Horizon RP120

The suspended passerelle bounced precariously under my feet as I ascended to the cockpit of the Horizon RP120 on display at Yachts Miami Beach 2017. With the push of a button, the doors open and reveal a saloon that is both sophisticated and modern, with an exceptionally tall overhead. I walked in farther and admired a smart dining area with seating for ten, a restaurant-quality galley, and plush staterooms. All of this, while impressive in its own right, has come to be expected from Horizon and interior designer Luca Dini.

An aspect of the boat I didn’t expect was the lengths to which the builder went to create hidden stowage. Knowing that latches and handles could change the clean, modern aesthetic of the boat, Horizon opted to build lockers behind push-to-open doors and countertops—even stowage behind hidden in bulkheads. In the on-deck, full-beam master, for example, the bulkhead surrounding the flush-mounted TV actually opens to reveal a series of drawers.

While walking through the staterooms, Horizon Marketing and PR Coordinator Elise Moffitt offered, “The mechanical spaces in this boat are really impressive.” Two words popped immediately to mind: Prove it.

Access to the amidships bilge—complete with freshwater shutoffs, actuator controls, the freshwater tank, water and air-conditioning shutoffs—was beneath a completely smooth hardwood sole that, true to the asthetic theme, had no latches or hinges. To lift it, you use a handheld suction cup to grab and remove the hatch. It’s not an ideal solution. I’d prefer a small latch as opposed to relying on a suction cup that could (knowing me) easily go missing. Horizon said they could easily accommodate such a request.

I lifted the floorboard, admired a spotless, 6-foot-deep space below, and then inadvertantly knocked that darn suction cup down into the bilge. Nice one, Dan, I mumbled to myself as I climbed down into the space.

 For once, my clumsiness was a blessing; I was able to inspect more closely the plumbing and wiring—the nerves and circulatory system of this immaculate little ship. Upward-facing, double-clamped hoses with easy-to-read labels ran through the space. Shut-off valves and the Raymarine controls could all be reached while standing.

I thought for a moment about the 120 at large and how all its beautiful design touches, like the hot tub on the flybridge, the modern helm surrounded by seating for friends and family, and the lounge on the bow, would attract would-be buyers.

But it’s what you don’t see on the first pass that helps Horizon make the sale. After all, a builder that pays incredible attention to things like hose labels and color-coded wiring is going to strive for perfection when it comes to things like handling and performance in the roughest of conditions.

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Specifications

  • Builder: Horizon
  • Model: Horizon RP120
  • Year: 2017
  • Base Price: Upon request
  • LOA: 120’0″
  • Draft: 6’8″
  • Beam: 26’2″
  • Displacement: 324,000 lb.
  • Fuel Capacity: 8,000 gal.
  • Water Capacity: 800 gal.
  • Standard Power: 2/1,800-hp CAT C32As
  • Cruise speed: 16 knots
  • Top speed: 19 knots

This article originally appeared in the May 2017 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.