TIMELESS & VERSATILE
Text by Barry Thompson
Horizon refers to their V series as a modern take on classic design, with fluid lines and flexible features that are built to be run by an owner/operator but can also accommodate crew. The latest addition to that range, the custom-built V81 epitomises all of the above and more.
Designed especially for the Australian market and the first stock boat for Horizon Yacht Australia, the Horizon V81 is essentially an extension of the popular V72, transformed with the addition of the aft platform and extra space on the aft deck and galley. Also, just like the V72, the V81 offers unparalleled interior volume but now with more expansive exterior entertaining areas.
The models in the V range, V68, V72 and V80 plus the V81 custom are similar in style and all feature spacious accommodations, wide side decks, and an interior that takes advantage of a wide beam with large windows in the main deck and cabins. Both the V72 and V80 and V81 share the same 6.25m beam, with the V68 proportional narrower at 5.93m. The displacement increases with the size of the model, from 49.73 tonnes for the V68, to 53.8 tonnes for the V72 and 64.8 tonnes for the V81.
As already mentioned the only real difference between the V72 and V81 is the extra 2.05m high/low platform added to the existing transom of the V72 and the addition of a few extra feet on the aft deck and galley. The central island seating with dual access to the boarding platform is retained. As is the access from the transom through to the aft cabin and engine room.
BIG BOAT BOOM
Horizon is doing well in the 24m plus market with boats such as the E75, the revolutionary FD85, with two sold to Australian clients and the RP115. The E75 which is also just under 24.5m has been dominating the Australian market with five E75s currently in build to be delivered to Australia within the next 12 months.
“Consulting with Horizon owners around the world, the Horizon design team listened to their feedback and responded with new concepts and designs for both the interior and exterior that puts the new E75 in a class of its own”, says Mark Western, manager Horizon Yacht Australia.
He says that this has had a lot to do with the success of the E75 and so that same process was used when designing the V81. Customer feedback indicated that the V72 would be an even better boat with a larger aft deck and galley for entertaining.
“With the V81 we have simply made a great boat, the V72, even better and for Australian and New Zealand clients having a larger and more usable aft deck is a huge plus,” added Weston.
The V81’s lines are inherited from the V72 but are proportional and functional, with a cockpit and platform which has been designed to accommodate the avid angler, diver, or water sports enthusiast.
Her stylish exterior and interior features make the V81 the ultimate entertainer with multiple areas both inside and out. Entertaining with family and friends becomes a real pleasure with a creative foredeck seating area, an exterior bar on the boat deck, and an incredible aft deck for luxurious, shaded relaxation. This is a yacht that provides the amenities and space of a far larger yacht in a stylish profile and is extremely well suited to local Kiwi and Ozzie boating lifestyle.
ONE LEVEL
Horizon has packed plenty of boat into its huge volume hull with its multitude of decks and living areas. From the flush teak deck, the V81 flows with a smooth transition through the alfresco rear door and into the galley, formal dining and saloon completing one large living area. Finished throughout in Oak and Walnut, the V81 embraces the highest standards of elegance.
Customisation is not a word that Horizon shies away from and are happy to embrace change within specific design parameters. An example is the galley is traditionally forward in the V72, whereas in the V81, Horizon Yacht Australia have had it moved aft with a large hopper window through to the cockpit. The extensive galley comes complete with an island breakfast bar, full height fridge/freezer, Smeg cooktop and convection microwave, with Corian countertops. The generous servery area to starboard can be changed for a lounger should you feel the galley is already big enough.
Forward, to port, is the formal dining area with a solid Corian top table surrounded by chairs for eight. Very superyacht in appearance and certainly adds that touch of style. Luxury furniture is never out of style, no matter what your taste and with the V81 you have the versatility to mix and match from a range of dining room tables and chairs to get the look that suits your preference.
Further forward is a free-standing L-shaped raised leather dinette settee with fixed height coffee table. A first on the V81 is a sliding door either side of the saloon and offer easy access to the wide side decks.
The main saloon deck provides uninterrupted sightlines, featuring a flush deck galley-to-saloon transition, floor to ceiling windows on the main deck (more significant than on the standard V72), that maximise natural light as well as enhance exterior styling and spaciousness.
FOUR CABINS
A starboard side companionway leads to the accommodation area which sees a spacious three staterooms/en-suite layout for up to six guests. This includes a full beam master aft, with King size berth, his/hers bathroom spaces, portside lounger and walk-in wardrobe.
To port is the VIP guest cabin with adjustable single or twin berths and forward a second guest cabin with a queen size double. Both the guest cabins have en-suites, with one doubling as a day head.
A neat feature is a ‘coffee nook’ in the passageway, so you don’t have to go all the way to the galley for a quick coffee fix or a brew. Light timbers and accents present a modern look, but if you are more of a traditionalist and like the darker timbers, then you have that choice. Again, while the layout is very much the standard option, you do have the ability to change things around. Crew quarters and a workspace can be found aft of the engines, although if you run without a crew, then this space doubles as the fourth cabin. Another option would be to turn this area into a beach club much like the FD85. Now that would be trendy!
HIGHLY FEATURED
The V81 is available as a fully enclosed sky lounge or open flybridge with hardtop and clears.
The bridge area provides a separate space to pilot the vessel, with exceptional visibility from high profile windows. This is also another perfect social space with a day head and dinette for guests and a full bar on the boat deck. An ADC crane and tender can be accommodated on the extensive aft upper deck.
A pair of black helm chairs takes position behind the impressive helm, complete with an integrated instrument panel, fitted with a trio of Raymarine 22″ screens and flanked by all the necessary controls, instruments and switches to run the complex electronic and mechanical systems. Horizon Yacht Australia have loaded their first V81 with an extensive array of equipment, which includes ABT stabilisers, C-Zone digital monitoring and control system, Yacht Controller, ZF Controls, Marine Air air conditioning, Onan generator(s) and MMC electronic engine controls. The list goes on….
Standard power is a pair of Caterpillar C18 ACERT @1136hp, with an option of Caterpillar C32 ACERTs. On the run from Gold Coast to Sydney, Western recorded some very impressive fuel burn figures. At 10 knots, the V81 was using around 50 lph, at 13 knots, 100 lph and 20 knots, 150 lph. Top speed with the pair of C18s is 24 knots. The V81 draws 1.75m with a full fuel capacity of 7,570L and 1,135L of water and comes in at around (58.8) tonnes at half load.
The V81 offers excellent efficient performance and comfortable long range cruising to the location of your choice and is flexible enough to satisfy the owner/operator or a crewed lifestyle. Having the fully enclosed sky lounge, the aft galley and split level cockpit areas will make the V81 very appealing to Australasian buyers.
- Boat Design Name: Horizon V81
- Year Launched: 2018
- Builder: Vision Yachts
- Designer: Vision Yachts
- LOA: 24.90m
- LWL: 20.90m
- Beam: 6.25m
- Displ (Dry): 64800 kg
- Max Speed: 24 knots
- Construction: GRP/SCRIMP
- Fuel Cap: 7,750 litres
- Water Cap: 1135 litres
- Engines Make: 2 x Caterpillar C18 ACERT @ 1136 hp.
- Drive Train: Shaft
- Generator: 2 x Onan 27kW
- Stabiliser: ABT Zero Stabilizers (300-9X)
- Thrusters: ABT
- Air Con: Marine Air
- Anchor Winch: Maxwell VWC3500
- Lighting: Hella & Cantalupi
- Davit: ADC
- Wine Cooler: Dometic
- MFD: 3 x Raymarine 22”
- Entertainment: Samsung & Yamaha sound system
- Underwater Lights: Aqualuma
- Price of Boat: $AUD5.800,000
