New Horizon V68 for entry-level luxury boaters

Created in collaboration with world-renowned superyacht designer Jonathan Quinn Barnett (JQB), the new Horizon V68 is the third model in the V series, which includes the V72 and V80 motor yachts. Now in build, the new entry-level Horizon has come about due to customer demand.

A concept nearly nine years in the making, the V68 was developed in response to one question: What is the largest vessel two people, or perhaps a small family, could use to comfortably and safely discover the world of yachting?

The Horizon/JQB team combined input from international yacht brokers and their clients’ specifications to tailor the V68 (originally tagged the V67) to three specific objectives. These are safety, solid architecture, and customisation to an owner’s lifestyle normally found with superyacht projects.

The design includes large open spaces, wide side decks and a voluminous interior that takes advantage of large windows in the main deck and cabins and a wide 19ft 6in or 5.85m beam. The designers opened up the companionways to create ‘foyers’ and made the stairs larger with less rise to optimise the flow throughout the vessel.

PLUMB-BOW DESIGN
With a striking plumb-bow design — only the second Horizon model apart from the FD series to feature that – the V68 looks contemporary as much as it is capable.

The adoption of the plumb bow was the critical element that formed the basis of the V68’s design, notes Christian Stimson of Stimson Yachts of New Zealand, which is responsible for the hull design and naval architecture.

Obviously, the vertical bow allowed for a longer waterline, which in turn affords a generous beam and reduces drag at lower displacement speeds. The larger hull beam boosts stability and increased interior spaces. It also allows for increased headroom without affecting the yacht’s low profile.

"As a result, the V68 is not your average plumb bow vessel, but a carefully considered combination of all the hull features that work seamlessly with a well laid out interior to result in a ‘best in class’ experience," Stimson explains.

This "solid architecture" is testament to what JQB calls "honesty in design," meaning that there are no visual tricks employed to make the boat appear larger than it is. Instead, the V68 boasts copious large yacht features ingeniously fitted within a manageable owner/operator framework.

Excellent visibility and upsized stainless steel handrails are said to underscore the attention given to safety that is of particular importance to owner/operators. So, too, the scope for customisation.

INTERIOR UNIQUENESS
A unique degree of flexibility and customisation exists in Horizon’s new entry-level V68 motor yacht. Owners have the choice of at least two major options for each deck: a three or four-cabin layout with a private and spacious master suite located midship with a walk-in closet and vanity. Optional quarters for crew are situated aft.

On the main deck, the design is said to emphasise unobstructed views to enhance the feeling of spaciousness, with an open salon that flows into a large joined galley or ‘country’ kitchen… which is what we call open-plan galley instead of one hidden from view. The main deck can also be configured with a 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 with a dayhead added if desired, and removable seating with table and chairs can be added to the boat deck.

BIG BOAT ABILITY
Horizon CEO John Lu said he is very proud of the new V68 motor yacht because it still retains the brand’s signature quality inside and out.

"There are not many true yachts available in the 60 to 70-foot range for clients looking to upgrade from 40 or 50 feet; most of the offerings in this size range are for weekend or day boats not meant for long-term cruising.

"The V68 takes advantage of the trickle-down effect from Horizon’s superyacht projects into our smaller sized yachts," Lu said.

Advanced systems, safety in design, luxurious finishes and options for customisation are said to be the cornerstones of the V68 model.

Ideal for first or second-time buyers, families and owner/operators, the V68 has a shallow draft less than 1.35m and offers extended cruising capabilities via twin Caterpillar C18 ACERTs of 1136Bhp each.

Hull #1 of the new V68 is destined for US inventory with Horizon Yacht USA and features the country kitchen, three-stateroom, and open flybridge configuration bound to be popular on the global market. The boat is expected to launch in February 2018.

More at Horizon Motor Yachts Australia.