Horizon PC52 Review (2021 Edition) by NautiStyles

On Deck

The Horizon PC52 is available in both Open Flybridge and Enclosed Sky Lounge versions, and this tour shows both layouts. Boarding starts from the sugar scoops, which are large and extend slightly outboard, making dock access and provisioning far easier than passing everything through a side door. The electric cable reel is a nice touch, and its positioning ensures smooth operation without strain on the shore power cable.

On the 2018 Open Flybridge model, the cockpit is fully enclosed with clears, a choice particularly suited to cooler or damp climates. This helps extend the living space while also keeping the boat clean between trips. The cockpit features a good-sized table for 6-8 people, with flexible mounting points so it can be moved inward to make room for chairs around all sides. There’s loads of storage under the benches and in large lockers for life jackets, snorkel gear, cleaning equipment or inflatables.

A compact bar station includes an ice maker, drink fridge, a manual release for the engine room fire suppression system, stereo control, and even a built-in bottle opener. Forward, the side decks are wide and secure, with oversized rails and high bulwarks. The bow features expansive sunpads, deep storage lockers for fenders and covers, princess seats tucked into the bow rail, and a neatly arranged anchoring system.

The flybridge is reached via a safe staircase with courtesy lighting. The layout can be customised depending on the owner’s preferences, with optional artificial teak and soft or hard enclosures. This example has a soft enclosure, allowing for a flexible open-or-enclosed upper deck experience. A Steelhead davit with a 1,000lb (454kg) capacity serves a 4.3m (14ft) AB centre console tender with a 70hp Yamaha. Once the tender is deployed, the space can be used for sun loungers or open entertaining.

In the Skylounge version (2021 model), the aft flybridge deck features a built-in barbecue, sink, and expansive social space. The enclosed area forward includes a high-low table surrounded by seating, a TV lift, large fridge, and a second ice maker. The sliding doors open to the aft deck, and three hatches in the hardtop allow for ventilation when the AC isn’t needed. The sky lounge offers panoramic views and becomes a favorite sundowner spot, whether underway or at anchor.

Inside, the saloon opens via a wide sliding door. The galley is to starboard and features a full suite of appliances including a convection microwave, oven, five-burner cooktop, dishwasher drawer, dual-drawer fridge/freezer system, and a wine fridge. There's thoughtful use of locking mechanisms on all drawers and cabinets, suitable for rough passages. A trash disposal is built into the sink, and the counter is both wide and deep, with bar stools creating a casual breakfast bar setup. Under-floor storage is available for bulkier provisions.

To port, there's a continuation of counter space with electrical control panels tucked behind cabinetry. These include generator and shore power switchovers, battery chargers, inverters, tank monitors, and water pump selectors. Above, glassware storage is housed in elegant sliding shelves.

The saloon is open and bright with an adjustable dining table, wraparound seating, raised ceilings with indirect lighting, and forward-facing hatches for cross-ventilation. A cleverly mounted fold-out TV is hidden in cabinetry rather than using a mechanical lift. Finishes differ between boats, with some layouts showing different woods or appliance brands based on owner spec.  

Owner's Cabin

The owner's suite is located to starboard and accessed via a private staircase. It features extensive built-in storage, large drawers, and multiple cabinets along both sides. The layout includes additional space aft thanks to a full-beam configuration, with large hull windows and a sliding pocket door for privacy.

The bed area is slightly raised, echoing the port-side guest cabin layout but with significantly more storage and a private ensuite. Fixtures include soft ambient lighting, multiple portholes, and enough room to fit a TV if desired. The ensuite bathroom is impressively large, featuring a double-size shower, modern fittings, and a light color scheme that helps avoid the cave-like feeling in darker finishes.

Guest Accommodation

To port are two guest cabins. Aft is a double cabin with generous headroom, good natural light through two portholes, and hidden compartments for extra storage. A stacked washer-dryer unit is located in the companionway. The forward VIP cabin is slightly elevated, with a full walkaround berth, overhead escape hatch, and extensive cabinetry running the length of the outboard side. It shares a large bathroom with the aft guest cabin, which enhances the size and comfort of the head.

The shared head features high-quality finishes, a shower with ledges for toiletries, and is accessible from both cabins separately.

The PC52 is powered by twin Cummins QSB 6.7 engines producing 550hp each. These deliver a cruising speed of 18 knots and a top speed of 21 knots, with a range of around 400 nautical miles at cruise. Drop the pace to 8–10 knots and the range significantly extends for long-distance trawler-style travel.

The port-side machinery space features sight gauges for the fuel tank, Victron inverter/chargers, a battery switch panel and access to the steering gear. The boat carries 4,432 liters (975 gallons) of fuel. Key systems such as the generator, AC breakers, watermaker, and filters are neatly organized and easy to reach. The 3,000-watt Victron inverter is supported by solar panels mounted on the flybridge hardtop.

The starboard engine room in the newer Skylounge model adds a few upgrades. The hatch design now includes an outer access door for improved reach. Safety features like locking gas struts are fitted to prevent accidental hatch closure.  

The Horizon PC52 may be the smallest model in the Horizon power cat range, yet it offers the volume, comfort, and flexibility that many expect from much larger yachts. It’s ideally suited to owner-operators looking for easy handling, spacious accommodation, and semi-custom design choices. The PC52 is available in Open Flybridge and Enclosed Sky Lounge configurations, each offering their own benefits depending on climate, usage style, and owner preferences.

If you're upgrading from a monohull or perhaps downsizing from a larger yacht, the PC52 offers a highly livable platform for island cruising, weekend trips, or longer voyages. With three staterooms, solid system access, and thoughtful detailing throughout, it comfortably bridges the gap between performance and long-range capability in a compact footprint.