A bright new Horizon E56XO ahead

Taiwanese boat builder Horizon Yachts announced the launch of their brand new E56XO sport yacht this summer break; this model, unveiled in December 2015, is based on the E56 motor yacht but features a lower profile for a sleeker, more sporty look. The WSB teams takes a closer look at this sports cruiser from down under.

The E56XO sports cruiser has been purposefully designed for the Australian market, Horizon yachts has aligned the special white glove treatment, meaning the E56XO can be customised to suit various owners and yachting lifestyles.

Horizon Motor Yachts Australia (HMYA) co-owner Gary Wahlstedt came to Taiwan for the first sea trial last week and said, “I was so excited that night before that I couldn’t fall asleep!” The weather for the sea trial was perfect, sunny with clear blue skies – the water was a bit choppy that day, but the E56XO’s ride was smooth and stable, both with the trim tabs activated and deactivated.

Equipped with twin CAT C12 715HP engines, she reached a top speed of 24 knots “in a wink” as noted by Gary. In Australia the best to be while cruising is the bow deck, so Horizon designed the area with both sunpads and dinette seating, which allows the owners to use the area for sunbathing or entertaining guests, all while taking in the view.

A fully-equipped galley, spacious salon, and three guest staterooms provide everything needed to enjoy your time on board with friends and family; the interior is modern but comfortable, with high gloss Oak wood and slate grey lacquer and dark wood accents throughout, and the large windows in the salon bring in an abundance of natural light.

For those who prefer the outdoors, the aft deck features a large dining and barbeque area, which also offers a live bait well to store your fresh catch. When water sports and activities are on the agenda, the hydraulic swim platform can store a dinghy or jet ski with ease.

The new Horizon E56XO sport yacht will debut with Horizon Motor Yachts Australia at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, May 19th-22nd. “We are absolutely sure that she is going to the be centre of attention and a real star during the show,” said Gary.

Horizon have delivered a well rounded sports cruiser that we believe would do well in Europe with customisable features offered. But for now the E56XO seems to be a welcome addition to the range and is a perfect weekend sports cruiser, it has a thumbs up from us!

Horizon owner views at the ILBC and Horizon Yachts