The Horizon E81 is a striking blend of modern yacht design and practical offshore cruising capability. As part of Horizon’s celebrated E Series, the E81 was created to provide owners with the feel of a superyacht in a size that’s manageable for owner-operators or small crews. It’s a yacht that embodies space, balance, and elegance, but without sacrificing the performance needed for long-range adventures.
From its wide beam and intelligent layouts to its strong fuel capacity and smooth hull design, the Horizon E81 is built for serious voyaging while offering all the luxuries of a floating five-star residence. Step aboard and you’ll quickly notice how every area—inside and out—has been optimized for socializing, relaxing, or cruising in complete comfort. Unlike yachts that lean heavily in one direction—either too performance-driven or overly focused on luxury—the E81 strikes a rare harmony between both.
Intended Use / Purpose
The Horizon E81 is intended for yacht owners who value extended offshore cruising with family or guests, yet still want the ability to enjoy casual weekend getaways in style. Its range and onboard systems make it capable of long-distance passages, while its luxurious accommodations and multiple entertainment zones are designed for life at sea without compromise.
Owners who plan to travel between islands, explore remote anchorages, or host larger gatherings will find the E81 fits seamlessly into these scenarios. Unlike smaller sport cruisers, the E81 isn’t about dashing from point A to B—it’s about enjoying the journey itself. From sunrise breakfasts on the flybridge to starlit dinners on the aft deck, every moment aboard has been thought through.
Who Is It For?
This yacht is best suited for families, seasoned cruisers, or owners transitioning into larger yachts who still want manageable handling. It has enough space to host multiple couples or extended family comfortably, while the thoughtful layout means everyone has privacy when needed.
The E81 also appeals to buyers who want the prestige of a yacht with a genuine “mini-superyacht” feel. Compared to yachts in the 70-foot range, it offers much more interior volume, storage, and fuel capacity, while being less demanding than yachts in the 90-foot category that often require a larger crew. Owners who want flexibility—sometimes running the yacht themselves, sometimes with help—will find the E81 ideal.
How Does the Horizon E81 Compare to Other Offshore Boats?
Against similar offshore yachts like the Princess Y78 or Azimut 78 Fly, the Horizon E81 distinguishes itself with a wider beam, offering significantly more interior volume and stability at anchor. While competitors may focus heavily on style or speed, the E81 emphasizes a balance of long-range capability, spacious living, and fuel efficiency.
Compared to a Sunseeker 76 Yacht, the Horizon’s layout feels more open, with higher ceilings and larger windows that flood the interior with light. And unlike sportier Italian builds such as the Ferretti 780, the Horizon E81 takes a more practical approach, favoring dependable performance over extreme top speeds. In essence, it’s a yacht built for owners who prioritize comfort, reliability, and the ability to truly live aboard.
Design & Specifications
Type: Flybridge Motor Yacht
Length Overall (LOA): 81 ft
Beam: 20 ft 6 in
Draft: 5 ft 7 in
Fuel Capacity: 2,700 gallons (approx.)
Engines: Twin CAT C32 ACERTs, 1,600 hp each (optional MTU or MAN engines available)
Top Speed: 23–25 knots (depending on engine package)
Cruise Speed: 18–20 knots
Hull Design: Semi-displacement hull with resin-infused construction
Seating Layout: Expansive flybridge with lounges, aft deck dining, foredeck sunpads, full-beam salon, and four-cabin layout with crew quarters
The design of the E81 highlights volume and versatility. The wide beam creates an interior that feels closer to a 90-foot yacht than one in the low-80s. On the main deck, a full-beam salon connects seamlessly to a formal dining area and galley, with oversized windows creating panoramic views. The flybridge, one of the E81’s standout features, includes a bar, grill, lounge seating, and optional jacuzzi, making it a true entertainment zone.
Below deck, the layout typically includes a full-beam master suite, VIP cabin, and two guest cabins, all en-suite. Crew quarters aft provide comfortable accommodations, making the yacht equally suitable for owner-operated use or with professional crew.
Performance & Handling
The Horizon E81 was engineered to handle serious offshore cruising with a balance of speed and range. Powered by twin CAT C32 1,600 hp engines, the yacht cruises comfortably at around 18–20 knots, with a top speed approaching 25 knots depending on load and configuration. At a more economical 10–12 knots, fuel consumption drops significantly, providing a transoceanic range of more than 1,000 nautical miles.
Compared to performance-focused yachts like the Sunseeker Predator 74, the E81 won’t match the same top-end speed, but what it delivers instead is remarkable efficiency, stability, and endurance. The semi-displacement hull ensures a smooth, steady ride even in challenging sea states, making it a trusted companion for long passages. With advanced stabilization systems, rolling at anchor is minimized, keeping guests comfortable in virtually any condition.
Safety & Precautions
Safety is at the core of Horizon’s design. The E81 features deep walkaround side decks, high bulwarks, and handrails throughout, ensuring safe passage around the yacht in all weather. Non-slip surfaces and watertight doors add to the security onboard.
Electronics are state-of-the-art, with full navigation suites including radar, autopilot, GPS, depth sounders, and integrated monitoring systems. The large fuel capacity not only extends range but also ensures reserves are available in unpredictable conditions. Owners planning long-distance cruising should still plan carefully for weather, maintenance intervals, and crew readiness, but the E81 provides the systems and redundancies necessary for safe offshore travel.
Potential Downsides
While the Horizon E81 excels in many areas, there are a few considerations. First, it isn’t a pure “performance yacht.” Buyers seeking adrenaline-pumping top speeds above 30 knots may find the E81 more conservative compared to faster Italian builds. Second, with its wide beam, securing dockage in crowded marinas may be more challenging than slimmer yachts in the same length range.
Additionally, ownership costs are significant. Dockage, insurance, and professional crew (if chosen) all add up. Horizon’s quality is top-notch, but the scale of an 81-foot yacht means ongoing costs are substantial, even for experienced owners.
Features & Benefits
Where the Horizon E81 truly shines is in the features that enhance daily living onboard. The flybridge is among the most expansive in its class, functioning as both a party deck and a private retreat. The hydraulic swim platform doubles as a beach club, launching tenders or creating a water-level lounge area.
Inside, smart layouts allow for both open entertaining spaces and private retreats. Large windows connect guests with the sea at all times, while noise and vibration control technology keeps interiors remarkably quiet, even underway. Customization is also a Horizon hallmark—owners can tailor finishes, layouts, and equipment packages to suit personal taste.
Reviews & Testimonials
Owners of the Horizon E81 frequently praise its spaciousness and stability. Many reviews highlight the interior volume as a standout feature, with some remarking that it feels “like a yacht at least 10 feet larger.” Testimonials also point to Horizon’s strong aftersales support and build quality, which instill long-term confidence.
When compared with rivals like the Azimut 78, many owners prefer the E81’s practicality and solid engineering, even if it lacks some of the Italian yacht flair. As one long-time cruiser put it, “The Horizon E81 may not scream for attention, but it delivers every day on the water with quiet reliability and comfort.”
Storage & Ownership Costs
Owning an 81-foot yacht requires thoughtful planning. Dockage costs can be substantial, especially in high-demand marinas. Annual maintenance—including bottom painting, engine servicing, and systems checks—runs into six figures. Crew costs, while optional, are often factored into ownership at this size.
The positive news is that Horizon yachts hold value well, thanks to their reputation for solid engineering and customization options. Buyers in the brokerage market actively seek out Horizon models, ensuring better-than-average resale value compared to less established brands.
Bottom Line
The Horizon E81 is not about being the fastest or flashiest yacht—it’s about delivering a balanced, long-range cruising experience wrapped in luxury and comfort. With expansive interior volume, proven engineering, and strong customization options, it appeals to owners who want a reliable partner for serious offshore adventures without giving up stylish living.
If you’re seeking a yacht that blends superyacht-like spaces with the practicality of an owner-operator design, the E81 is a compelling choice. For families, seasoned cruisers, or buyers moving up into larger yachts, it offers long-term value and unforgettable journeys. In short, the Horizon E81 is absolutely worth it for those who see the yacht as more than just transportation—it’s a way of life.
Fly Yachts provides a full range of services, starting with a large inventory of yachts for sale and information about luxury yachts, super yachts, and center consoles, all easily found from their homepage. To learn about their company history, team, and expert knowledge, check their About Us page, and if you want a custom yacht built, visit Build a Yacht. They feature travel options to various charter destinations around the world and list many yachts charter choices for private bookings. If you want to sell your vessel, the Sell Your Yacht page explains their process and support. For private aviation, they offer a selection of aircraft for sale. You can stay up to date on industry updates and company activities on the Gulfstream News page, and find yachting tips or advice in their Compass Articles. For any help or to get in touch, you can use the Contact page.