Horizon 515 Northerner 2018 Review

OVERVIEW

Horizon Boats' open console aluminium boat range is among the largest in the country. Anglers and boaters can choose from dozens of models with either a side-console, or the more traditional centre-console layout.

Specific models available with one or both of these console configurations include the low-profile Tournament Pro competition bass/barra boat, the Stalker lake, river and impoundment boats, the Easy Fisher budget boats, Pacific coastal/nearshore centre consoles, and the Stryker XPF and Northerner bay and coastal side-console boats.

The Northerners have been key models for Horizon Boats. Popular with anglers throughout the country (not just up north), the Northerners are available from 4.15-5.4m in length.

The smaller Northerner boats have an open, tiller-steer engine layout, while the larger boats are fitted with a side-console helm configuration, along with a deep rear cockpit and forward casting deck.

For this year, the Horizon design team has upgraded the Northerner models. Some features that were previously listed as options are now standard. New features have also been introduced and the layouts refined for optimum fishability.

The first of the revamped models is the Horizon 515 Northerner SC, a mid-sized pressed alloy boat with a proven vee hull bottom, high, safe topsides and roomy interior. For this review, we sampled a Yamaha 115hp powered model on the Gold Coast, and it exceeded our expectations.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT

Compared with similar models from rival brands, the new Northerner boats are positively loaded with standard features, gear and equipment. These craft have always been well equipped, but for 2018 Horizon has taken the fit-out to a new level.

Included in the standard inventory for the 515 Northerner, for example, is a massive 115-litre icebox which fits neatly under the forward casting deck.

If a big cooler/fish box is not your thing, you can swap it out for an optional live fish well (for competition fishing) to add to the standard 30-litre live-bait tank built into the port side transom coaming.

Among the other great features, you'll find two removable deluxe pedestal helm chairs (with flip-up front bolsters) which can be slotted into four positions around the boat, four plastic rod holders, wide, welded side decks, bow-mount electric trolling motor plate, cockpit side pockets, marine carpet throughout, bow and stern rails, anchor well, bollards at the bow and stern, transducer bracket, 110L fuel tank (increased from the previous 60L), rear boarding platforms, and a casting deck storage platform for the trolling motor battery.

With all of this gear and more, Townsville Marine has Horizon 515 Northerner packages available from just $39,000. This price also includes a Yamaha 90hp long-shaft (20-inch) in-line four cylinder, four-stroke outboard and a single-axle Dunbier galvanised steel, braked trailer.

Our test boat was optioned with only a few items. The extras included a larger, Yamaha 115hp four-stroke outboard (the maximum allowed) with hydraulic steering, as well as a Garmin Echo-Map Plus 95sv fish finder/GPS display, Minn Kota Riptide Terrova I-Pilot 80lb thrust bow-mount electric trolling motor and battery, a vinyl hull wrap, and a rear cockpit underfloor kill tank.

The additions lift the package price to a competitive (given the included kit) $52,990.

DESIGN AND LAYOUT

There were no surprises with the internal layout of the test boat. It is largely unchanged from the previous model - yet still very effective. The phrase "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" comes to mind here.

As before, the 515 has a reinforced foredeck at the bow with a deep anchor well, bow roller, bollard and bowrails.

The now standard trolling motor plate is offset to port and was large enough to easily accommodate the optional Minn Kota fitted.

The casting deck in the Horizon is roughly 1.25m long with a maximum width of 2.0m. It is also elevated a substantial 370mm above the rear cockpit floor level so that anglers can stand and cast lures with a heightened view of the surroundings and any fish activity.

Storage lockers lie beneath the casting deck, each with a carpeted false floor. There is provision for the trolling motor battery as well as for stowing clothing and safety gear and the like. Commendably, all hatch lids are carpeted front and back for weather protection.

The huge 115L removal fibreglass ice box/cooler is situated under the aft section of the casting platform, beneath a broad carpeted hatch. It is relatively easy to lift in and out when empty, but fill it with ice, drinks and food and you may struggle. A good problem to have!

Moving aft, the carpeted rear cockpit stretches 2.38m back to the transom and is 2.04m wide. There is 800mm of deck space behind the helm seat, although this seat is removable and can be re-positioned as required.

The moderate sized helm console dominates the forward part of the cockpit. Offset to starboard, the console has a short acrylic windscreen attached to a surrounding alloy frame/grab rail, as well as a storage shelf, cupholder and a wide fascia capable of flush-fitting a large multi-function electronics display (such as the big Garmin unit fitted to the test boat).

There is also space/provision for a marine radio, engine instruments and a switch panel. You may also be able to squeeze a compass or a second, small bracket-mounted display on the flat panel area beneath the windscreen.

We should again commend Horizon for including good helm seats and chairs in lieu of the cheap plastic jobs you get on some boats.

In addition to being comfortable, the chairs have lift-up front bolsters. This allows the helm chair to be mounted closer to the steering wheel and controls for driving comfort.

When you want to drive while standing up, you simply flip the front seat bolster up, and back out of the way to make space for your legs. It's a great set-up and adds to the overall ergonomics of the helm station.

Aft of the helm chairs there is cockpit space enough for two people to stand and fish over the stern of the boat. There is plenty of freeboard here too as the coaming top is 635mm above the cockpit floor.

It is equally comfortable to fish from the sides of the boat due to the high cockpit freeboard, but also thanks to the toe/foot space beneath the side storage pockets - which are lifted just the right amount above the cockpit floor.

Other rear cockpit features include the optional underfloor kill tank, plumbed port side live bait tank, elevated storage shelves beneath the transom, and a centre transom battery storage compartment.

Re-locating the battery from the side of the boat is one of the upgrades to the 2018 series Horizon Northerner models. It's a good move too as the weight of the battery is now centred (on a lateral basis) and sheltered from the weather behind a So-Pac hatch.

ON THE WATER

The Horizon 515 Northerner is a big, solid boat. Indeed, it’s bigger than it first appears thanks to the high topsides and very wide, 2.4m beam. This width, combined with a moderate transom vee angle makes the boat very stable at rest and underway. It also allows the boat to get up onto the plane easily and quickly.

At speed, the test boat proved to be pretty comfortable too. The entry shape at the bow is fine enough to ride easily through short chop, yet full enough to ensure the boat can ride, or surf safely out of wave troughs, in a following sea.

The Horizon 515 hull is best described as an excellent all-rounder. It is safe, comfortable, rock-solid stable and well mannered. It’s just the ticket for a mix of bay, harbour and coastal offshore boating and fishing.

Our test boat was paired with the maximum power, Yamaha 115hp in-line four cylinder, four-stroke outboard in the longshaft (20-inch) configuration. This was coupled with ultra-smooth hydraulic steering and Yamaha's Command Link digital engine display.

The 115hp is a realistic maximum for the 515 Northerner as it felt quick and agile throughout our water test, and was able to achieve a top speed of 35.3kt (over 65km/h) which is plenty for this size of boat.

Base 515 Northerner packages start with Yamaha's new 90hp four-stroke outboard and we believe this punchy new engine would provide ample power and performance for most applications with two or three onboard.

VERDICT

The changes and upgrades made to the Horizon 515 Northerner should cement this craft as one of Horizon's most popular models.

For many applications and boating activities, this easy-care, strong, durable craft is the perfect size. The boat is small enough to fish lakes and impoundments for bass, yet also big enough to safely fish for mackerel or snapper to around a dozen miles offshore.

In summary, the 515 Northerner is a versatile, practical rig with a competitive package price from one of Australia's most reputable (25 years running) alloy boat brands.

PERFORMANCE - SPEED
3.1kts (5.7km/h) @ 1000rpm
4.0kts (7.4km/h) @ 1500rpm
5.2kts (9.6km/h) @ 2000rpm
8.0kts (14.8km/h) @ 2500rpm
14.6kts (27.0km/h) @ 3000rpm
18.5kts (34.2km/h) @ 3500rpm
21.7kts (40.1km/h) @ 4000rpm
25.8kts (47.7km/h) @ 4500rpm
29.5kts (54.6km/h) @ 5000rpm
32.6kts (60.3km/h) @ 5500rpm
35.3kts (65.3km/h) @ 5800rpm (WOT)

PERFORMANCE – ECONOMY
1.8 l/ph @ 1000rpm
3.3 l/ph @ 1500rpm
5.6 l/ph @ 2000rpm
8.3 l/ph @ 2500rpm
10.4 l/ph @ 3000rpm
13.4 l/ph @ 3500rpm
17.5 l/ph @ 4000rpm
21.2 l/ph @ 4500rpm
27.7 l/ph @ 5000rpm
36.5 l/ph @ 5500rpm
39.5 l/ph @ 5800rpm (WOT)

MAXIMUM RANGE ON 95% OF 110l FUEL TANK: 144.3nm @ 3500rpm

How much is a Horizon 515 Northerner SC?
Price as tested: $52,990 including a Yamaha 115hp four-stroke longshaft (20”) outboard with digital gauges, single axle braked (mechanical over-ride) trailer, hydraulic steering, Garmin Echo-Map Plus 95sv fish finder/GPS, vinyl hull wrap, Minn Kota Riptide Terrova I-Pilot 80lb thrust bow-mount electric trolling motor (and battery), and an underfloor kill tank.

Priced from: $39,250 including a Yamaha 90hp four-stroke longshaft (20”) outboard, single axle braked (mechanical over-ride) trailer, no options.

Length overall: 5.3m
Hull length: 5.2m
Beam: 2.4m
Depth: 1.23m
Hull weight: 480kg
Weight on trailer: Approx 895kg
Bottom & transom alloy: 4.0mm
Topsides alloy: 3.0mm
Maximum power: 115hp
Engine as tested: Yamaha 115hp four-stroke
Fuel capacity: 110L
Flotation standard: Basic
Maximum persons: Five

Supplied by:
Townsville Marine