Re-billed to better reflect her LOA, the Horizon FD80 will show fellow cruisers along the Gulf Coast of Florida why the Fast Displacement (FD) series from the shipyard has gained loyal followers. Hull number one, constructed on spec last year, is in the hands of happy owners from the United States.
The megayacht model started out as the FD77, which premiered around this time last year in U.S. waters. Intended as an entry-level megayacht model in the overall FD series, she particularly suited owner-operators. Several of them wanted to step up in size without losing their hands-on operational preference. While that has remained true, Horizon changed the series name because of her LOA, 80’7” (about 24.6 meters).
This first hull conveniently reflected features primarily appealing to American customers. For instance, she has an open bridge, with a fixed windscreen. Isinglas panels can enclose the helm area if wanted, of course. Wing stations make docking easier, while plenty of built-in seating and sunpads, along with a dining area and grill, invite guests to linger all day.
Another appealing feature for the owners, and most Americans, is the open-plan main deck. In fact, this Horizon FD80 has a breakfast bar adjoining and looking into the galley (top). If the chef is preparing a special surprise, though, a partition closes off the opening. The open nature of the deck stays preserved at the staircase leading down to the guest staterooms or up to the bridge, too, thanks to a laminated glass wall. Between the layout, light American oak (with glossy walnut accents), and the large ports, the Horizon FD80’s 23-foot (6.91-meter) beam feels extra capacious.
In an interesting twist on conventional deck arrangements, the main deck further has a dayhead accessible from outside as well as inside. Specifically, it sits tucked in the aft corner of the saloon. Also unconventional, the beach club doubles as a crew mess (for the four crewmembers).
Keep your eyes open for this shallow-water-capable cruiser, with a 5’3” (1.61-meter) draft.
Horizon Yachts horizonyacht.com
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