Horizon is Taiwan’s biggest yacht builder, and the United States is among Horizon’s biggest marketplace. Assisting in that regard is the Horizon E series, with several models sold stateside so far. The Horizon E88, one of the newest and largest E series models, underscores the success. She showcases classic and contemporary lines and a host of practical features and big-boat touches rarely seen in this size range.
Similar to many megayachts of her length, the Horizon E88 has a combination saloon and dining area, plus a country kitchen galley. The difference aboard the E88 that premiered at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, however, is that the layout is entirely open all the way forward. You can see straight from the aft-deck sliding-glass doors all the way to the three-panel windows above the U-shape dining nook in the country kitchen. Of course, if owners (or the chef) want a bit of privacy, a sliding panel activates at the press of a button. It rises up at the pass-through between the cooking area and the dining area in the saloon.
Still on the subject of the galley, when’s the last time you saw an 89’4” (27.24-meter) megayacht with specially designed stowage for glasses as well as pots and pans? Horizon includes this, plus a wine cooler, four Sub-Zero freezer drawers, and two refrigerators. No day-tripper this; Horizon knows some owners like to be out and about for good lengths of time.
For cruises with a handful of guests, Horizon equips the E88 with four staterooms, including a full-beam master (pictured) below decks. The sole outside the master entry is adorned with a compass rose comprised of honeycomb-backed stone, allowing the stiff surface to flex with the yacht’s motion. Special family members or friends will appreciate the VIP, up two steps fully forward. A prism skylight above its entrance is a nice touch—and a smart one, lessening the amount of electricity needed.
The other two staterooms feature twin berths, though the beds can be pushed together to create a queen. Alternately, Horizon permits owners to turn one of these twin cabins into an office. Regardless, the guest heads aboard the E88 at the show all employed grey lacquer as wall treatments, more practical than wallpaper. (Of course, Horizon will use that material if an owner so wishes.)
While the Horizon E88 at the show also featured an enclosed bridge, Horizon offers an open-bridge version, with a hardtop. Either way, the captain and buyers will appreciate the optional OctoPlex system. In brief, it’s a yacht-monitoring system comprised of touchscreens, displaying everything from lighting settings to fuel-tank capacity. Furthermore, OctoPlex can synch to an iPad or iPhone. This way, if you inadvertently leave on a light, you can turn it off remotely, or be alerted to a problem when you’re off the yacht. The crew additionally have an OctoPlex monitor mounted in the stairwell aft to port in the saloon that leads to their accommodations.
With a back-down station on the aft deck, fresh- and saltwater washdowns by the bow seat, huge stowage hatches in the foredeck, and more, the Horizon E88 is a well-thought-out yacht. The engine room is well thought out, too, with sight gauges for fuel and nearly four-sided access to the twin 1,700-hp Caterpillar C32 engines (which should permit top speeds in the low-20-knot range). Optional engines are available, with higher horsepower though still C32s.
To obtain further details directly from Horizon about this model, fill out this form. Here’s more of the Horizon E88.
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