All posts by: Horizon Power Catamarans

The Readers Have Spoken – Horizon Power Catamaran Wins “Favorite Power Catamaran Yacht” in the 2024 Southern Boating Readers’ Choice Awards!

We’ve had our eye on this victory for some time.

Horizon Power Catamarans is proud to announce that we have won first place in the highly coveted “Favorite Power Catamaran Yacht” category in the 2024 Southern Boating Readers’ Choice Awards. It’s been a close call in previous years, with HPC coming in third and second place in this category, but the readers have spoken—and among nine contenders, we are honored to be the power catamaran of choice.

“This accolade is a testament to the innovative design, high quality and bluewater cruising capabilities of our entire power catamaran fleet,” says The Powercat Company Founder and CEO Richard Ford. “We always strive to listen, improve, and ‘wow’ our clients—and this shows that we are succeeding in that endeavor. We are thrilled with this award, thank you to everyone who voted for us!”

The 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards offered voting in 36 categories, from cruising itineraries and boating sunglasses to motoryachts and, of course, power catamarans (yachts and outboards). Now in its fifth year, this event has gained popularity, and enticed some friendly builder competition, with tens of thousands of votes cast each year. All winners will be officially announced in the January 2024 issue of Southern Boating – so be sure to grab your copy once available!

New Builds, New Sales, and New Models Galore at 2023 FLIBS

A highly successful Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show brings sales, new clients, old friends, and a hint of what’s to come.

PC60

Spanning five sun-kissed days from October 25th to 29th, the 64th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) boasted a diverse selection of marine toys, innovative products and technologies, and the largest display of luxury yachts and superyachts in the world. Attended by over 100,000 guests, this year’s show saw the return of all seven show locations in Fort Lauderdale – the first since 2019 – and judging by the flurry of activity at the Horizon Power Catamaran display, many of those visitors made a point to see the latest powercat offerings, including a brand-new PC52, the popular PC60 and the first of the acclaimed PC68 model, which was located offsite for private viewing.

PC52 Sistership

Heavy interest in PC52 and PC60 builds was the theme of 2023 FLIBS, with The Powercat Company securing a new build contract for an on-deck master PC60. While this will be their first Horizon powercat, these U.S. owners are experienced boaters as well as previous guest attendees of the Horizon Power Catamaran rendezvous. They plan to extensively cruise The Bahamas, including their favorite locale in the Abacos, and are a welcome addition to the ever-growing Horizon family.

New builds were not the only thing on clients’ mind at the show, however. Yachts available immediately as well as new products coming down the pike also garnered much attention. During the show, The Powercat Company sold the displaying PC60 Encore to first-time Horizon Power Catamaran owners in the U.S. and hinted at some exciting design news for larger powercat models coming in 2024.

PC68

“We are thrilled with the momentum that our new PC68 model and the newly re-designed PC60 generated at FLIBS,” says The Powercat Company Founder and CEO Richard Ford. “The enthusiasm, the interest in new models, and the relationships we forged indicates this energy will continue well into 2024. As always, we are ready and eager to see what the future holds.”

The next Horizon Power Catamaran showcase is at the 2024 Palm Beach International Show, held March 21-24th, where the first on-deck master PC68 will make her worldwide debut.

For more information or to make a reservation to visit any of the PC models on display, please call Jason Ford at 954-552-0868 or email [email protected].

THREE POWERCATS ON DISPLAY

A brand new PC52 will appear alongside a popular PC60 model, with the first of the acclaimed PC68 model also available for viewing during the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, October 25th – 29th.

PC60

Horizon Power Catamarans will showcase three power catamaran models during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 25 – 29. A brand new PC52 build will debut alongside a PC60 model at the company’s in-show location on the Face Dock, Red Zone, Slip 608. The first of the acclaimed PC68 model will also be available for private showings at an offsite location.

PC52 Sistership

As the smallest offering in the Horizon Power Catamaran range, the PC52 meets the needs of catamaran enthusiasts and curious monohull owners alike, with its spacious layout comprising three staterooms and a compact footprint allowing for superior comfort and speed for enjoyable island cruising. Built on spec, the latest PC52 showcases the exquisite build quality and fit and finish that distinguishes advanced composites yacht builder Horizon Power Catamarans from the competition.

A spacious, open-plan salon greets visitors from the expansive aft deck of the PC52. Three staterooms are positioned in the hulls, with the king-size master suite in the starboard hull and a queen cabin and twin sharing the dayhead in the port hull. The flybridge aboard Horizon’s power catamarans is an enviable space that offers plenty of lounging and dining options with isinglass providing protection from the elements when desired. This PC52 enjoys a max speed of 21 knots, thanks to her twin 550hp Cummins engines, and a 400nm range at 18 knots.

PC60

Also on display at the company’s in-show location, the latest PC60 features the model’s evolved interior styling and extended flybridge with dayhead. This yacht features a four-stateroom layout with a large master on the main deck forward of the main salon and open galley area. The starboard hull houses a queen stateroom forward and twin cabin aft, while the port hull houses the master ensuite forward and a twin cabin aft. On the aforementioned flybridge, a full bar and large dinette with wraparound seating complements the helm station, which is bookended by two raised settees for enjoying the view while underway. The boat deck aft houses the tender or serves as a gracious area for entertaining when the tender is deployed, and a dayhead on this level further adds to the functionality of this deck.

PC60

The Powercat Company distinguishes itself from the competition with its build quality, after-sales service and options for customization. With each model, Horizon Powercat clients are offered the choice of an open bridge or enclosed skylounge design upon which they can build their ideal layout.

“We are delighted to showcase our three popular PC models during this year’s show,” says The Powercat Company Founder and CEO Richard Ford. “With several new builds planned for launch in 2024, including the first On-Deck Master PC68, and an exciting new concept announcing soon, we continue to demonstrate our constant emphasis on innovation and efficiency as well as our meticulous attention to the needs of the power catamaran owner.”

Visit the Horizon Power Catamarans display during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 25 – 29, 2023 on the Face Dock, Red Zone, Slip 608. For more information or to make a reservation to visit any of the PC models on display, please call Jason Ford at 954-552-0868 or email [email protected].

Show Ready! The PC68 Omakase will showcase at FLIBS

The first of the acclaimed PC68 model features an Open Salon layout and will be available for viewing during the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, October 25th – 29th.

Since its world debut at the 2023 Palm Beach International Boat Show, the first PC68 model from Horizon Power Catamarans has received worldwide acclaim. Positioned at the head of the multi-hulled PowerCat (PC) range that includes a PC52, PC60 and much larger custom options, the new, ultra-spacious Horizon PC68 model has been meticulously planned to meet and exceed the cruising needs of discerning boaters. This model will be available for private viewing at an off-site location during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 25 – 29.

Multiple design innovations define the new PC68 model, which offers a four-stateroom layout with the option for an expansive open-plan salon or an on-deck master stateroom. While the On-Deck Master configuration offers a full-beam master with wraparound windows forward on the main deck, the PC68 on display at FLIBS features an Open Salon layout, which offers an expansive salon area and a large seating and entertainment space on the main deck. This layout sees all four of the staterooms positioned off the salon, with two king ensuite staterooms forward in the hulls and two convertible twin-to-king ensuite cabins aft to port and starboard, respectively.

An expansive aft deck hints at the interior volume provided by the PC68’s 24ft 6in beam. Here, a regal hi-gloss dining table seats ten and is accompanied by a wet bar and the option for a 43in television. The lounge seating looks aft to the Hi/Lo swim platform, which is flanked by large wet lockers storing diving and snorkeling equipment.

Ease of access is prioritized throughout the PC68’s design, and walkaround side decks on the main deck lead to a lounging space forward. A unique and enviable Portuguese deck seating area with convertible Hi/Lo dinettes is a new feature for this model, which allows for sprawling sunbeds or dining under the stars. The extended flybridge on this model allows for a variety of layout options while comfortably accommodating a 17ft, 100hp tender. The flybridge and boat deck comprise plentiful seating and lounging, a dayhead with shower, BBQ station, chest freezer, and a bar to port with fridge doors and a Scotsman ice maker. Forward of the helm, an innovative raised hatch and door accesses the Portuguese deck with three steps down to the foredeck.

Defined by award-winning advanced composites SCRIMP system construction that yields the most durable, lightweight hull marrying a perfect glass-to-resin ratio, with rigorous testing by the Horizon shipyard’s pioneering Non-Destructive Methods, the Horizon PC68 is fitted with twin MAN i6 850hp engines as standard to guarantee quiet, stable and efficient cruise of 20 knots. Uniquely, the options for client customization extend well beyond soft goods and interior layout.

The Powercat Company distinguishes itself from the competition with its build quality, after-sales service and options for customization. With each model, Horizon Powercat clients are offered the choice of an open bridge or enclosed skylounge design upon which they can build their ideal layout.

“We are delighted with how well our new PC68 model has been received since its debut,” says The Powercat Company Founder and CEO Richard Ford. “With several new builds planned for launch in 2024, including the first On-Deck Master PC68, and an exciting new concept announcing soon, we continue to demonstrate our constant emphasis on innovation and efficiency as well as our meticulous attention to the needs of the power catamaran owner.”

Visit the Horizon Power Catamarans display during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, October 25 – 29, 2023 on the Face Dock, Red Zone, Slip 608. For more information or to make an appointment to visit the PC68, please call Jason Ford at 954-552-0868 or email [email protected].

 

A New PC60 “Magical” Delivers

The latest PC60 build is co-owned by five partners.

This newly launched PC60 was purchased by a syndicate of five ownership partners, three of whom upgraded from a PC52. Christened Magical, the latest PC60 features a four-stateroom layout, with a large on-deck master forward of the spacious salon and galley.

A convertible twin and queen ensuite are situated in the starboard hull, while a second convertible twin and the master en suite are situated in the port hull. The deck areas are plentiful, thanks to the wide power catamaran beam, and the flybridge is fitted with a bar, seating area and dayhead.

Uniquely, this PC60 is equipped with the new Victron Energy system with variable speed air conditioning that can run on batteries without a generator.

 

The Horizon PC68 on the Cover of Yachting Magazine

The first PC68 model graces the cover of the prestigious Yachting Magazine. Read the full article by Tom Serio in the August 2023 issue below.

THE CROWD-PLEASER
A stable ride, long range, volume to spare and intriguing layout options make the horizon power catamarans 68 an impressive offering.

THE INCREASING POPULARITY OF POWER CATAMARANS MEANS
More boaters are discovering the brand Horizon Power Catamarans, which has been building for this market for 37 years. Its latest model, the PC68, blends sea-kindly performance with a high level of luxury in a strong build. Horizon Power Catamarans has done a lot to optimize the space that this yacht’s 24-foot-6-inch beam affords. The sheer size felt impressive when I boarded from either hull platform (they flank a high-low hydraulic platform) or via the side gates. The cockpit has a 9-foot-long high-gloss wood table that seats eight guests, with real estate to move around unimpeded. The wet bar here has a Corian countertop, a fridge and an ice maker. There is still plenty of room to get to the curved staircase to port, providing access with grab rails to the flybridge.

The salon is through a 6-foot-wide glass door with a stainless-steel frame. Inside is an average of 7-foot headroom, which feels like walking into an upscale club. To port is a sofa, accented by a custom wood-and-metal coffee table. Across from there is the low-profile, open galley with three stools at a center island for informal dining. The galley has Miele appliances, including a four-burner cooktop, a convection oven and a fridge, along with a dishwasher and a cooling drawer by Fisher & Paykel. Corian countertops wrap around the island for added panache. Forward is the primary gathering spot, with a deep, soft, L-shaped sofa. It’s surrounded on three sides by windows. A custom coffee table houses dual ottomans. This area can also be set up as an on-deck master stateroom (see sidebar). Dismiss the thinking that lower staterooms on a multihull yacht are small and constricted. Horizon Power Catamarans performed some design magic and created four spacious dwellings.

POWER UP
Powered by twin 850 hp MAN i6 diesel engines spinning five-blade Veem props, the PC68 cruises easily at 19.7 knots, burning 52 gallons per hour and offering a range of approximately 644 nautical miles based on the 1,500-gallon fuel capacity. At wide open and 2,400 rpm, this power cat hit 24.8 knots, burning 82 gph with a range of 514 nm. Pull back to 10 knots at 1,200 rpm for a 1,417 nm range at a miserly 12 gph.

In the starboard hull, the master stateroom has a private entrance with a walkaround king-size berth athwartships in the peak, giving the owner an exterior view via a frameless hullside window. The master’s en suite head has his-and-hers sinks and a shower stall. A vanity, cabinets and cedar-lined, full-height closets are included. The en suite VIP stateroom in the port hull has a queen-size berth. Two additional en suite staterooms, each with twin berths, are in either hull. Sizable entertaining space is on the flybridge. Most of this deck is open for rest and relaxation, with the helm to port. Twin Stidd helm seats allow for a companion to assist in navigation or take in the views underway. Three 22-inch Garmin multifunction displays show navigation data, camera feeds, engine specs and more, while individual displays for the MAN diesels are neatly laid out in the dash, along with switches, thruster joysticks and throttle controls.

Helm air conditioning is via two outlets. Two windshields are split by a pass-through electric door. Guests can also enjoy the ride from the forward bench-seat to starboard. A filler cushion can be used to make this a lounge-pad area. Abaft the flybridge helm are a tiered bar, three chairs, Corian countertops, cooler drawers, an ice maker and a wet bar. Across from there is a C-shaped settee for several guests with a fold-out wood table. The seating is a touch higher than I expected, but Horizon builds in a raised footrest to ensure folks are comfortable. The height adds to the visibility. This space also has a sky lounge option with side windows and an after bulkhead, but the versatility of the open bridge with Sea Crylic curtains for the sides and aft provides the best of both worlds.

What is really exciting is the PC68’s Portuguese deck. Through the flybridge forward door are two L-shaped settees with high-low tables. Guests can easily transit from the flybridge without having to walk around the boat’s sides. Also, the tables lower and have fill-in cushions that convert them to sun pads and loungers. A portside staircase leads guests to the foredeck with pulpit seats at the bow. All these areas have railings up to 33 inches high, in stainless steel, for safety. Aft on the flybridge is room for a 17-foot tender with a 1,750-pound-capacity crane. There’s also room for lounge chairs. A grill station is in one corner, and a day head with a shower is in the other. “I’m very pleased with the way the 68 came out,” Richard Ford, Horizon Power Catamarans founder and CEO, says with a grin, adding that production will never be mass-scale because the company wants to ensure quality control and resale value. “We don’t build a lot of boats. We don’t want to.” Quality, he adds, promotes reliability—so much so that he gives each owner his personal cell number. The commitment to quality is also evident everywhere on board the Horizon Power Catamarans 68.

The Latest Horizon Brand Publication Has Arrived!

Hear ye! Hear ye! Read all about it in the latest Horizon Brand Publication! Volume 61 of the Horizon Brand Publication has arrived, bringing with it the latest in yard news and new build insights.

This month’s issue features an in-depth look at the spacious and innovative Horizon V74 model, the beautiful FD80 Sweet Caroline, and offers readers a first look onboard the new PC68 model, Omakase. Follow the rollicking antics from the latest Horizon Power Catamaran Owners’ Rendezvous in The Bahamas and mark your calendars to check out the latest inventory arriving soon. From recent deliveries to recent and upcoming events, you won’t want to miss a word.

Get your copy today or view it online.

 

Horizon City Marina Receives Superyacht Ready Certification

The Horizon City Marina is the first marina in Taiwan to receive the Superyacht Ready certification, which recognizes a marina’s capability to accommodate superyachts.

Horizon Group’s Horizon City Marina has added the Superyacht Ready certification to its list of accreditations that include the Global Gold Anchor Marina Accreditation and Certified Marina Operator (CMO) license. Presented by the Marina Industries Association (MIA), Horizon City Marina is the first and only marina in Taiwan to have the Superyacht Ready certification, which recognizes a marina’s capability to provide safe and adequate berthing for superyachts.

Accommodating vessels up to 200 feet in length, the marina is conveniently located in the heart of the city’s developing “Asia New Bay Area” and offers shorepower and water facilities built to international maritime standards. Yachts are accommodated within innovative and environmentally-friendly pillar less floating docks or via the Seaflex Mooring system. While Horizon City Marina is conveniently located within walking distance of hotels, shopping centers, restaurants and cinemas, it offers its own restaurant, lounge and shower facilities on site. Horizon City Marina also provides concierge services for visiting yachts, including assistance with CIQS clearance for foreign yachts, cruising map planning, supplies purchasing and more.

Since its establishment in 2013, the Horizon City Marina has accommodated hundreds of yachts and guests from around the world and has hosted corporate brand launches, international political delegations and several notable events, including the Taiwan International Boat Show. In 2021, the marina manager became the first Chinese woman in Asia to acquire the CMO license.

The Superyacht Ready certification not only recognizes the Horizon City Marina’s ability to provide top services and facilities for superyachts, it coincides with the current enhancement of Horizon’s superyacht maintenance facility at its Premier Shipyard, which is expected to have the capability to provide comprehensive superyacht maintenance services by 2024.

“With berthing requests from Asian superyacht owners on the incline, the Superyacht Ready certification assures yacht owners and crew that Horizon City Marina will meet their needs,” says Marina Manager Eve Kung. “This October marks our10th Anniversary and we have a number of celebratory events planned to mark this milestone throughout the year. We also plan to participate in international boat shows and join domestic and foreign associations to promote the marina worldwide.”

For more information on the Horizon City Marina or to make a berth reservation, please contact [email protected].

 

Horizon Yachts Implements a Comprehensive Equipment Renewal Plan

As each Horizon yacht owner defines his Horizon yacht build, it truly becomes a work of art. Horizon Yachts has directly addressed the evolving complexity of a yacht’s exterior design, the continuous refinement of the fluid lines, and the diverse custom requirements of its clients through its dedicated Tooling Center, which since 2006 has utilized PaR Systems’ 5-Axis equipment to machine the complex shapes necessary for yacht hulls, wind power component molds and other composite materials. In 2021, in tandem with the shipyard’s $15M facilities expansion, Horizon Yachts implemented an equipment renewal plan, which included the installation of a brand new PaR Systems 5-Axis CNC machine accompanied by an accelerated production process, expansion of technology and increased capabilities for precision processing technology and innovative technology applications.

Based in Shoreview, Minnesota, PaR Systems is a world-leading systems engineering firm specializing in automated manufacturing and material handling equipment. In operation for over 60 years, PaR Systems has been a long-standing partner of Horizon and is well known in the maritime industry. Recently, PaR Systems supplied the key equipment for the U.S. Navy’s next-generation super carrier, the 2025 Ford-class USS Kennedy.

Used in medical, aerospace, electronics, motorsports, shipbuilding and any other industry requiring an exacting amount of precision, the 5-Axis machine operates like a pair of artist’s hands with the ability to maneuver multiple degrees, angles and arcs. Aided by digital control systems such as CAD geometry models, wireless spindle probes and 3D measuring instruments, this machine is capable of extremely accurate machining regardless of contour or complexity.

Ten feet tall and occupying a total area of 1,800 square feet, Horizon’s new 5-Axis CNC machine is equivalent in size to the hull mold of a five-stateroom FD90. Whether it is crafting the open upper deck structure of a Horizon yacht model, a dynamic and streamlined hull mold, or much smaller parts, such as custom storage units, tunnels, staircase designs or semi-custom built-ins, the 5-Axis tool can operate 24/7 at high speeds with autonomous positioning and wireless spindle head adjustment in response to Horizon’s proprietary process and designs – like a superior shipbuilding craftsman who never stops!

Of the installation and integration process, United Project Center Director Keith Chen said, “The collaboration between Horizon’s engineers and PaR Systems’ American engineers has been a pleasant experience that has led to professional discussions on the applications of the latest technologies in the yacht building process.”

The CAD/CAM computer-aided design and manufacturing system that accompanies the 5-Axis machine was also upgraded. This modeling software integrates 2D, 3D, point, line, surface, digital twin and simulations to a 0.001mm accuracy. To demonstrate the improvements and technical precision of the new CNC system, Horizon’s yacht design team used reverse engineering technology to carve a sculpture of a dragon – the same design created when the Tooling Center was established in 2006. The distinction and improvement from the first version to the latest was apparent. “Continuous innovation and research and development are core values at Horizon Yachts,” says Assistant Tooling Center Supervisor Andy Tsai. “Our new 5-Axis CNC machine is capable of crafting unique works of art for each of our yacht clients that will last for generations.”

 

This New PC60 is a Complete Game Changer!

Fitted with the Victron Lithium-Iron-Phosphate Battery System, this PC60 Features Variable Speed Air-Conditioning for Fuel Savings and Generator Reduction.

A new PC60 has arrived and will soon be handed over to her owners. This is the second PC60 for the repeat owners, but this one has been upgraded to include the Victron Lithium-Iron-Phosphate Battery System. This exciting system is being requested by more Horizon clients because of its capability to exponentially reduce – and often completely eliminate – the need to run a generator, particularly at anchor.

Specified with an Open Salon configuration, this PC60 features a three-stateroom layout with a spacious master suite in the starboard hull and a large VIP and twin ensuites in the port hull. Outfitted in light woods, this PC60 exudes a spacious, minimalist feel in her main salon, which boasts an expansive galley area and plentiful seating and lounging. The aft deck features a seating area with a dining table that is served by a wet bar with refrigeration.

The enclosed skylounge features a convertible daybed, a full dayhead with shower, a raised seating area with dinette and a large storage closet aft of the helm station. The boat deck has been fitted with a built-in settee aft as well as a wet bar.

“The Victron system is a big game changer on all of our boats that are doing the lithium batteries,” says The Power Catamaran Company Founder and CEO Richard Ford. “By eliminating the need to run the generator 24 hours a day, the savings on fuel, servicing, etc… is remarkable. Coupled with the new Variable Speed Air Conditioning, we don’t have to run our generators to enjoy the creature comforts we are accustomed to. Horizon is truly on the leading edge of reducing the carbon footprint.”