82 Azimut 2009

Source: Power & Motoryacht Magazine

The Azimut 82, which replaces the Azimut 80 Carat in the Italian builder’s line, is a muscular, feature-rich yacht with flash and flair—a testament to those indefinable things that make guys in Italian suits stand out from the crowd. But it’s not for everybody. If you are the kind of person who boldly walks through life, then she’ probably your kind of package. If you’re a stogie, old moss backed traditionalist, you might not appreciate her more European aspects.

Ask an American to pick between style and substance, and chances are good he’ll go for substance. Ask the same question of an Italian and he’ll likely answer that style IS substance. Lucky the dudes who gave us Armani and Ferrari also bring plenty of substance to the table with their high-styled yachts.

Italian builder Azimut last fall unveiled its new 82, a replacement for the tried-and-true Azimut 80 Carat, which had been in the line for eight years. The 82 is a muscular, feature-rich yacht with flash and flair—a testament to those indefinable things that make guys in Italian suits stand out from the crowd.

Dinner at the Club?

Make no mistake here: the Azimut 82 was not built for nautical curmudeons. It’s, well, a shade on the flashy side. If you can get past that though, this boat has plenty to offer, especially if you fancy beating everyone else to the club bar.

The Italians don’t do trawlers. Vessels in this size range from Italy generally are well-endowed under the hood. In the case of the Azimut 82, a pair of Cat C-32s generating 1,675 hp each will wind the boat up to a hissing 28 knots, according to reports.

A retractable soft cover in the hard top on the flybridge quickly turns sunshine into shelter. The hard/soft top also covers a massage tub equipped for five. The expansive lounge on the foredeck provides space for al fresco dining or unfiltered sun worshipping.

For most people, the Azimut 82 is a thing of beauty. Many square meters of glass bring outdoor and indoor environments together. The vertical bank windows amidships flank the master stateroom. The horizontal window forward illuminates the VIP. The Azimut 82 accommodates eight in a full-beam master, a VIP forward and two guest staterooms between. Two crew fit aft.

The saloon and dining area on the Azimut 82 is no place for a traditionalist – unless you are a Saudi Prince, then all of the pillows and gold will make you feel right at home. Is that gold leather? Well, at least it won’t soak up the cabernet. Careful of that white rug though.

Again, the master suite amidships is as modern as tomorrow, and you have to love the “windows.” Look at the curtains! The whole thing has the distinct feel of a luxury suite in a trendy five-star hotel. Not pictured: his and hers heads with a hydro massage and shower, a lounge area, a vanity corner and wardrobes.

Azimut has crunched the instrument console down to the size of that of a big center console. More power to them. We always worry about visibility forward with arrangements like this though, especially when sitting. Lowering the whole console won’t hurt.

If you like to go fast—and you prefer Armani over Brooks Brothers—an Azimut 82 might suit you just fine.

Boat Specifications: 82 Azimut 2009