Review: Horizon Yachts EP69 Expedition

The VIP head surpasses most master heads on similar size yachts. The cherry veneer walls, marble countertop and floors, spacious walk-in shower, Tecma head, and a plethora of storage in numerous cabinets make this a real “head turner.”

The third stateroom is nicely concise. That’s not a couched implication that it’s small, but it is unusual to find a third cabin with ensuite head in this size range. Whether lodging two visiting couples or combinations of adults and children, the privacy of having separate guest heads is worth the sacrifice of plenteous walk-around space. The 78” long twin beds are supported by a double bank of drawers. There’s a sufficient hanging locker and the head is adequately sized and accessorized including marble floor, full-size glass and marble shower, and Tecma freshwater head.

Entry from the swim platform through the watertight transom door into the crew quarters is not a “Wow.” It’s a “Holy mackerel, can you believe this is crew quarters on a 69 foot yacht!” The level of luxury, finish, and amenities is at least equal to the yacht’s living quarters. Complete with full galley and dining table for 6, crew might ask how much they have to pay for the privilege of stowing away in this enclave. For owners who prefer island hopping without crew, this area gives a whole new meaning to VIP suite.

Full length twin beds, full height hanging locker, drawer space, desk, and ensuite head finish off the comforts of home for crew or guests.

Righty tidy, nothing left loose describes this engine room. The 78” headroom, safety rails encompassing the walk-around engines, and easy equipment access provide for a safe and comfortable working environment. A pair of The 560hp MAN D2876 LE402 engines provide the power for hitting 13 knots. Maintaining WOT “only” burns 58gph, but backing off to a reasonable cruising speed of 8 knots at 1050rpm yields 8gph and a 2200nm range. The capability of boosted horsepower will be an appreciated asset in reverse, docking, and the proverbial outrunning a storm scenario.

The EP69 is designed to run on both engines but thought was put into the possible need for one engine performance. The bearings are cooled via a trundle gear and the shaft seals are fresh water lubricated. Single engine performance can be maintained for extended periods without detrimental effects and consumes 10gph at 1450rpm yielding a 8.5 knot speed. Even though the single engine concept was designed for a back-up contingency, the autopilot will hold course in this mode.

DETAILS​

The only thing that would make this helm better is if it would disappear when not in use. Voila! The vanishing act is accomplished with the flip of a switch. The electric Hi/Lo instrument console presents a full electronics suite when needed and retracts to enclose the display screens and tank gauges. This gives not only a clean look, but sure beats all those canvas covers and plastic lids for ease and tidiness.

The flybridge is an extraordinary area for entertaining whether for gaggles of guests or the owner-operator couple. The dining table for eight has an easy and secure mechanism for height adjustments. Also note mega stowage beneath the seat cushions. All flybridge stowage includes teak slatted panels for good drainage and aeration.

The clean lines and easy walk-around space is assisted with details like the fold-away bar stools.

The JennAir grill center is smartly designed to allow the cook to multi-task while keeping an eye on the fixins. Good work area with top open and when closed supplies even more service area.

This multifunctional area is user friendly whether being utilized as a cooking center, buffet service, lunch counter, or for hoisting a few cheers. The easy serve and to be served wetbar offers plentiful counter space, a refrigerator, icemaker, molded sink, and safety at sea positioning.

The flybridge aft deck displays excellent utilization of space. The placement of sun pads turns dead space into smart space. The lounge on the port side has significant storage beneath.

Another nice way to increase the tabula rasa look and toe stubbing prevention are the dinghy chocks. The concept of swim platform style removable staples has been applied on the flybridge so when the dinghy is in use or in tow, the chocks are easily lifted out and unobtrusively secured in matching holes off to the side by the deck rails.

Forward on the bow, a deep line storage bin with fresh and salt water connectors is conveniently located near a pair of hydraulic Maxwell 3500 vertical anchor windlasses.

Aft in the bow and fronting the Portuguese bridge, molded recesses with stainless retainers keep fenders secure underway.

And when that line on the piling is just out of reach, the line hook is within easy reach with its own dedicated cubby-hole on the main aft deck.

Opposite the line hook on the starboard side of the main aft deck, the modified wing station is molded into the superstructure and offers an easy access compartment for external lighting.

Interior Odds & Ends​

Pneumatic rams help drop down a 26” TV which is nicely concealed in the overhead ceiling panels in the master stateroom, above the berth.

The stainless steel cranking mechanism for raising and lowering the wheelhouse table, and others, allows for easy and secure positioning. Artistic details include the tedious work applied to lining up each plank and seam on numerous levels in the cherry and holly sole.

Helm seats are cranky too...

A subsurface breaker panel on the helm. Close the lid and you have a chart station.