62 Azimut

Source: Tom Thompson, Sea Magazine

A tradition of style gives birth to an eye-catching pleasure machine

Fine design has been an Italian tradition for centuries, from the Renaissance works of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo to contemporary examples of Italian architecture, fashion and automotive styling. The Azimut 62 adds yet another chapter to this nation’s rich history of artistry and craftsmanship.

The 62’s attention-getting exterior, conceived by Stefano Righini, and the luxurious interior, designed by Carlo Galeazzi, combine to make a statement that is bold and unique. In a sea of “me-too” boats, the Azimut 62 stands proud.

The 62 is not only a stylish boat, it is also a spacious boat — and that gives its eye-catching design elements a remarkable showcase. Flowing curves move the eye from one part to another. The lines of the windows and the superstructure evoke motion. The interior spaces gently sweep from one to the next.

You’ll find no sharp corners or harsh edges on the 62. The views invite you to linger and admire.

Celebrate the Outdoors
The flybridge is a celebration of open-air living. There’s a large sunpad on the starboard side, where several passengers can stretch out and enjoy the ride while keeping the captain company at the helm.

For dining, part of the sunpad converts to a seat back, creating room for up to eight adults at the dining table. The bridge’s entertainment center makes it easy to prepare anything from light refreshments to al fresco meals, with a barbecue grill, an ice-maker and a sink. Abaft the seating area, there’s a davit and space for a tender.

The aft cockpit is another spacious area for outdoor entertaining. Most of it is protected from sun by the flybridge overhang. There’s room for adding deck chairs and a small dining table, if you like.

The 62’s foredeck has its own large sunpad. It’s easily accessible via wide walk-around decks and is protected by a high rail for added security.

The swim platform is a generous jumping off point for water sports, measuring just over 4 feet in depth. As with many other European boats, Azimut offers an optional passarelle for stern-end boarding.

Beautiful Inside, Too
Entry to the main saloon is through a substantial sliding door trimmed in gleaming stainless steel. It’s a prelude to what’s to come.

Throughout the Azimut 62, you’ll find an elegant blend of carpeting, fabric and Ultraleather in counterpoint with wood cabinetry.

What the Italians have done with American cherry is remarkable. Large panels, such as bulkheads and doors, are done in a checkerboard pattern, using 10-inch blocks with the grain running at 90-degree angles. With a high-gloss finish, the result is exquisite.

The first space you’ll encounter in the saloon is a seating area, comprised of a C-shaped settee to port and a straight settee along the starboard side. Although the focus is on group conversation, each seat has a sight line to the television in the entertainment center, forward and to starboard.

The galley and dining area are two steps up from this level. The table, to starboard, can be configured as a pair of small pedestals for cocktails or snacks — or place an insert between them, and you’re ready to set out a banquet-size feast.

The galley is to port and is open to the saloon, except for a small section of cabinetry on the aft side. An upright refrigerator with a separate freezer compartment is faced with a panel of the checkerboard-patterned cherry wood.

Other standard galley features include a 220v ceramic cook top with three elements, a microwave oven and a double-basin sink. There’s ample storage for supplies and utensils, including a cabinet to safely hold china and crystal.

The 62’s lower helm station is on the same level as the dining area. Here, Azimut has done away with the usual mundane console and has transformed the helm into a refined statement of style.

The console’s outline is in keeping with the curve motif of the boat, both in the horizontal and vertical plane. The instrument panel is placed on a dome-shaped panel in front of the wheel. Switches and electronics are on another panel that curves around to starboard, keeping everything within easy sight and reach.

There’s another curve, in the chart table beneath it, which is crafted of cherry wood. The varnish used at the helm has an additive that minimizes reflections from cabin illumination when you’re piloting at night.

Places for Dreaming
The Azimut 62 has three staterooms — and that in itself is a statement.

We’ll start with the smallest, because what’s typically called the third stateroom on most boats is sized for kids or cave dwellers. The Azimut 62’s third stateroom is different: It has full headroom throughout.

The walking space between the twin berths is 6 feet, and the dressing area has about 5 inches more room. What’s more, you can bend at the waist to tie your shoes without bumping your head or slamming your behind into a bulkhead.

The second stateroom, positioned forward, has a queen-size berth at its center. The space is flooded with natural light from a hatch above. There’s also a walk-in hanging locker that you can enter without having to hunch over.

The 62’s size provides ample room for three full heads — one to serve each stateroom. Interestingly enough, because of the deck plan, the second stateroom can gain direct access to two of the three.

One of the heads is shared with the third stateroom. This is an added benefit for those occupying the guest suite, if no one else except the owners is staying aboard.

The master suite is also built around a queen-size berth. Natural light bathes the compartment through three oval-shaped port lights on each side.

The berth is set to port at an angle under these port lights. There’s a large counter top vanity on the opposite side.

The walk-in hanging locker in the master suite is, appropriately, larger than the one in the second stateroom. It is large enough for you to hang up your clothes as well as put them away folded, in a built-in chest of drawers.

Running Commentary
The Azimut 62’s standard (and only) power package is a pair of 914 hp MTU 8V-2000 diesels. Depending on load, they can provide a top speed in the low 30-knot range. Cruising speed is around 20 knots, which will produce a cruising range of more than 450 nautical miles.

Visibility from both helm stations is good. Sight lines aft are somewhat limited from the flybridge by the overhang.

The large expanse of glass at the aft portion of the saloon gives a better view for skippers at the lower station. The only limited view from the inside helm is to port, where the galley is located.

Despite its size, the 62 could be handled by a crew of two, when necessary. For docking, however, an extra deckhand would be helpful.

If you’re inclined to hire a captain and mate, accommodations for them can be added optionally, in the storage area under the cockpit deck. Azimut offers a crew quarters option that includes two berths and a head.

Whatever your requirements, Azimut’s 62 offers uncommon luxury and styling — along with a practical layout, peppy performance and seaworthy cruiseability. This is a boat that will not only turn heads, but also will put a permanent smile on the skipper’s face.