Horizon Yachts launches First E88 Open

Horizon Yachts says it is pleased to announce the first E88 open flybridge motoryacht was launched this month and is currently en-route to the U.S. as an inventory yacht available for purchase. She will make her world debut during the 2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, November 5-9, at the Horizon Yachts display on F dock, slips 600-606.     

"The Horizon E88 open bridge motoryacht enjoys the same functional luxury as her skylounge counterpart but with the added benefit of increased outdoor spaces for relaxing and entertaining family and friends," said Horizon Group CEO John Lu. 

"We have seen great success around the world with the skylounge version, delivering to owners in Europe, Australia, the U.S., and Taiwan, but we expect the E88 open bridge will draw new clientele looking for an enhanced open-air experience on board." 

That said, this 2016 Horizon E88 open flybridge motoryacht was specifically designed for the U.S. market; the overall layout, interior design, and added amenities were based on client feedback of previous E88 motoryachts delivered to the U.S. 

Her 6.36m or 21’ beam provides four spacious en suite guest staterooms below deck – a full-beam master stateroom aft, VIP stateroom in the bow, and two twin guest staterooms – as well as separate crew quarters aft of the engines. The entire main deck is on one level, allowing for a full view of the bow when standing in the aft salon, and incorporates everything required for comfort above deck: main salon; dayhead; dining for eight; fully equipped galley; and forward country kitchen.

Function is not lost in the E88’s luxury, says Horizon, and in the aft salon there is a port staircase to the engine room and crew quarters, and interior access to the open flybridge is adjacent to the galley. Additionally, the country kitchen includes a mini lower helm, with full engine controls, as a secondary place to pilot the yacht if needed.

Horizon’s in-house interior design team and Horizon Yacht USA, the U.S. sales and service office, worked together on designing the E88, focusing on a modern coastal theme. Semi-gloss teak wood is utilised for the main living spaces and provides a warm contrast to the neutral soft goods color palette and blue and gold accents. The main deck flooring blends Walnut wood with custom marble designs at the salon entrance and galley; Horizon also custom-designed various furniture pieces, such as the leather and teak salon coffee table and Teak dining table with holly in-lays.

Entertaining outdoors and in a variety of areas is a large focus on board this new Horizon E88 motoryacht. The flybridge features large dinette seating with a split table to starboard and a full wet bar with bar stool seating to port; extended storage cabinets are aft of the dinette seating and include a gas BBQ outside of the hardtop. On the bow, a newly-designed seating arrangement allows for a U-shaped dinette and table along with reclining forward sunpads – a perfect spot for sunbathing while at anchor.  When watersports are on the agenda, the E88’s beach club offers shade and a spot to rest, while the Hi/Lo swim platform can be used for launching watercraft or the owner’s choice of activities.  

Equipped with twin CAT C32 1800hp engines, this new Horizon E88 open flybridge motoryacht also features a 2700 gallon fuel capacity, zero speed stabilisers, bow and stern thrusters, Maretron monitoring system, Hamann sanitary treatment system, and more.  She is expected to arrive in the U.S. mid-September and will be available for viewing at the Horizon Yacht USA office in North Palm Beach, Fla. prior to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. But we think the new E88 would be equally at home Down Under.

Meantime, check out a bit of wake surfing Aussie-style behind a Horizon RP97 off the Gold Coast.