Horizon RP97 (2011 - 2021) Rivals

Which yacht is best for you? As always, it’s all about personal choice. Some people choose their yacht based on its power credentials and the semi-displacement hull of the RP97 delivers speeds of up to 22 knots.

Accommodation

If accommodating guests overnight is your main concern, then the Horizon RP97 which offers well-appointed accommodation for up to 8 guests with its 4 cabin layout option does not match its rivals. Many of its competitors including the Sanlorenzo SD96 and Azimut 30 Metri offer slightly more guest accommodation sleeping up to 10 guests in 5 cabins, making them better choices for those seeking to maximise the number of family and friends they can sleep onboard. However, for maximum comfort for the owner, the RP97 features a full-beam master cabin with an en-suite bathroom, a dressing room and hull side windows and all cabins have dedicated en-suite bathrooms for family or guest convenience. Equivalently, the Horizon E98 and Gulf Craft 95 SUV also offer 4 cabins, but with facilities for 8 guests, however they still offer an exceptional level of comfort for family vacations.

Performance

When it comes to cruising speed, the Horizon RP97 delivers a steady 16 knots and can't keep up with its faster competitors such as the Azimut 30 Metri with an impressive cruising speed of 22 knots or the Sunseeker 95 with a respectable cruising speed of 21 knots. The Horizon RP97 emphasizes stability and comfort over outright speed, catering to a different set of priorities. On the other hand, for those not in a hurry the Benetti Delfino 95, with the slowest cruising speed of 13 knots, emphasizes stability and comfort over outright speed and enjoying the journey over the destination.

Unique Characteristics

Each yacht also brings unique features to the forefront. The Benetti Delfino 95 impresses with its extensive range of 2,320 nautical miles, ideal for long voyages. The Gulf Craft 100, Hatteras M98 Panacera and Horizon RP100 all feature shallow drafts for yachts of this size, allowing them to navigate waters inaccessible to deeper vessels. The performance of the Azimut 30 Metri is especially impressive, with a top speed of 29 knots and cruising speed of 22 knots. The Gulf Craft 95 SUV has an impressive gross tonnage of 200GT, the largest of the competitors here.

Summary

Despite stiff competition, the Horizon RP97 stands out with notable features and design elements. These yachts cater to a wide range of preferences and needs, making the choice a matter of personal taste and specific requirements in the world of luxury yachting.

When considering a new (or indeed used) yacht, it’s certainly important to wonder about the alternatives in the Horizon RP Series range or indeed its competitors. Browse our hand-picked selection of 9 competing models.