This new Horizon E98 has an open flybridge option

Horizon Yachts has unveiled a new E98 motor yacht model drawn by Swedish designer John Lindblom and featuring a high-performance hull for cruising efficiency, stability and seakeeping.

With sleek exterior lines reminiscent of her popular smaller sister, the Horizon E88 motor yacht, the E98 continues to expand the marque's luxury offerings spread over eight series and 22 boat models.

Said to be conceived from owner feedback, the Horizon E98 is offered in both skylounge and open bridge versions. Yes, a 98ft open flybridge motoryacht!

An expansive aft deck and a bow seating area with a dinette and sunpads provide plenty of space for entertaining, while the voluminous 23ft beam creates a spacious interior and layout that can be customised to an owner’s specifications.

The standard layout includes a main saloon, formal dining, galley, and country kitchen forward on the main deck, with four spacious en suite guest staterooms plus crew quarters aft below deck.

The E98 comes equipped with twin CAT 1600hp C32s with the option to upgrade to 1900hp, and boasts a fuel capacity of 17,000 litres (which is 40 per cent more than the E88 model).

Yet for all this, the boat's modest 1.80m or 6ft draft allows the E98 to cruise in shallower waters, expanding upon available cruising destinations.

"The new Horizon E98 motor yacht, with her extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, flexible interior configurations and numerous amenities, truly fits a market that we have seen arise in the last few years... clients who are not yet ready to make the leap to 110-foot plus yachts but are searching for something larger than 90 feet," said Horizon Group CEO John Lu.

The first Horizon E98 motor yacht, named Do It Now, is currently in build for a repeat customer who is moving up from a Horizon 76 motor yacht.

The owner has specified an open bridge version with a fixed front glass windshield and EZ2CY side panels, which allows the area to be transformed from open-air to enclosed and air-conditioned.

On the flying bridge deck, which features an L-shaped bar with seating for five and a large dinette, the owner has also incorporated a commercial ice box, hi/lo BBQ and storage for lounge chairs.

Among the many owner customisations, Do It Now will feature a custom interior that extends the main salon forward through the space normally occupied by the formal dining room.

This first E98 is equipped with twin CAT 1900hp engines and is estimated to achieve a top speed of 22.5 knots at half load. She is scheduled to deliver to her U.S. owner in mid 2017.

"The fact that hull one is going to a second-time Horizon owner is very exciting and also a great compliment," adds Lu. "We are eager to see the E98’s beauty come to life."

Please contact Erica on 07 5577 9009 or erica@hmya.com.au for more information. See www.hmya.com.au.