Review: Horizon 80' Catamaran Yacht "Billabong"

Stacked berths in the forward staterooms easily occupy the H-80’s extra-wide sponsons. Well laid out and roomy; either over or under, the berths present highly finished maple wood for bed frames and storage closets. Top berths are easily mounted via built-in steps.

Aqua Cat 80’s designers went the limit in engine arrangements, providing walk around space in opposite hulls for each of the hunky twin MTU8V M93s. These workhorses deliver 1200 hp @ 2450 rpm, with high performance 4 blade propellers on stainless steel shafts – Aquamet HS 22# plus Main bronze struts w/backing plates. The span of the H-80’s sponsons with twin engine configuration simplifies docking, although the beam does require a larger than usual width.

AquaCat 80’s engine room also harbors 38hp hydraulic American Bow Thrusters; a 25 hp Stern Thruster, as well as a pair of 27 kw Onan Generators; and a 900 gal/per/day watermaker. And to offset hotel loads, a bank of solar panels are fixed to the skylounge roof.

This fine yacht will truly become a waterborne home, with a covered aft deck, salon, dining, galley and master, all on one deck, boasting full beam space bow to stern. She’s utilitarian, and for some, a fine looking yacht as well. While she’d never crave the Slinky, Suave, or Playboy Centerfold rating, she certainly vies for the roomiest, most comfortable in class; and possibly the most admired by a legion of cruising yachtsmen and women.

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Specifications:

Length: 81’0”
Beam: 27.3”
Draft: 5’0”
Freeboard: 5’9”
Height: 22’5”
Displ.: 169,400 lbs.
Fuel: 4650 gallons
Water: 950 gallons
Engines: Twin MTU 8V2000 M93 1200HP Engines
Generators: 2 x Onan 27kW
Watermaker: (2) Sea Recovery 900 gal/day

For more information contact:

Horizon Yachts
8 Kuang Yang Street
Hsiao Kang, Kaosiung Taiwan
www.****************

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DETAILS​

While not every marina will have inside facilities to accommodate the 27’3” beam, many do; so the AC80 is protected by a solid rubber rub-rail on the upper hull sides from midship to the bow; plus a built-in rubber rub-rail mounted midway along the hull; so in many docking situations, fenders become optional. Anchoring also provides a safe and simple resolution, since dual anchors - one for each hull – reduce swinging and potential drag.

Horizon’s flashy logo leaves no doubt the company is quite proud of this marvelous entry into the world of top-notch cruising designs. Matter of fact, they're so enamored with this feline's behavior, they're building a smaller sibling; the Horizon 58' Cat.

Her extra-wide, non-skid outdoor teak decks also sport stainless steel handrails, as well as overhead shade rim overhangs, providing comfortable passage in any weather. Cut-away bulwarks along the salon provide floor to ceiling views of the horizon.

Automated windshield wipers, top to bottom of the Bridge’s tinted, tempered glass windscreens, clean a thorough path across the broad ocean view.

This view from the Portuguese Bridge arrows a charming pathway forward, a very quick and easy passage to the bow, with comfy all-weather sun pads flanking the walkway.

At the forepeak of the bow ( ), centered between the H-80's anchor guides and far beneath the captain's line of sight is this sunbed with accompanying drink pedestals. It is a private, yet convenient get-away for guests seeking solitude. Think of it as a 'balcony on the bow'.

Deck Plans; Top to Bottom -

1. Skylounge Deck
2. Main Deck
3. Sponsons