It has long been known that Taiwan-based Horizon Yachts builds sturdy, seaworthy vessels with an unmistakable flair for creature comforts. In line with the brand's history, the builder's latest Fast Displacement ­model, the FD80, follows in its footsteps.

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With its 80 feet and 7 inches, the FD80 is a sistership to Horizon's FD85. The FD80 is Horizon's high-performance piercing bow boat with a fast-displacement hull. A soft chine at amidships makes the hull slicker in the water, while a hard chine forward increases lift. Designed to cut cleanly through the water, the bow stretches out the yacht's underwater length, improving its hydrodynamic efficiency.

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With nearly floor-to-ceiling windows, the salon is flooded with natural light.

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A displacement and planing yacht is the result. FD80 cruises at 8.5 knots for extended journeys, burning 6.9 gallons per hour for a range of 3,248 nautical miles - enough to get from Maine to England without refueling. Additionally, she is capable of galloping at 20 knots. In the Atlantic Ocean off Florida's southeast coast, she cruises most comfortably at about 13 knots. 630 nautical miles are projected for her range at 57 gallons per hour.

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An ocean surface crisscrossed with confused 4-foot swells-a favourable field to test the FD80. Apparently, she can. She cruised quietly at 13 knots, and her hull provided soft landings in even the deepest troughs. As a beamy boat with 174,160 pounds of displacement, she was also nimble. It took me less than one boat length to turn her hard over to port and starboard at her fast cruise speed. In contrast to an 80-foot motoryacht, you're more likely to see that kind of handling on a 35-foot RIB.

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The shaded cockpit’s dominant feature is this high-gloss dining table, just steps away from the optional aft galley.

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On the FD80 I was aboard, twin 1,200 hp MAN V-8 engines were optional (twin 1,130 hp Caterpillar C13 engines are standard). White gelcoat soles made it easier to spot spills in the gleaming engine room that housed the powerplants. Despite the small headroom, there are handholds nearly everywhere, making a seaway a relatively easy task. Redundancy was provided by two 29-kW Cummins Onan generators, and regular maintenance should be easier because they can be accessed from all sides.

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On the main deck, there is a master stateroom. The stateroom is naturally lit by rectangular windows on either side and a skylight that runs almost the entire length. Due to her 23-foot, 8-inch beam, the FD80 offers the master more space than a vessel of this length usually offers. (The beam can also be carried forward in a forward VIP stateroom belowdecks.)

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With a beam that carries nearly fully forward, the FD80 is able to have an on-deck master, a rarity for this size yacht.

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FD80s' bridges are pre-plumbed for hot tubs, but this particular FD80 did not have one. 16-foot tenders can be hoisted on a Steelhead ES Series 1500 davit. There is a high-low barbecue that can be stowed away, and a bar for three to port is ideal for a sundowner. Two Stidd chairs, four Garmin screens, and excellent visibility can be found at the partially enclosed helm.

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FD80 Hull No. 1, which I got aboard, already felt dialed in, including matte and high-gloss wood finishes throughout the interior. Onboard appeal and serious seaworthiness are combined in this yacht.

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