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Horizon 80' Catamaran "Billabong"
Horizon asked Australian designer Mark Ellis to design the kind of yacht many cruiser’s dreams are made of, they planned for more room, broad comfort, delivered with relatively compact size and excellent stability. Those requirements would center on a highly specialized yacht; yes – a Catamaran – many of which he has berthed before. Those previous models were sight-seeing yachts, cargo haulers, military. This charming new innovation – built with a one-piece SCRIMP lamination and solid fiberglass bottom hull -- would present challenges as well in this unique approach to high level cruising
Then began two years of planning and construction, determining what they could and could not add – engineering, crafting, contentment, compromising to meet the wide ocean’s gauntlets. They would create a novel, extraordinary live-aboard cruising yacht, rather than following time-honored patterns. Finally, introduction of this compelling entry into yachting’s elite. This futuristic cruising model sports two wave-piercing, subsurface hulls. Also, wider than average sponsons, full walk-around upper and lower decks, with many marvelous innovations. She flaunts most of all, a sense of relaxed pleasure. Built in Taiwan at the famed Horizon Yard, she is an astounding leap forward in cruising yacht design. We discover them all on this special tour.
While one of her most enduring attributes is stability at rest, she also glories in walk-around ease with her wide beam passageways, where voyagers may stroll without bumping elbows – try that on any standard 80-footer. Plus, her wave-piercing hulls, shallow draft by comparison, take a daintier superficial “bite” of a mere 5’ for prop clearance. This allows our happy-go-lucky dancing queen to tip-toe over reef patches few others of her size even dare to think about.
Sponson bulbs were added for considerable longitudinal stability, in addition to her inherent catamaran footprint with a 27’3” beam; which is full width for almost her entire 80’ length. Consequently, her side to side movement, with a shallow 5’ draft, is minimized in sea conditions, as compared to single hull contemporaries. She is designed to skip, instead of wallow, in ratcheting seas.
Her overhead-protected aft deck continues the charm, offering a plein-air observatory. The beam-width swim platform – with removable stainless steel rails – is easily accessed by stairs; as are other decks as well, via convenient steps, ladders and stairways. A built-in shower above the swim deck refreshes with hot/cold fresh water. Music, entertainment, is everywhere with built-in sound systems. Bose SA2 Amplifiers with speakers bring your favorite music to every room.
In full sun and open air, her upper aft deck provides a stable outdoor platform with excellent space for lounging. She’s big enough to throw a full scale party with little fuss. The convenient bar and utensils cabinet is just steps away, or if you’re in post New Year’s Eve recovery mode, a comfy line of folding sun couches awaits.
