Azimut is stepping up its flybridge collection in every respect. While the Azimut 48 (BOOTE 12/2011) had already impressed us in terms of quality, our Azimut 45 test boat goes one better. It also comes up with ideas that have never been seen before.
This begins when you enter the Azimut aft via the centre-mounted gangway: removable back and seat cushions on the stern bench are standard. What is new is that a recess has been made in the flybridge, which extends far aft, in favour of headroom. The fact that you climb over the cockpit table on the way into the cockpit only becomes apparent when you turn round and see the table hanging vertically below the cushions.
One flick of the wrist and the table is folded up - a second flick doubles the table surface. As soon as you pass through the mirrored glass door from the outside, you enter the saloon and see fine materials and flawless woodwork and upholstery. This is no different in the lower galley on the port side and in the higher driving position on the starboard side.
Accurate lines, fine gaps, light and space are evident all round - simply pure harmony. The plastic finishes on and below deck also give no cause for criticism. With the exception of one cut edge in the engine compartment, all others are rounded and sealed.
The technical and electrical installations also deserve praise, and the concept of the Azimut 48 is reflected in the improved 45: the fuel pre-filter with water separator and water alarm sensors are located in the engine compartment even closer to the entrance, and both engines monitor exhaust temperature sensors. They trigger an alarm as soon as cooling is interrupted. This is perfect and offers a high level of safety. The fact that there is a manual bilge pump as well as an electric one, a fire extinguishing system has been installed in the engine compartment, the batteries are switched by relays and solenoid valves regulate the fuel flow are further plus points.
The Azimut 45 is available with two or - like the test boat - three cabins, for which you pay just under 15,000 euros more. In the two-cabin version, the galley is slightly longer and there is an extra wardrobe in the forward cabin. But you can do without both in favour of the third cabin, as the galley in the test boat leaves nothing to be desired and is large enough.
The cabin with its spacious wardrobe can also be used as a walk-in storage space, but always has two more sleeping berths (bunk bed). If that's not enough, the saloon table can be converted into another berth for two. This means that a total of eight people can sleep on a 45.
The owner's cabin is located in the foredeck and has a good-sized double berth to starboard and its own bathroom with WC. Adjacent to this is the guest or day bathroom with WC. Additional guests sleep under the saloon and driving position in a cabin located in the centre of the boat. The highlight here is the diagonally installed double bed, which can be converted into two single berths.
There is no feeling of claustrophobia in either the owner's cabin or the guest cabin. You immediately feel at home, the headroom is just right and there is no lack of storage space. The large flybridge is superbly designed, which can be customised as desired in terms of seating with or without a table or loungers. Azimut refers to this as a "modular system". A safe staircase leads up and down to the sun terrace.
We sail the Azimut 45 on the Mediterranean off Savona. The test boat has the Easy Docking System, which allows the boat to be manoeuvred in any direction. This and the two engines with counter-rotating propellers make it easy to dock or cast off in confined spaces. To prevent the waves generated by the boat from disturbing us, we let the engines turn at 1200 rpm and thus travel at a speed of 7 knots. From 2000 rpm, a smooth break in the water at the stern signals that the Azimut 45 wants to switch to planing speed. From 2700 rpm, she glides completely at 21 knots.
The shipyard recommends a cruising speed of 26 kn at 3000 rpm. This is also consistent with our measured values; the test boat is the most economical when travelling at these speeds and at fast planing speed. One tank of fuel is enough for a theoretical range of just over 200 nm plus 15% reserve. This means that the Azimut does not fulfil our minimum requirement of 270 nautical miles plus reserve. If you want to go further, you have to slow down and switch to displacement sailing. At full speed, we measured a maximum speed of 32 knots.
The shipyard did a good job with the sound insulation, as we measured no more than 80 dB/A in the closed saloon at full throttle and only measured a sound pressure of more than 85 dB/A in the cockpit from cruising speed onwards.
Towards the end of the test day, the wind was blowing at force 6 and really stirred up the Mediterranean - we did our laps in swell 5 to 6. We adjust our speed (16 knots) a little, don't let the engines rev higher than 2400 rpm and weather the water that builds up in front of the bow safely and comfortably in all directions. It is normal for spray to build up and is immediately removed by the windscreen wipers.
The chapter on "extreme manoeuvres" is short, as nothing extreme happens. With just under seven turns of the rudder and maximum turning radii of five boat lengths at full speed, everything runs smoothly. If one motor should fail, the other will just about bring the boat into planing speed with the trim tabs fully extended. Theoretically, you can travel about 160 nm with one engine plus reserve.
The only thing that bothers us about the clearly laid out driving positions is the seating. In the saloon, the non-adjustable bench seat offers the front passenger no lateral support, and there is also no grab handle. Upstairs, you have to make do with a simple seat that can be adjusted lengthways. This also lacks the lateral support that we missed when driving in rough seas.
The Azimut 45 is generously equipped with standard accessories, and there is no shortage of cleats either. The navigation lights are approved by RINA and are therefore also officially authorised in Germany. Useful accessories include the saloon couch that can be converted into a lounger, the gangway is essential and the hydraulically lowerable and raisable bathing platform with integrated bathing ladder and grab handle is practical.
Conclusion: The Azimut 45 Flybridge sets standards and has everything that makes a class leader. There is even room for a dinghy. The rubbing strake is also perfect - it doesn't get any better than this
Data sheet: Azimuth 45
Shipyard: Azimuth-Benetti
Type designation: Azimuth 45
CE category: B - Outside coastal waters
Length: 13,78 m
Width: 4,31 m
Displacement: 17,00 t
Price: 708.050,00 €
