PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
The E Series is Horizon Yachts’ most popular Series, with four models from 23m to 30m, in both open and enclosed bridge styles. Barry Thompson got a chance to look over the first of the new generation E75s to arrive in Auckland.
The owner of the Horizon E75, Bellagio, says two overriding factors steered him towards the Horizon E75. Firstly, the price point offered great value for money, and he could customise the interior to suit what they wanted.
The owner started his life of boating in the 1990s with a vintage Mariner 31 and was soon hooked. Over the next ten years, he owned a variety of larger cruisers and then, in 2000 placed an order for a new Riviera 48. This was the first Riviera 48 sold to Tasmania, and it served him and his family well.
. “We enjoyed the build process, but there were not a lot of custom opportunities, so I decided that my next boat should have the ability to be customised.
That turned out to be Blackjack, a Kiwi-built Salthouse 68, which he says at that point was the best boat he had ever owned. “We loved that boat and used it extensively for game fishing and cruising for 15 years.
Around 2018, the Horizon adventure started with the purchase of a new E75. This would become the first of four Horizons and the first to be given a personalised touch. Soon to follow was a Horizon FD80, followed by a pre-owned Horizon E73, which was then replaced in late 2023 by the current E75.
TOTAL CUSTOM
“We virtually started with a clean sheet of paper and worked with the design team at Horizon Yachts, who interpreted everything we wanted and how we wanted the layout configured”, The ability to visit the factory while the boat was being built got interrupted by Covid-19, so every facet of the design and fit out process was done via a computer link. The owners first saw Bellagio when it arrived on the Gold Coast in October 2022. After attending the Horizon Rendezvous at Airlie in Queensland, the boat returned to the Gold Coast and was then driven across to Auckland.
While Bellagio is a boat designed more for cruising and relaxing, by no means has the fishing ability been taken away. The extra-large rise/fall platform offers a great fishing platform while doubling up as secondary tender storage.
“My fishing has not been compromised. We dragged lures and caught plenty of Spanish Mackerel while on our shake-down cruise from the Gold Coast to Airlie Beach and back. While the weather has put a hold on some of our plans in New Zealand, I am keen to get out there to both bottom fish and troll lures, especially around Great Barrier Island”, he added.
On the el-fresco deck, Bellagio features a central lounger with a table, access to both sides of the beach club, and a high/low platform. An auto extended sunshade adds extra shade or weather protection for those fishing on the platform. Another custom asset on Bellagio is a 32″ Furuno MFD screen facing aft, so you can keep an eye on the fish and structure activity below.
Away from the fishing, there is a large lounging area on the foredeck, ideal for those evening cocktails.
The Horizon E75 motor yacht is an evolution in the design of the E73. With a stylish exterior that follows the successful lines of the E88 motor yacht, the E75’s interior features increased volume and numerous entertaining areas. It also gives an owner plenty of opportunities for a custom fit out.
OPEN OR CLOSED
The E75 is available with an open flybridge or a fully enclosed sky lounge. If you have a boat of this size and plan to use it in Kiwi climates, the sky lounge is the only option. On the upper deck, the enclosed sky lounge comprises the bridge with twin helm chairs, an L-shaped sofa with a Hi/Lo table which converts to another berth and a dedicated workstation specified by the owner.
A trio of 24″ Furuno screens dominated the dash, with all controls and system displays below in easy reach.
Another individual choice was for full-width glass sliding doors between the flybridge and the aft upper deck. This opens the space and, like downstairs marries the two areas into one.
The upper deck has the Williams 345 jet tender stowage and an ADC crane for easy launching and retrieving. When the tender isn’t there, it is a great lounging area. A bar and BBQ with fixed barstools are in the centre of the deck and is complete with a teppanyaki plate.
While the E75 comes standard with twin Caterpillar C18 ACERT @1136hp, the owner went for a pair of MAN V6 @1200hp. They are lighter than the Cats, have a smaller engine room footprint, and have marginally more power. Maximum speed when first launched was 20.5 knots. The best cruise is around 14 knots @ 1800 rpm, which returns around 240 lph. At 80% load, the speed is just over 16 knots with a fuel burn of approximately 380 lph. Using 90% of the 7120-litre fuel capacity, the cruising range at 14 knots is around 500nm.
SALOON
The first E75 that the owners had had an aft galley and quite a different saloon layout. With Bellagio, the galley has been moved to the forward upper part of the saloon. This has left the saloon’s rear with a more usable entertainment space. The sight lines from the transom to the forward screens of the saloon are unimpeded, adding a feeling of space to the interior.
A sliding glass door accesses the large main saloon, finished in satin walnut woodworking with light Amtico flooring. There is a large L-shaped sofa to starboard, with an entertainment console opposite. A point of difference between Bellagio and previous E75s is the rear staircase from the saloon to the engine room, and the beach club has been enclosed.
Bellagio is only the second E75 to have the beach club design. It blends with the Hi/Lo swim platform to create an inviting exterior space at the water’s edge. This large space has been fitted with a galley, seating and dining area with television and a day-head to provide the owner and guests with every amenity desired during a day on the water.
The owners have also stamped their style on the design with custom wood battening in the saloon’s centre panel of the AV cabinet. This has been repeated as a relief for the aft cocktail bar, another custom feature by the owner and in the accommodation companionway as well as down in the beach club. A hopper windows and windows buffet blend the cockpit area with the saloon. Like all counter surfaces in Bellagio, the standard Corian has been changed to Cambria Quartz. A classy touch that adds sophistication to the texture of the boat.
As with every Horizon build, storage has been considered throughout, with stowage options fitted into the freestanding and built-in furniture. The beach club is equipped with a full height fishing rod locker and tackle storage. The galley and country kitchen are slightly elevated from the main saloon but is designed to maintain the open plan feel. A centre island with a Cambria Quartz stone surface and three stools are a feature of the galley area, equipped with both Miele and Fisher & Paykel appliances. Forward is the large U-shape dining area, which fills the space below the forward screens. A floating staircase to port accesses the enclosed sky lounge above, while another stairway forward and to port accesses the guest accommodations on the lower deck. While a port side bulwark door is standard, the owners chose to add another one to the starboard side. This allows a lovely cross wind through the galley when desired and provides greater access outside and to the foredeck entertainment area
THREE CABINS
On the lower deck, the owner specified a three-stateroom layout, with a forward VIP, a smaller guest cabin to starboard and a full beam master stateroom aft. The guests share an ensuite fitted with a Cambria Quartz vanity top, sunken bowl and a large shower cubicle. Hanging lockers and storage is plentiful in both cabins. All three cabins have Queen or King size berths, but there is an option for two singles in the guest cabin. Again, owner’s choice.
The large stateroom has storage cabinetry on both sides, and again either can be replaced with a vanity or loungers. A generous ensuite, with a recessed double sink and an extra-large shower, break the void between the accommodation and service areas. To port is a walk-in wardrobe. The owner quickly pointed out the drop own 65″ TV at the end of the bed. It has the Bose Lifestyle surround sound to complement it. Just like being in a theatre from the comfort of your bed.
BRILLIANT
I have had the privilege of visiting the Horizon Yachts yards in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on numerous occasions and reviewing several their models. I am always impressed with the diversity of boats the company produces. Through the years, Horizon has grown its model range to encompass yachts from 18-40m and delivers 20 to 25 new builds per year.
“We have it right with our second E75 and wouldn’t change anything. However, will this be my last Horizon? Probably not. I have one more new build in front of me, and if I can convince Horizon, it will be like nothing the factory has built before,”.
Bellagio is a stunning vessel in every aspect. Fishing, cruising, or simply drinking cocktails at sunset, the Horizon E75 is perfect for any occasion.
- Design Name: Horizon E75
- Boat Name: Bellagio
- Price: POA
- Year Launched: 2022
- Builder: Horizon Yacht
- LOA: 23.24m
- LWL: 19.59m
- Beam: 5.64m
- Displ (Half Load): 53.24 tonne (dry)
- Max Speed: 20.5 knots
- Construction: Composite
- Fuel Cap: 7120 litres
- Water Cap: 1500 litres
- Engines Make: 2 x MAN v6 @1200hp
- Gearbox: ZF 665A
- Drive Train:Shaft
Generator: 2 x Onan 22.5kW
Thrusters: ABT Traclink
Trim Tabs: Hydrotab HT
- Air Con: Marine Air
Lighting:Hella
MFD:3 x Furuno WinMate 24”
Autopilot:Furuno
Watermaker: Stella
Underwater Lights: Aqualuma
Decking: Flexiteek
Awning: Helioscreen
Windlass: Maxwell VWC 3500C
Ent System: Bose & Sonos
Contact:Horizon Yachts Australia | Ph +64 7 55779009 | sales@horizonyachtaus.com | www.horizonyachtaus.com
| RPM | Knots | L/h | L/NM | Range (NM) |
| 900 | 8 | 25 | 3.2 | 2000 |
| 1200 | 10.4 | 69 | 6.7 | 950 |
| 1400 | 11.7 | 118 | 11 | 580 |
| 1600 | 12.6 | 152 | 13 | 490 |
| 1800 | 14.4 | 242 | 17 | 370 |
| 1950 | 14.6 | 300 | 21 | 300 |
| 2150 | 16.6 | 385 | 24 | 260 |
| 2300 | 18.9 | 440 | 24 | 260 |
| 2358 | 20.5 | 468 | 23 | 270 |
| Based on 90% of 7120 litres. | ||||
