SIGN OF THE ZODIAC
If you get to see Jackie Chan’s new action film – CZ12, then check out the movie debut played by the Horizon EP 77. The world’s action movie super star – Jackie Chan, shot his new action film CZ12 (Chinese Zodiac) at the Horizon facility, where the EP77 and CC 105 played its supporting role.
Horizon EP 77 is one of four boats in the Horizon EP range, which also comprises the EP69, EP110 and the recently launched EP148.
Previously known as the Bandido 75, the EP77 defines innovation, combining the functional features of an expedition vessel with the amenities of a luxury yacht and interior volume rivalling much larger yachts. Featuring a three or four en-suite stateroom layout plus crew quarters, the full-beam, open flybridge allows for entertaining, relaxing and plenty of room to enjoy the open air while cruising to your favourite destination.
With optional tender garage, Hi/Lo boarding platform and transom storage, the EP77 offers the ultimate in easy access for water sports activities. The hull design incorporates a bulbous bow, giving a solid ride with optimised fuel efficiency.
The Horizon EP77 series’ interior encourages relaxation with their classic joinery and elegantly appointed furnishings housed in what can only be described as an unrivalled interior volume for a yacht of this size. The EP expedition series offers the opportunity for worldwide exploration possibilities for family cruising enthusiasts. But it is also going to be just as content coastal cruising or island hoping around the Whitsunday’s or the Bay of Islands.
Built in the Horizon factory in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the EP77 is constructed in solid GRP using the patented SCRIMP (Seemann Composites Resin Infusion Molding Process) resin infusion system. The result is the hulls are built to an exacting standard with minimum weight and maximum strength from high performance laminates with properties comparable to those of laminates produced by more expensive and labour intensive processes.
Long Range Cruiser
Aimed at owners who intend to indulge in long-range cruising but demand superb safety standards, these yachts boast imposing lines underscored by optional bright hull livery.
The EP 75, a 23.6-metre tri-deck displacement yacht with a 6.6-metre beam, combines all of the advantages of a luxury vessel with the power and range of an explorer. Standard power is twin Caterpillar 503hp diesels, which give it a 14.0-knot top speed and a cruising speed of 10 knots.
At 9.4 knots @ 1500 rpm the EP77 has a range of around 2200NM, courtesy of its 18,000-litre fuel tanks. That means it can cruise from Brisbane to Auckland and back and still have some fuel in reserve. Tasman crossings or cruises to PNG, Fiji or New Caledonia can safely be achieved without the need to refuel or carry extra fuel on deck.
If you are content with dropping back a little to 8.5 knots @1200 rpm, then the range increases dramatically to around 3500NM. Flat out at 2150 rpm and 14.2 knots, the range is still a very impressive 1100 plus nautical miles, which probably leaves a little in hand for a Tasman crossing.
The EP77 has a reputation for being a very stable vessel even in big seas and superbly nimble in port thanks to bow and stern thrusters supplied by American Bow Thrusters. Trac fin stabilisers are standard but you do have the option of fitting a gyro instead.
Mechanically, the EP77 lacks for nothing and is fitted out with high quality equipment and fittings. Standard features also include two vertical Maxwell VWX4000 anchor winches, Sunbrella canvas and exterior cushions, Stidd helm chairs, Xantrex inverter/charger, Vimar switches for the lighting systems, Marine Air air-conditioning and twin Onan 50Hz/60Hz generators.
The navigation equipment is also extensive, with the EP77 offered with a total Raymarine package. This includes a Raystar 125 Plus GPS, 72NM radar, E140W and E120W widescreen displays, ST70 multifunction displays, AIS500 AIS, plus Raymarine fishfinder, autopilot, VJF and even loudhailer.
Traditional Layout
The 77’s layout is pretty traditional with a covered cockpit on the main deck leading into an open plan saloon with sofas near the entrance followed by a dining table for eight. The galley is adjacent and kitted out with quality appliances and lots of pantry space. The entire bow area is taken up by the pilothouse that has semicircular windows and a bridge that would be the envy of a transatlantic liner plus two adjustable leather steering seats and a sofa for guests.
Starting aft on the lower deck, there’s a tender garage with a 3.25-metre water jet tender. The transom opens onto a wide teak swim platform flanked by an ensuite crew cabin. Next comes the engine room, the luxurious full-beam owner’s stateroom, two two-berth guest cabins and a VIP forward, all with ensuites. The staterooms are spacious and tastefully appointed and are styled in much the same fashion as the rest of the vessel.
The 77’s layout is pretty traditional with a covered cockpit on the main deck leading into an open plan saloon with sofas near the entrance followed by a dining table for eight. The galley is adjacent and kitted out with quality appliances and lots of pantry space. The entire bow area is taken up by the pilothouse that has semicircular windows and a bridge that would be the envy of a transatlantic liner plus two adjustable leather steering seats and a sofa for guests.
Starting aft on the lower deck, there’s a tender garage with a 3.25-metre water jet tender. The transom opens onto a wide teak swim platform flanked by an ensuite crew cabin. Next comes the engine room, the luxurious full-beam owner’s stateroom, two two-berth guest cabins and a VIP forward, all with ensuites. The staterooms are spacious and tastefully appointed and are styled in much the same fashion as the rest of the vessel.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Boat Design Name: Horizon EP 77
- Year Launched: 2012
- Designer: J.C Espinosa
- Builder: Horizon Yachts
- LOA: 23.67m
- LWL: 20.27m
- Beam: 6.60m
- Draft: 1.89m
- Displacement (Light): 87 tonnes
- Max Speed:Â 14
- Cruise Speed: 10
- Construction: GRP (SCRIMP)
- Fuel Cap: 18,000 litres
- Water Cap:Â Â 3000 litres
- Engines Make: 2 x Caterpillar @ 503hp each
- Gearboxes: ZF 350
- Drive Train:Â Conventional shafts
- Propeller: 4 or 5 blade
- Generator: 2 x Onan
