43S Azimut 2

Source: Capt. Tom Serio – Sea Magazine

You really have to admire Italian workmanship. Designers know how to perfect all kinds of things by using one common ingredient: time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, fine wines and cheeses need to age, and their yachts become better with the each passing year. Case in point: the Azimut 43S.

Introduced about two years ago, the Azimut 43S is the smallest offering in the Azimut S-Range of yachts (S-Range is from 43 to 103 feet, each with the signature red hull and hull-side windows). The interior was designed by Carlo Galeazzi who made the Azimut 43S feel much larger thanks to creative space planning; while the exterior design by Stefano Righini brings the outdoors in without being overwhelming and maintaining its sleek style.

Azimut is powering the 43S with twin Volvo IPS 600 engines; a step up from the IPS 500’s used earlier. Speeds top out around 34 knots at WOT, thanks to the 14-degree deadrise aft, and cruise at 30 knots: a good cut of speed. Our test boat cracked 33-plus knots with the levers pegged, carrying ¾ fuel, full water and two beefy guys.

Running in open water the 43S was steady on plane but leaned a bit into the turns but not so much that the movement would alarm guests. The ride was smooth and dry. Close-quarters handling was a snap thanks to the Volvo IPS joystick. I’m always impressed by the ease of function, instantaneous response and true tracking of vessels with Volvo’s IPS system. Push, pull or twist the joystick and that’s it; the IPS forward-facing drive pods do the rest. No real need for a bow thruster here, although it is an option.

Access to the Volvos and engine room is not only by the cockpit hatch which will drop you right between the engines, but also by an additional hatch, in the salon that gets you in front of the generator, and an access way cleverly hidden under the cockpit bench seat. Remove the seat and back cushions, lift the contoured bench seat and there’s a ladder to the aft engine room section, right at the IPS pods. From either hatch there should be ample access to components, systems and regular maintenance items.

Like the design of many other European yachts, allowing the outdoors to become a part of the inside is a priority. The 43S does this with large windows located all around the boat. The forward windshield has two large panes, each with its own wiper. Despite the angle of the glass, forward visibility is very good as the yacht has little bowrise when getting on plane, and the field of vision stays nearly constant.

Add in the stylish side windows (the small window next to the helm opens) and guests can watch the world go by, even from the salon seats. The center aft glass door not only slides to one side (it locks in place, with a grip release on the door handle), but the other side folds open, creating a continuous flow of the salon into the cockpit. There’s a U-shaped settee aft with a high-low table. Enjoy alfresco dining or lower the table, toss on the extra cushions and you have another sunpad area.

The salon is inviting, with a deep U-shaped settee to starboard (one end of the settee is an ottoman that can be moved around) and a port-side sofa that can double as an optional pullout berth. Aft of this sofa is a unit that not only holds a flat-screen TV on top but also has a locking drawer that contains all the china, silverware and glasses in individual holders. No matter what the seas, they’ll be no breakage here.

Feeling a bit claustrophobic? Open the fully retractable sunroof that feels like you’re riding in a convertible car; sun on your face and wind in your hair.

Forward of the salon and to starboard is the raised helm. At first glance, you will notice you cannot stand there without hitting your head (the sunroof opens right behind the helm). But there really is no need to stand as the seat is high enough for looking forward, and visibility is great all around thanks to the windows and glass doors aft. The helm actually feels like a cozy spot to work from with the two-position backrest and all switches and controls nearby. If Azimut could make the access up the two steps to the helm a little wider, it would be perfect.

Dashboard ergonomics are good with a centerline space for a chartplotter display (this 43S was set up with a Raymarine E120 navigation package, on autopilot, depth/speed displays and a radio). Engine information shows on the Volvo IPS screen and on analog dials. Digital readouts for starting battery volts and AC/DC amps/volts keep the captain informed. Just to the left is a hidden compartment that houses the 24/12 volt DC breakers, also within reach of the helm seat.

Although the galley is three steps down to port, the low profile of the 43S doesn’t put the chef out of sight. An open-air design allows light to pour down as well as the aromas of the day’s culinary delights to drift about.

A three-burner electric flat stovetop, complete with pot lockdowns, an undercounter microwave, a ¾ height fridge/freezer, and deep sink still allow for ample counter space. This is a great design idea. Finished in steel, including the backsplash, and with wood cabinets and drawers, the galley is tastefully outfitted while allowing for easy maintenance. The sole is wood, which will help hide spills.

Forward of the galley in the peak is the master stateroom, with a guest stateroom to starboard. These are good-size staterooms for a 43-foot boat, and each has its own head. Surprisingly, each head has an enclosed shower stall. Not just something where you pull a curtain around to prevent the sink from getting wet, but an actual circular area that has its own sliding door (the door is curved and slides around to the back side of the stall when not in use). Good use of floor space and an innovative design bring full function to the head.

The master stateroom has a double bed with dual reading lamps, side windows, an overhead hatch, a cedar-lined closet, shoe lockers and drawers. Fabric and Wenge wood paneling add warmth and elegance. Our test boat had a built-in safe for jewelry or other items you want to protect.

Guest accommodations include two single beths that can be slid together to create a double. Under-berth drawers, a hanging locker with shelves and side tables handle the storage issues. Lighting comes from reading and overhead lights. And natural light is courtesy of the four fixed square windows in the hull and a porthole. You get a different perspective of the world as you look out these close-to-the-water windows while running at 20 knots.

Azimut is all about being outdoors or bringing it in. Two steps up from the cockpit on either side is access to the sidedecks, which also have high bowrails to keep you safe. Just watch your head as the aft overhang sticks out a bit (there’s a grabrail to help with balance). A forward sunpad offers yet another lounging option.

The windlass and anchor chain are in a recessed channel to help minimize toe stubs but also to keep the chain wash residue contained and drained.

For more outdoor fun, the swim platform lowers to assist in getting guests out of the water, or to create your own beach.

Although Azimut has a European feel it focuses on the American market. Side boarding gates at the cockpit are standard. Cockpit access to the platform is via an aft port gate. On the starboard aft side is a molded step-up, for the optional electro-hydraulic gangway. On their flybridge models, wide molded steps are standard for ease of transit. All of this can be attributed to Azimut’s VOC or Voice of the Consumer program, where they take input from owners to help design better yachts. Azimut has been around for 40 years and knows how to deliver what the consumer wants. According to Bob Fritsky, vice president of Azimut sales for MarineMax in Florida, Azimut is a well-known brand. “A good name, with good resale value. It took time, but Azimut is there and is recognized,” Fritsky said.

Like other Italian masterpieces, it didn’t happen overnight for Azimut. But they have used their time well to create the next best thing from Italy. And it’s for America.