds, this helps deflect wind flowing over the flybridge area, resulting in a less turbulent trip.

The flybridge fully extends to the stern and features a double Barbecue, a sink, stowage and seating for 12 people. Horizon’s flybridge layout is functional and clean, leaving plenty of room to move about. The distance from the flybridge helm to the bow is longer than average, resulting in the feel of commanding a larger vessel. This may sound irrelevent, until you've been behind the wheel of some yachts where the helm position rivals the driver's seat of a mini-van. Believe me, it's better to look out over the bow, than to look down on the bow.

In the salon, the entertainment center is the focal point of an eleven-foot long couch that is divided and slightly bowed to bring the conversation full circle. This picture gives a clear example of the kind of woodwork that is being carved by the skilled hands of Taiwanese craftsmen. Mirror-image coffee tables conform to the shape of the couch and separate recliners are provided for opposing points of view.

Forward of the salon, the lower helm is flanked by an adjoining eight-foot long leather settee. One feature that is notable is a centrally mounted helm, not an offset helm like some yachts of this size. From an operational standpoint, it makes little difference, but it’s a nice feature.

The galley is located midship. What’s nice about the open placement, is you can still enjoy conversing with your guests while making meal preparations. In addition to a full size oven and dish-washer, there’s a refrigerator tucked-away behind all that laminated wood! Real granite countertops are utilized here, not the lightweight stuff.

Accommodations are provided for six guests in three staterooms with room left over to smuggle island goodies on the return trip. There is a full beam master, a v-berth queen and kids quarters, large enough for grown-ups. The master integrates a sitting area and a full-length sofa.

Mirrors are used generously to add dimension and reflect the workmanship of the surrounding wood. The mirrors on the ceilings help add size to the room… and can be entertaining too!

This is the VIP stateroom, showing the workmanship that has become synonomous with Horizon's interior's.

To reach the “combustion compartment”, you pass through a full stand up, lazarette style corridor. This is a very useful room that not only provides storage for wet equipment, but also doubles as a small workshop away from engine room heat.

The engine room houses a pair of Cat C-12’s rated at 700 HP. About the only gripe I could muster up is having to hurdle the bulkhead cross members in the walkway. However, this is how Horizon was able to create a full stand up engine room, so... no complaints!

This picture clearly depicts the access door to the engine room, as well as how spacious the entire aft deck and swim platform area is. Transom access to the engine room has great value, mostly in the wear & tear is saves on the interior of a yacht when servicing the engines, generators, etc. There is also access to the engine room from the main deck, via the ladder shown in the preceeding Lazarette picture.

Horizon clearly has a winner on their hands with the new 620. It has many of the features found on larger yachts, without sacrificing for its size. It's a sharp looking yacht that is built on the foundation of over 350 semi-custom yachts that Horizon has delivered since 1987.

Written by Carl Camper

Horizon's new revised deck motor yachts range in size from 62' to 94', with other models stretching to 130 feet. They are available in flybridge, cockpit, raised pilothouse and tri-deck versions.

Specs…

Length Overall............................64 ft. 3 in.
Length Waterline........................53 ft. 7 in.
Beam..........................................17 ft. 4 in.
Draft............................................5 ft. 7 in.
Weight........................................74,9 60 lbs.
Fuel Capacity..............................1,000 gal.
Water Capacity...........................350 gal.
Standard Power..........................700 hp Cats C12s

For more information, visit Horizon's website or contact...

www.horizonyacht.com.

West Coast:
Emerald Pacific Yachts
901 Fairview Ave. North
Suite C-170
Seattle, WA 98109
206-587-0660

East Coast:
Horizon America
Old Port Cove
1212 A US Highway 1
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
561-626-5615