Quality Assurance
Horizon’s commitment to high-quality vessels guarantees state-of-the-art design, exceptional finish and excellent seakeeping. Each Horizon vessel is subject to stringent and continuous inspections at every stage of the build, from initial lay-up, fit and finish to the final installation of engineering systems.
Each of the four Horizon facilities is independently ISO 9001 approved and utilizes the most advanced technologies to assure quality throughout the production process. Horizon is recognized by the world’s leading classification societies, including Lloyd’s Register (LR), Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and Nippon Kaij Kyokai (NK). Horizon is currently the only yacht builder in Asia that has obtained full DNV Class Classifications.
Tank Testing
A tank test is comparable to a wind tunnel for aerospace and automobiles.
A variety of scale models of the hull design, from 1:8 to 1:12, are made and towed along a water-filled tank up to 1,000 feet (300M) in length. A towing cart equipped with sensors and microprocessors tows the model and collects results for computer analysis.
All Horizon yachts undergo resistance and wave-encountering tests in cooperation with international test tanks such as SSPA and HSVA as well as local academies including USDDC, NTU (National Taiwan University) and NTOU (National Taiwan Ocean University). A series of tunnel wedge angle change tests at NCKU (National Cheng Kung University) resulted in a 1-knot speed increase for the RP120 yacht, and the Horizon E88 underwent both resistance and random wave-encountering tests in SSPA to ensure a seaworthy yacht. The most recent test conducted in SSPA was for the design of an 85-footer (25M) with an innovative concave hull design.
Material Testing
Quality control is an integral part of each stage of the Horizon yacht build process, and the Horizon R&D team firmly believes that the highest quality products are derived only through the integration of high-caliber and thorough inspection technologies.
Raw materials, FRP and hull appearance testing is performed at Horizon’s own in-house laboratory, which first selects and tests all raw materials to be used in construction. Routine tests include Mechanical Property, Resin Flow, Weather Resistance, Discoloration, Processability, and Fire-Retardant Testing. During production, Horizon technicians inspect each production stage. Every test result and all manufacturing parameters are uploaded to a materials database which serves as a valuable reference for further design and analysis.
Component Testing
Horizon implements the most advanced Non Destructive Testing (NDT) technology – commonly used in the aerospace industry and military applications – to analyze the internal quality and structural integrity of the hull components without damaging the component. Horizon is the only Asian shipyard to utilize this technology, which includes three components: Ultrasonic Inspection, Infrared Thermography and Laser Shearography.
• Ultrasonic Inspection emits high-frequency sound waves to test the density of the composite material and identify any internal flaws
• Infrared Thermography uses radiation waves to detect inner defects. A high-resolution camera can detect a 0.025℃ (0.045℉) temperature difference
• Laser Shearography is a more advanced aerospace-level NDT inspection technology that utilizes laser light to provide information about the quality of different materials in a strain measurement
Leak Testing
As a yacht is prepared for delivery, Horizon performs a series of water leak tests to ensure that the yacht is completely watertight. These tests simulate weather conditions during a monsoon, using thousands of gallons water to shower the yacht from various angles for 2-4 hours. Horizon's leak test is important in guaranteeing the yacht is completely sealed and safe from outside water sources.
Sea Trials
Every Horizon yacht undergoes a rigorous sea trial involving a third party survey to ensure proper systems operation and maneuverability. The maneuvering trials include a speed test, turning circle, emergency stern propulsion, stopping inertia, zigzagging with power loss stability tests and a full-power endurance test. These tests also include sophisticated data analysis of frequency and harmonics onboard as well as include trim level tests at varying power loads. All major equipment, such as anchors, thrusters, safety equipment and fire-fighting systems, are tested and detailed records of all these tests are kept in a database for future reference.
ERP Management System
“Define your Horizon” is not just a slogan — Horizon makes every effort to ensure that each customer’s dream becomes reality. Managing the various requirements for each customer requires an extensive system of checks and balances to assure every detail is addressed and each request fulfilled. Horizon has developed its own ERP system to supervise every yacht order, from the initial discussion and layout to the delivery and after-sales service. This system covers customer's input, construction details, product schedule, material procurement, quality checks and customer feedback. Customers’ visions are translated into thousands of construction orders and material lists, and the system organizes that information, delivering it to the right person at the right time.
