On Board Review

Horizon FD87 Review (2019 Edition)

Horizon’s FD range is a leader in SUV style, and the 87 stands out as its most popular model to date, for several compelling reasons.

The FD87 is a sizable yacht, and not just in terms of its length at 27m (87ft). Its impressive size is evident in its design, which exudes power and scale, practically begging to be explored. Inside, it offers ample space with a five-cabin layout. The FD designation signifies Fast Displacement, supported by a wave-piercing hull design that enhances efficiency, enabling cruising speeds of up to 16 knots and a respectable range.

Horizon FD87 Key Facts

Horizon FD87 illustration
  • LOA 27.45m
  • Model Year 2019
  • Cabins 5
  • Crew 3
  • Max Speed 19 knots
  • Status Discontinued
  • Yacht Type Crossover
  • Use Type Cruising

Design & Build

The FD87 exudes a strong presence, with a design by Cor D Rover that leans towards a scale and style reminiscent of brutalism, featuring substantial sections of deck and superstructure punctuated by expansive glass elements.

Volume is a key focus for Cor D Rover's design philosophy, resulting in an exceptionally spacious yacht both inside and out. Few yachts of similar length can rival the FD87 in terms of interior space, boasting five well-appointed cabins and a generously sized deck salon.

Intelligent Hull Design

The FD's striking appearance is complemented by a robust hull design, utilising the fast displacement form commonly seen in larger superyachts. This design maximises hull speed through increased lift, although its effectiveness diminishes on smaller yachts due to their inherently lower hull speeds, resulting in marginal speed enhancements.

Horizon FD87
horizon fd87 review, fd87 on test
horizon fd87 review, fd87 on test

Horizon has dedicated significant effort to optimize the performance of the fast displacement design. The hull has been extended with a wave-piercing bow, extending forward at the waterline to increase hull length and speed while enhancing the upwind ride by reducing slamming. 

Moving aft, variable chines, a keel for stability, and a tunnelled section for the propellers contribute to the FD87's performance by allowing a shallow drive angle. This combination of features results in remarkable performance for the FD87, surpassing the typical maximum displacement speed of a yacht of its length by achieving speeds of up to 16 knots, comparable to those of larger yachts. 

Skyline Option

The upper deck, resembling a pilothouse, offers customisation options, with the Skyline version being particularly favoured by buyers. This version provides an enclosed layout, offering distinct advantages appreciated by discerning owners.

Interior Accommodation

The Skyline design offers an enclosed upper deck blending elements of a pilothouse and lounge. With Horizon's emphasis on customisation, it can be tailored to suit various preferences. The helm, typically featuring three seats across its broad dash, remains consistent. Beyond that, the design possibilities are endless, ranging from an owner's study to a private lounge or family area.

Despite being enclosed, the Skyline design can create an open atmosphere, thanks to large sliding doors leading to the raised aft deck. Additionally, for a flowing indoor-outdoor experience, the side windows can be lowered at the touch of a button.

horizon fd87 review, fd87 on test
The Skyline option allows for a wide variety of layouts

Grand Salon

The upper deck features stairs leading down to the aft deck and, by the helm, down to the salon. To truly appreciate the size of the FD87, the salon offers the best perspective. It's remarkably spacious, flanked by large sections of glass and sliding doors on either side of the dining table. The combination of deckhead height, a single-level sole, expansive glass, and clean interior styling enhances the overall sense of volume, creating a grand yacht atmosphere.

With the huge side doors open or closed, the view from the dining table is breathtaking, thanks to cutaway bulwarks providing an uninterrupted seascape.

Adjacent to the salon, the galley stands out as another highlight. It's one of the largest in its class and can be enclosed, left open, or equipped with a screen for added flexibility. Additionally, a well-designed bar area allows guests to enjoy food and drinks in a casual setting around the galley.

horizon fd87 review, fd87 on test
Pictured is the helm in the Skyline version

Main Deck Master

As demonstrated by the Sirena 88, yachts of this size can effectively incorporate a main deck owner’s stateroom, providing a notable feature typically found on larger yachts.

The FD87's owner's cabin offers a serene retreat, with expansive windows set into the bows. Our test yacht featured a small sofa and dressing table, but the layout and furnishings are fully customizable. The ensuite is located forward, and although there is no dedicated walk-in wardrobe, ample storage space is available.

While it may not offer the same level of luxury as the Sirena 88 with its private foredeck and dressing room, the FD87 still provides a highly satisfactory cabin experience.

horizon fd87 review, fd87 on test
The deck salon is spacious and features full height glass
horizon fd87 review, fd87 on test
horizon fd87 review, fd87 on test

Guests & Crew

What stands out is the size and features of the guest cabins located below deck. A VIP cabin is situated forward, beneath the owner's cabin, accompanied by two spacious double cabins amidships and a twin cabin to port. Each cabin has its own ensuite and offers ample space. Horizon offers flexibility in layout and cabin configurations, including the option of a large VIP cabin instead of the two double cabins.

Access to the crew quarters is available via the port deck or the transom, featuring a double berth for the captain and an additional bunked cabin.

Helm Station

The FD87's design accommodates only a single helm station, making the Skyline version more practical than the Open variant for those intending to utilize the yacht extensively. During longer or nighttime passages, the captain will likely prefer the protection and warmth provided by the enclosed helm station. Relying solely on an outdoor helm, even if well-protected, presents significant limitations.

horizon fd87 review, fd87 on test
horizon fd87 review, fd87 on test

The enclosed Skyline helm area we observed provides excellent visibility in all directions, along with flexible layout options ranging from a single seat to triple stations. It accommodates quadruple display screens and allows easy access to the raised side decks.

Deck Lifestyle

The raised deck area's walkaround design and connection to the helm are extremely practical and convenient. Towards the forward section, there's a spacious forward cockpit seating area, accompanied by sun pads extending forward. Behind the pilothouse, there is a section that feels like a private owner's deck. Similar to the interior, it can be customized to match your yachting preferences. It offers ample space for a bar, lounge, and dining area, connecting to the Skyline lounge through sliding doors.

horizon fd87 review, fd87 on test
Horizon FD87

Despite having a full lounge on the raised deck, there is still room for a tender and crane, making this area highly functional. Access to the main deck from above is straightforward, where the crew will handle fenders and lines. The deep and wide side decks provide ample space and ensure safety.

horizon fd87 review, fd87 on test
© Horizon
horizon fd87 review, fd87 on test
© Horizon
horizon fd87 review, fd87 on test

Aft Deck Considerations

The main deck aft is exceptionally spacious, offering room for various guest seating and bar setups. Often an underutilised space on many yachts, Horizon's wide selection of layouts for the aft deck allows owners to create a space they will truly use and enjoy, making it worthwhile to consider this area carefully. Incorporating a privacy screen is advisable for added comfort while in port.

With the right layout, you can have a large deck to relax on, which connects to a lively transom area featuring a cosy waterside bar, resembling a beach club experience tailored to this yacht's size.

Value For Money

It's undeniable that this Horizon yacht feels substantial. With five excellent cabins and two distinct tiers of lounge and deck space, it provides ample usable area. At a base price of €6,000,000, it's fair considering it's in line with the market rate for a five-cabin yacht, although it also positions it against most major European brands.

horizon fd87 review, fd87 on test
A well-built and capable yacht © Horizon

Horizon's dedication to customization and crafting unique experiences for its owners positions it as a highly valuable builder for a specific clientele. However, such customisation inevitably adds to the base price, as do essential deck specifications like teak, which add warmth to the yacht.

Our Verdict

The FD87 occupies a favorable position, appealing not only within the broader market but also within the FD range. Even the larger FD92 offers only five cabins, while the FD85 may feel comparatively smaller in certain areas. With its generous accommodation of five cabins, dual salons, and overall spaciousness, the FD87 stands out as a top contender in its length category.

Reasons to Buy

  • Five excellent cabins
  • Two salons over two decks
  • High degree of customisation
  • Efficient fast displacement hull
  • Safe spacious decks

Things to Consider

  • Owner's cabin lacks wow factor
  • Decks can feel bland

Looking to own a Horizon FD87? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Horizon FD87 Yachts for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Horizon FD87, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used yachts for sale and find your perfect yacht today!

Rivals to Consider

Showing off exactly why the SUV design is so good, you will do well to find bigger, more spacious 27m yachts than the FD87. But there are some very good rivals.

The Sanlorenzo SX88 mixes space and style better than almost any other yacht. Incredibly cool but also capable, minimalist style, luxurious decks and lots of space are guaranteed. Loft-like salon designs push right forward, the option of a four or five-cabin layout including a main deck Owner’s stateroom.

The FD87 faces stiff competition from the Sirena 88, another five-cabin yacht. While it may feel slightly smaller in certain areas, the Sirena 88 does, however, offer an attractive combination of style, performance, and finishing touches.

Considering a new yacht? Explore Horizon's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.

Specifications

  • Builder Horizon
  • Range FD Series
  • Model FD87
  • Length Overall 27.45m
  • Beam 7.11m
  • Draft 1.79m
  • Hull GRP
  • Cabins 5
  • Berths 10
  • Crew 3
  • Cruising Speed
  • Max Speed
  • Fuel Capacity 13,170 Litres
  • Fresh Water Capacity 1,500 Litres
  • Engine Model 2x Caterpillar C18 ACERT E02 HP - U.S. EPA Tier 3 and IMO Tier II
  • Engine HP 1150
  • Engine economic speed 10 knots
  • Engine max range (speed type) 1640 (nm)
New Model Specs & Options

Horizon FD87 Layout

  • Upper Deck Horizon FD87

    The upper deck has an interior lounge and helm station that can be left open, closed off with doors or made completely separate. The exact layout of the lounge is left to the Owner. The outside deck can be used as a living area with dining and lounge seating or left clear for tender storage. If the latter, there is still space for lounge seating and a bar.    

    Across the foredeck, a big, well-enclosed lounge area is the perfect place to gather in port or when underway. 

  • Main Deck Horizon FD87

    The high-volume design creates a big salon with separate lounge and dining and the option of an open or closed galley, the open design creating a bar area. The beefy design easily creates a spacious main deck Owner's cabin with the ensuite forward.   

  • Lower Deck Horizon FD87

    The four ensuite guest cabins make sense, but you can also choose to join the two double cabins amidships to create a massive VIP. The crew quarters aft is larger than you might expect, with two good cabins and a mess.  

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