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The NX400HT Horizon from NX Boats in Brazil is a 40-foot model that has plenty of day-cruising features, stylish finishes, and weekend capabilities. This model crosses the line from cabin cruiser to express cruiser thanks to its speed and bow-to-stern entertainment spaces. The 400HT Horizon offers a practical layout with upscale touches, and although we haven’t been aboard this model yet, Captain Shelley of BoatTest.com, Rightboat’s content partner, recently did a walkthrough of the 400HT Horizon.
Key Features of the NX400HT Horizon
At the helm, you'll find a tilt-base steering wheel and digital throttle controls, with configurations including joystick piloting, SkyHook station-keeping, and a pair of outboards as powerful as Mercury 600HP V12 Verados. Simrad displays, VHF radio, and a well-placed entertainment system round out the captain's tools. A flip-down bolster and a wood footrest add good visibility and ergonomic comfort when underway.
The cockpit is where the social side of this boat really shines. Long curved banquettes on either side seat 10 or more guests, with recessed cupholders and Brazilian teak finishes throughout. A hidden hi-lo TV behind the helm seat pops up at the press of a button. With eight speakers and a subwoofer optionally placed around the cockpit, Captain Shelley predicts the boat will be “awash in music.”
The cockpit bar and stern summer kitchen both stand out for usability. The wet bar includes a large ice chest and glassware storage, while the aft summer kitchen features a built-in electric grill, cutting board, integrated cupholders, and an ice bin. The full-beam swim platform can include a center dive platform when outboard motors are optioned, great for when the engines are off.
Passengers reach the bow from the helm area through a forward-opening panel in the windscreen. A large sunpad with reclining backrests provides a comfortable lounging area. Decking is grippy and soft underfoot, and stainless steel railings and cleats provide a secure feel.
Below, the 400HT Horizon offers a surprisingly spacious, livable cabin for overnighting or day use. The layout includes a V-berth forward, a lounge area that converts to a berth, and a modest aft cabin. The port-side galley includes a refrigerator, single-burner cooktop, sink, and a deep counter. The head compartment has a separate walk-in shower.
Hosts can pass grilled dishes forward to the cockpit or aft to the swim deck from the NX400HT Horizon’s expansive outdoor kitchen. All photos by BoatTest.com
NX400HT Horizon Performance
The NX400HT Horizon can be built with twin engines ranging from 300-600 HP, inboard or outboard, so any performance test will vary based on the engine options selected. BoatTest.com did not run a sea trial, but according to a test by Capt. Fred Paim at Tempo Boats with a mid-point engine selection (2 x 350 hp inboard/outboard), the Horizon’s top speed was close to 35 knots, with a cruising speed of 20 knots and a range of about 100 nautical miles.
Perfect for an afternoon raftup, the NX400HT Horizon can be powered with outboards or inboard/outboard engines and a variety of accessories including bow and stern sunshades, underwater lights, a submersible platform, and a cockpit glass door.
Pricing of the NX400HT Horizon and What to Look For
The NX400HT Horizon was introduced recently, and there are not many boats available on the used market as of 2025. Depending on customization levels, buyers can expect to pay up to $600,000 or more for new boats.
Many prospective owners design their boat directly with NX Boats, taking full advantage of the broad customization available. As the used market expands, prospective buyers will want to take careful note of which options were included—and which weren’t—as they look at the entertainment packages, navigation screens, galleys, and mechanicals.
As always, buyers of used vessels should conduct a thorough marine survey to identify issues with electronics, cabin systems, hi-lo functionality, other accessories, and hull/decking integrity.
With dedicated berths fore and aft, a lounge that converts to a third berth, and a solid cabin galley setup, the Horizon’s cabin gets daytrippers out of the sun and provides comfortable overnight accommodations.
Conclusion
Invite your friends and family—the NX400HT Horizon has plenty of room and comfort for all of them on a day out. With an ample cabin, two cooking zones, and reliable Mercury power, it’s also well-suited to a family or two couples for overnight cruising. For buyers looking at alternatives in the express cruiser market, the 400HT Horizon is worth testing out.
See listings for all NX models on Rightboat.
The NX400HT Horizon’s helm station features multi-function displays and advanced electronics, including joystick control for low-speed maneuvering.
Technical Specifications
L.O.A.: 39’6”
Beam: 11’5”’
Draft: 28”
Cabin height: 6’6”
Bath height: 6’2”
Fuel capacity: 185 gal
Water capacity: 80 gal
Engine: 2 x 300 HP up to 2 x 600 HP (outboard or I/O)
