Horizon PC60 - Horizon Yachts

eview
Horizon PC60
sTunning in
aPPearanCe
and a
sTunning
PerformanCe
To maTCh.
Top Cat
I
had gone to Taiwan to do a sea trial on a PC60, the
second one built by Horizon Yachts and while having
experienced many large powercats I felt reasonably
confident that given the physical dimensions of the boat it
should perform and handle reasonably well. Wow, was I and
everyone else aboard, including Australian Horizon agent
Russell Wright, in for one big surprise when we headed out
of the sheltered waters of Kaohsiung Harbour.
The sea state was extremely messy to say the least as a
result of the trailing edge of a typhoon the previous day.
Two-metre swells with half-metre breaking waves lashed
across the bay with 27 knots of wind really making the water
conditions uncomfortable for boating. Yeah right, someone
forgot to tell the designers of the Horizon PC60 that boating
at 24 knots in an 18m boat in such conditions should not be
this comfortable.
It didn't seem to matter which angle we attacked the
swells, the PC60 was unfazed. The transition onto the plane
was slippery and with almost no bow attitude. The cat felt
extremely stable and once it got over 15 knots it felt like you
Pacific PowerBoat January 2013 www.pacificpowerboat.com
52
were riding on a cushion. Not once did we hear any tunnel
slap or slamming or any harshness from the chines and in
high-speed turns the heel was negligible.
Work the trim tabs just enough to change the riding attitude
and the chines deflect the spray away from the boat. I found
the tabs very good, especially at the lower speeds, where I
could tweak the riding angle of the boat to its best.
Interestingly, during the sea trial we had full fuel and water
plus 15 people aboard so the boat was certainly well loaded.
The first PC60 powercat weighed in at 41 tonnes, the boat
I tested was a little lighter at 36 tonnes and the next one
will be even lighter again. This has all been achieved through
construction and layup changes by the builders.
The PC60 is built with the same processes as all Horizon boats
using the patented SCRIMP (Seeman Composite Resin Infusion
Molding Process) system plus using Horizon Yachts 5 Axis
CNC milling machine. Everything that goes into building a
Horizon Yacht contributes to its overall superior performance,
high safety standards, ease of manoeuvrability, durability and
extraordinary luxury down to the smallest detail.
TexT by barry Thompson
F@&king Amazing
Russell Wright was so impressed with the PC60 that he
placed an order on the spot for the first enclosed pilothouse
PC60, which will be on show at the 2013 Sanctuary Cove
International Boat Show.
"F@&king amazing. In all my 35 years of being involved in
big boats I have never experienced anything like it. I was
blown away with the ride and handling and knowing the
sea conditions we get off the Australian and New Zealand
coasts, I know this boat is ideally suited", said a very excited
Russell after the trial.
He said that it's a boat that he will have to take people out
for demos on, so that they can really appreciate just how
good it is! "It's a 60-footer that's got the capacity of an
80-footer but rides like a 100-footer,” he added.
Boat #4 will come to Australia, and being the first of the
enclosed hardtop models it will have significant changes to
the layout of the bridge and upper deck area, but the rest of
the boat will remain virtually unchanged.
Local Connection
To understand the design philosophy of the PC60 you have
to trace its lineage back a few years and over a number
of different continents. It all started as an idea by South
African born Richard Ford and Stuart Hegerstrom of the
Powercat Company, and they approched Alec Hammond, one
SimPly unbelievable iS Probably tHe beSt
review
way i Can deSCribe tHe ride and Handling
of tHe Horizon PC60 Power Cat.
of Horizon’s first clients some 25 years ago. He was looking
for a big powercat and knew what he wanted but couldn't
find it. With Alex’s strong relationship with CEO John Lu as
the catalyst, Alec, Richard and Stuart approached Horizon
to build the boat.
The Powercat Company and Hammond also played a pivotal
role in the design and specifications of the PC58. However,
the real credit for the naval architecture and hull design
goes to Kiwi based designer Angelo Lavranos. He was also
responsible for powering, driveline and steering specifications,
plus the hull and deck interior and exterior structural
design. Peter Gimpel, of Winchester Design, was responsible
for the styling and interior detail design, and Horizon was
responsible for systems and a lot of detail.
Of the design, Angelo says: “Firstly you need to compare an
80ft monohull to get the equivalent to our Horizon PC60 cat
with about the same spaces (65sqm) in saloon plus galley
plus cockpit, the same on the flybridge (36sqm), with three
cabins and assuming the master cabin is similarly large.
Such a boat in GRP would weigh about 65 tonnes light, 78
tonnes loaded, compared to 33 tonnes and 37 tonnes for
the cat”.
He adds, “Consequently, to get 24 knots a mono needs about
1800kW (2400hp), which is 60% more horsepower and fuel
required than our cat.”
Angelo points out that the PC60 in a typical 1.2m chop with
Pacific PowerBoat January 2013 www.pacificpowerboat.com
53
The PC60 has
an exPansive
foredeCk wiTh
large sTorage
areas.

eview
The main saloon
is exPansive
wiTh a raised
lounge area and
generous galley
wiTh breakfasT
bar.
25-knot headwind would be at least equally comfortable to
the 80ft mono and I would have to agree with him. He says
that some of the reasons are the slim hulls of a cat offer less
resistance, penetrate waves better, have a lower combined
waterplane area than a mono because of the reduced displacement,
and therefore are less reactive to wave induced
motions.
The slimmer the hulls (and of course the lighter they are)
the less “interference” drag is generated in the tunnel. This
can be improved by increasing the hull to hull clearance and
wingdeck height. Both these factors are higher in the PC60
than the minimum values the designer has successfully used
in the past.
A deep spray knuckle is essential in producing a dry boat,
which the PC60 certainly is. The hulls feature a horizontal
“flat” at the stern area, which act a little like planing wedges
to reduce stern trim at speed. In this respect the effectiveness
of this feature is partly mitigated by the propeller
tunnels that are incorporated to reduce draft.
“The semi displacement hull form I have developed and
used in many leisure and commercial vessels of all sizes
has superior economy in the 16-24 knot range, superior
seakeeping and handling, and good load carrying capacity,”
says Angelo.
Weather Protected
The wide beam of the PC60 allows for a huge flybridge
area, covered with a fibreglass hardtop, either draped
in clears or as in the case of PC60 #4 fully enclosed in
the pilothouse form. It’s a self-contained, air-conditioned
biosphere completely unaffected by the elements. It is also
the sole helm station on the boat, so it needs to be cosy!
Access to the flybridge is via the smoked-glass sliding hatch
to starboard or the aft deck exterior staircase to port.
This is designed to be not only a functional work station for
Pacific PowerBoat January 2013 www.pacificpowerboat.com
54
the skipper, but also a great entertainment and relaxation
space. The difference in the layout between the two options
is quite significant. In the ‘open’ hardtop version the dinette
with comfortable seating around a teak table mounted on
adjustable stainless pedestals is to starboard, with an offset
granite countertop with two swivel stools, a prep sink,
fridge and barbecue opposite. Plus the finish is more durable
fiberglass.
In the fully enclosed pilothouse version (addition of a rear
bulkhead with wide opening glass doors) there is a lot more
emphasis on timber and high quality interior style finish.
There is a separate day head and vanity area to starboard
with a lounger and smaller coffee table opposite. The
barbecue, fridge and wetbar area are all on the outside of
the rear bulkhead, where there is more attention paid to
lounging space and relaxing, than a place to stow the tender.
However the space is available for a tender up to 4.0m
In the open version a hydraulic crane stands ready to launch
and retrieve an inflatable tender. This also doubles as a great
place to sunbathe.
The forward helm stays the same with a pair of fully
adjustable chairs with foot pedestals and flip-up arm rests. I
found the helm position to be extremely comfortable when
driving and all controls and instrumentation were in clear
view and easily accessible.
The PC60's instrument panel presents every modern advance
in navigation, with an optional electronics package. In the
boat going to Australia the owner has chosen to go with a
full Furuno MFD set-up. Touch screen Garmin is standard,
but you have the option of most of the major brands.
Enormous Aft Area
Like the flybridge, the aft deck of the PC60 is enormous and
more akin to a 30m motor yacht. This is party central and
has been designed as an extremely versatile area, yet not
overwhelming. Across the transom is a full lounge seat for
up to eight with storage bins under. Aft is a live well/ice
chest built into the aft-deck sole. Beside the entrance to
the main saloon is a well-equipped wetbar, with the curved
flybridge staircase, complete with a closed storage cupboard
under, opposite.
In the boat I reviewed the main dining table was situated in
the centre of the cockpit, with seating for eight. While this is
under the cover of the flybridge overhang, the aft bench seat
is out in the open. You don’t have to have a full dining table
and can opt for a more flexible table arrangement.
Engine room access is via exterior, aft deck hatches. The
engines are located far aft of the superstructure and accommodations,
removed from items sensitive to vibration and
nestled in layers of insulation.
While the original PC58 (now PC60) was fitted with
Pacific PowerBoat January 2013 www.pacificpowerboat.com
55
review
ToP: The masTer
sTaTeroom
imParTs a
luxurious
ambianCe wiTh a
PraCTiCal layouT.
lefT: The viP
sTaTerooms are
well aPPoinTed
and sPaCious.

eview
The afT deCk
is all abouT
enTerTaining.
Cummins engines at 705hp each, the PC60 is now being
fitted with either Cummins QSM11 @ 705hp or Caterpillar
C12A @ 715hp, both of which offer a better performance.
The original PC60 was increased in waterline length to just
over 18m to accommodate either a standard shaft drive or
the ZF 4000 series POD drives at the owner’s option.
A nice feature in the cockpit are the polished stainless steel
safety gates either side, complete with Horizon’s logo, that
lead down to the swim platform. Being a catamaran there
are two swim platforms and each offers ample space to
deploy dive equipment or fight a fish. A set of auxiliary
controls are compactly housed at the base of the aft deck
staircase.
Worth mentioning at the other end of the PC60 is the bow
storage, which has two opening lockers each side plus a
huge step into locker, almost big enough to call a utility
store room. This can house spare anchors, fenders etc and is
where the Maxwell RC10 anchor winch is located.
Exceptional Interior
Dividing the cockpit from the saloon is a stainless steel
framed sensor-controlled saloon door with a wide 2.4m
opening. The saloon deck level is split between the port side
lounge and starboard side galley and the main area with an
owners’ master stateroom forward.
Owners have a wide choice of fabrics and timbers, from
rich dark timbers such as mahogany, cherry or teak, to
lighter options such as beech, sycamore or ash. Each PC60
exemplifies the personal desire and vision of the owner(s)
and while there is a standard layout, Horizon will customise
the saloon to suit your individual taste and requirements.
If you are planning to do a lot of cooking for your guests
then the PC60 provides everything a gourmet chef needs,
from the counter tops – your choice of Corian, granite or
marble – customised cabinetry, large pantry, a four-burner
cooktop, microwave/convection oven, fridge/freezer and
dishwasher. Storage cupboards, drawers and lockers abound,
so food storage isn’t an issue. The two-tiered, two-material
counter doubles as a backsplash with bar stools that are
Pacific PowerBoat January 2013 www.pacificpowerboat.com
56
easily stowed when it’s time to go.
There is a small but very handy work station and a laptopfriendly
desk. Above is a 42" flat screen TV display and space
below can be utilised for your entertainment centre. The
forward lounge area has twin sofas and again the choice of
table is yours, be it a small coffee table or one large enough
for dining.
The PC60’s rich colours and accents in the saloon come to
life with plenty of natural light and high ceilings adding a
greater sense of space. Even when seated in deep-cushioned
sofas, you still have a 270-degree view, thanks to the
sectional lounge area being raised above the main saloon
floor. Forward to starboard, access to the enclosed flybridge
area is via a stainless steel ladder with open treads so it
doesn’t obstruct the views to any extent.
Maindeck Master
The PC60 is one of the few catamarans in production with
a main deck master. If you look closely at the panelling, you
will see the outlines of drawers, closets and lockers. Storage
is abundant, seamlessly hidden behind walls, but it's not
limited to the master. The entire boat is a maze of wellplanned
storage compartments.
There is a king-size walk-around berth, a bedside settee,
plus large separate closets for clothes, towels and linens.
The mattress is also hinged, rising to reveal more storage
space. While the first two PC60s had solid rear bulkheads
in the master stateroom, in PC60 #4 this will be changed
to a high/low frosted glass drop-down panel to open up the
sightlines forward of the saloon. When you want privacy in
the stateroom the frosted window can be raised. It certainly
provides a more open feeling to the boat.
Down a couple of steps into the port side hull you’ll find
the amazing master bathroom. A very unique use of space,
this area has over 2m headroom, is extremely spacious
and features a separate head, a raised bowl, cabinets and
drawers aplenty. An ensuite walk-in shower with seating
finishes off this expansive space. Again, you have the
choice of composite or natural vanity and floor coverings.
THE INNOVATIVE ROPE/CHAIN WINDLASS
Low profiLe rC10
THE MARkET SAID; “GIVE US AN AffORDAbLE AUTOMATIC ROPE/CHAIN
WINDLASS THAT WILL HANDLE 10MM (3/8”) SHORT LINk CHAIN”.
THE MAXWELL RC10 DELIVERS!
effortless retrieval and deployment of 10mm (3/8”) chain/16mm (5/8”) rope AND 8mm (5/16”)
chain/12mm (1/2”) rope combination rodes
An innovative heavy duty stainless steel pressure arm, coupled with a unique rope/chain
gypsy, giving an unparalleled level of performance
Simple two piece installation, saving time and money and allowing easy retrofitting
without disassembly of the windlass
A list of other desirable features too numerous to mention.
CONTACT MAXWELL MARINE
fOR MORE DETAILS Of THIS
EXCITING NEW PRODUCT
Vetus-Maxwell APAC
po Box 100-703
NSMC, Auckland,
New Zealand
TEL +64 9 985 6600
fAX +64 9 985 6699
www.maxwellmarine.com
Vetus-Maxwell Australia
po Box 1292
Capalaba, 4157
Queensland, Australia
TEL +61 7 3245 4755
fAX +61 7 3245 5906
HORIzON YACHTS PC60 fITTED
WITH MAXWELL RC10 WINDLASS
ONCE AGAIN MAXWELL LEADS THE WAY IN
REVOLUTIONARY AUTOMATIC ROPE/CHAIN
WINDLASS TECHNOLOGY!
THe rC10
wiTH CApSTAN

eview
The enClosed sky
lounge version
will be debuTed
in ausTralia aT
sCibs 2013.
The surfboard shaped panel in the shower is an interesting
touch and may just be something that will appeal to Kiwi
and Aussie owners.
While the master stateroom has soaring ceilings, the forward
VIP doesn't quite benefit from the same. The berth is situated
forward of midships and the bed is perpendicular to the
starboard hull. To make this work, the floor around the
berth has multiple levels. The walk-around queen size berth
is raised, allowing storage beneath and offers additional,
spacious closets with good capacity.
The large, en-suite VIP, while not quite as spacious as the
master bath, sports ultra-fine design, with copious mirrors
and a full-size glass-enclosed shower. Aft of this is the
laundry/utility room with washer/drier and further storage
areas plus easy access to the fuel transfer pumps, battery
switching, AC and DC distribution panels, and air conditioning
compressors and pumps. Aft of this again is a compact
space that can be used for storage or configured as an extra
half-size cabin for crew or children.
Over on the aft section of the port side hull, the 2nd guest
stateroom offers split twin berths with a walkway between.
This can be brought together to make a full double berth and
PC range, with a PC50 about to go into production and a
there is also a swing-down single bunk overhead to provide PC76 already in the design stages.
PPB
Boat design name: Horizon PC 60
Year launched: 2012
Hull designer: Angelo Lavranos
Interior Designer: Horizon Powercats USA
Superstructure designer JP Espinosa
Builder: Horizon Yacht
LOA: 18.2m
Beam: 7.47m
Draft: 1.40m
Displacement (light): 32.5 tonnes
Max speed: 24 knots
Cruise speed: 20 knots
Construction: GRP using SCRIMP resin infused
Fuel capacity: 3800 litres
Water capacity: 1150 litres
Engines make: 2 x Caterpillar C12A @ 715hp
Gearboxes: ZF 2.037:1
Drive train: Conventional Shafts
Propellers: 4 Blade
Generator: Onan 21.5kW
T E C H N I C A L S P E C I F I C AT I O N S
Inverter/charger: Xantrex
Air conditioning: Marine Air
Watermaker: Aquamatic
Icemaker: Scotsman
Bow thruster: Side Power
Anchor winch: Maxwell RC10
Anchors: 63kg Delta
Steering: Hydrive
Engine controls: ZF Micro Commander
Lighting: Cantalupi
Paint (antifouling): International
Hatches: Cebo
Wipers: Speich
Heads: Tecma
Woodwork: Optional timbers
Davit crane: Steelhead WD800
Stainless steel fabrication: Horizon
Saloon doors: Airtech
Helm chair: Stidd
Upholstery: Leather
Contact: Russell Wright Aust 0411724176 russell@hmya.com.au
Pacific PowerBoat January 2013 www.pacificpowerboat.com
58
an extra berth. While space appears somewhat limited, it
invites a night’s rest with comfortable mattresses and plenty
of stowage space beneath. The guest ensuite doubles as the
vessel’s day head, with opening portholes delivering natural
light and ventilation as needed.
More To Come
The PC60 would unquestionably be the best riding big
powercat I have ever had the experience to run hard and
fast in rough water. It is free of vices and a credit to the
builders and designers. Not only does it provide outstanding
performance and handling, it also has the now legendary
Horizon stamp of quality along with it. The spacious luxury
of the PC60 is the same as you will find on a superyacht but
at a surprisingly cost effective price. The PC 60 now offers
the choice of the original three-cabin layout or a four-cabin
configuration. As with the PC58, the PC60 is available as an
Open Flybridge or Enclosed Pilothouse. The first Enclosed
Pilothouse PC60 will debut at the Sanctuary Cove Boat
Show, Australia in May 2013.
The PC60 is the first of three models planned for the Horizon
Searchlight: Total Sunshine
ELECTRONICS
Autopilot: Garmin GHP10
GPS/plotter/sounder: Garmin GPS Map 5215
AIS: Garmin
VHF: Garmin VHF 200
Entertainment systems: Fusion 600
Base price of boat: $A2.8m incl gst