New Horizon FD87 Skyline and V68 make global debut

Making their global debuts at the 2018 Horizon Open House, the brand new FD87 Skyline and Horizon V68 models are two luxurious debuted as timely reminders of the big Taiwanese brand's expanding range of motoryachts designed, built and customised to suit a wide range of boating lifestyles.

NEW HORIZON FD877 SKYLINE
The distinctive FD87 Skyline motoryacht is a brand-new addition to the Cor D. Rover-designed Fast Displacement series. Springing from the eye-catching FD85, which debuted at the 2017 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the FD87 Skyline boasted a cool blue hull and contrasting white superstructure.

In place of the raised pilothouse found on the FD85, the owner of the FD87 requested a fully enclosed bridge with a helm station to provide additional indoor entertaining and lounging options and allow for an extended boating season in colder climates.

The FD87 Skyline retains many of her predecessor's unique features, including an expansive 23' 3" beam (7.08m), large on-deck master with four further guest staterooms and two crew cabins on the lower deck, and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows in the salon and dining areas inviting an abundance of natural light within the interior.

On the FD87, a seating area on the bow is accessed via Portuguese walkway while a spacious beach club and hydraulic swim platform invite interaction with the sea.

The FD87 Skyline features Horizon's new High-Performance Piercing Bow (HPPB) hull design and has been equipped with stabilisers for maximum performance and comfort.

Powered by CAT C18s of 1136hp each, the FD87 Skyline boasts a 13,173lt fuel capacity yielding a 1780nm range at 10 knots and a max speed of 16.6 knots. Horizon says the new FD87 Skyline will make her U.S. debut at the 2018 Palm Beach Boat Show in March.

NEW HORIZON V68
The brand-new Horizon V68 model from the builder's V series had been designed as an entry-level motoryacht with superyacht attitude, while retaining owner operation. A concept nearly nine years in the making, the V68 was designed in collaboration with world renowned designer Jonathan Quinn Barnett (JQB) and based on feedback from clients and international yacht brokers.

Tailored to the objectives of safety, solid architecture and option for customisation, the V68 motoryacht allows owners to embark on long-term cruising in a custom yacht under 70 feet.

The striking plumb-bow design appears for only the second time on a Horizon model apart from the FD series. The V68 has been planned throughout with large open spaces, wide side decks and a voluminous interior that takes advantage of a 19' 6" (5.94m) beam as well as large windows in the main deck and cabins.

But the adoption of the plumb bow is said to be the critical element that formed the basis of the V68's design, as it allowed for a longer waterline and thus the generous beam and reduced drag at lower speeds.

The larger hull beam not only makes for greater stability and increased interior spaces, but also allowed the team, which included Stimson Yachts of New Zealand overseeing the hull design and naval architecture, to increase headroom without affecting the yacht's low profile.

Unique to an entry-level motor yacht is the V68's option for customisation. Owners are given the choice of at least two layout options for each deck. The V68 offers a three- or four-cabin arrangement with the Master suite midship. If needed, quarters for two crew can be arranged aft.

On the main deck, an open salon flows into a large joined galley and country kitchen; the main deck layout can also be configured with a country kitchen or lower helm forward. The open flybridge, which is the standard configuration for this model, features a bar with dinette seating under the hard top while a spacious sunbathing and dining area is found further forward on the bow. The flybridge can be enclosed and equipped with a dayhead, and removable seating can be added to the boat deck.

Advanced systems, safety, luxurious finishes and options for customisation - Horizon says "all qualities of a custom superyacht" - are the cornerstones of the new Horizon V68 model.

Ideal for first- or second-time buyers, families and owner/operators, the V68 offers extended cruising capabilities via twin Caterpillar C18 ACERTs of 1,136HP each. The V68 will make her U.S. debut at the Newport Boat Show, April 19-22, 2018 in California.

HORIZON OPEN HOUSE
The newly launched FD87 Skyline and the V68 motoryachts were among the highlights of the biennial Horizon Open House, which was held January 16-18, 2018.

This event draws Horizon friends, partners and clients from around the world to the Horizon City Marina in Kaoshiung, Taiwan, for three entertainment-packed days of VIP factory tours, yacht visits and gala dinners.

This year saw six new Horizon luxury yachts on display, among them the FD85, E56 and E56XO sport yachts, and a PC52 power catamaran. More news and reviews on Horizon Motor Yachts on our websites.