27m Horizon FD87 Skyline begins sea trials

Horizon Yachts has recently launched its new 27-metre (89-foot) Skyline as part of its Fast Displacement series in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The new model, set to now start sea trials, will go on display at the 2018 Palm Beach International Boat Show with Horizon's American dealership.

Cor D. Rover, who designed the Fast Displacement series in partnership with Horizon’s in-house naval architecture team, opted for a blue hull coupled with a contrasting white superstructure, with an enclosed bridge and Horizon’s new High Performance Piercing Bow (HPPB).

Based of the FD85, the FD87 Skyline retains many of the FD85’s unique features, including an expansive 7m (23ft) beam, a spacious master suite on the main deck with four further guest staterooms and two crew cabins on the lower deck, striking floor-to-ceiling windows in the saloon and dining areas inviting an abundance of natural light within the interior.

In place of the raised pilothouse found on the FD85, the FD87 Skyline boasts a fully enclosed bridge with access to a Portuguese walkway leading forward to the bow and an inviting seating area. The enclosed bridge provides additional indoor entertaining and lounging areas while allowing for an extended boating season in colder climates.

A newly popular design for the U.S. market, the FD87 Skyline also features a spacious beach club and swim platform aft, which provides a perfect spot for relaxing close to the water or enjoying watersports activities. 

In its continuous pursuit of improvement, the Horizon team will debut a new bow design described as a “High Performance Piercing Bow.” This design sees across-the-board hydrodynamic improvements in both tank and CFD testing.

“The evolution of this enclosed bridge FD87 and the speed with which it all came together represents a true partnership between the client, the architect and the shipyard,” says Horizon CEO John Lu. “Horizon’s new High Performance Piercing Bow coupled with an enclosed bridge and collaborative design between Cor D. Rover and the Horizon Yachts team leaves nothing to be desired in both form and function.”

The FD87 Skyline is fitted with stabilisers, CAT C18s of 1136hp each, and a 3,480 gallon fuel capacity that will yield a nearly 2,000nm range at 9 knots.

For more information, visit Horizon Yachts.