Azimut now produces fourteen flybridge yachts. They start at 42 feet and end at 100 feet or just under 31 metres in length. Our test boat is in between: the Azimut 50 Fly, which bridges the gap between 48 and 54 feet. It has a similar design to its big sister, the Azimut 80, especially when the fixed bimini on the 50 Fly provides shade on the belle floor. The most important distinguishing feature is the arched and continuous saloon side windows, which extend from fore to aft and are otherwise split in two on all other models.
The boat offers a total of seven berths in three cabins plus one for crew. Important guests sleep in the bow on a queen-size double berth and have their own access to the day bath on the port side, which they share with the other guests on board. Opposite, guests sleep in the guest cabin on two bunk berths. The owner sleeps in a cabin below the saloon, which extends across the entire width of the boat and looks out through large windows at the side. The staggered headroom is due to the saloon above, but always in such a way that there are no height problems anywhere in the accessible area. It goes without saying that the owner has his own bathroom with WC.
The galley is located on the living level and pleases the smutje: everything you need is there. The Azimut 50 is fully air-conditioned, which in itself is nothing unusual. However, it is not commonplace: The temperature can be individually regulated in each cabin, including the saloon, and if you are less than 1.93 metres tall, you can easily stand on and throughout the boat.
In the cockpit, under the large bench seat, there is a crew cabin with a bunk for an extra charge. The saloon and cockpit are separated by a large, divisible glass front. If required, the saloon sofa can optionally be ordered as a fold-out bed. Otherwise, the U-shaped upholstered bench invites cosy get-togethers, while the view through the window fronts is almost unobstructed. Dining takes place on the port side at the front, opposite the saloon steering position.
The flybridge, to which a comfortable and safe staircase leads, measures 18.7 square metres and is said to be the largest currently available on a 50-foot boat. However, there is more than enough space for sunbathing, sitting or storing something aft. But not the tender, which is placed on the lowerable bathing platform. If the fly is not enough for you, you can go to the foredeck, where the latter is almost completely filled by a sun lounger. Otherwise, the bench seat in front of the windscreen invites you to keep your nose to the wind.
Easy manoeuvring is guaranteed by the joystick on the helm, which controls the bow thruster and both gearboxes. If the boat needs to move sideways, the gearboxes are alternately shifted into forward and reverse gear and the bow thruster is used as additional support. If more efficiency is required, the stern thruster must be ordered.
The two 670 hp Volvo Penta D-11 diesel engines are good for a top speed of a brisk 32 knots. The azimuth glides quickly, the foresight is good and is further improved by the support of the trim tabs. After analysing our measurement data, the test boat is economical when planing at a speed of 28 knots.
One tank of fuel is theoretically enough for a range of 265 nm plus 15% reserve. That's still okay, but we demand at least 270 nm plus reserve. If you want to go further, you have to go at a displacement speed of 6 kn, which is enough for about 1140 nm plus reserve.
Both helm stations are dominated by touchscreen monitors, which display almost everything you need for the journey and the technology on board. This, together with the right ergonomics, leads to relaxed sailing for the skipper. For the sound pressure measurement, we rely on shipyard data, as the engine compartment ventilation prevented usable values during the test due to a technical defect. The shipyard measured 80 dB/A at full throttle in the saloon and 85 dB/A in the cockpit at cruising speed (2200 rpm), which fits.
The Mediterranean is showing its sunny side, which is why its own waves have to be used. Nevertheless, the hull conveys that it fulfils its CE B certification and will have no problems with waves outside coastal waters. At full speed, the boat is around ten boat lengths in diameter and you have to turn the rudder eleven times for a full turn from one side to the other. This prevents any extreme manoeuvres, which is why this chapter only states that the boat can be made to swing slightly over its longitudinal axis if you turn the rudder fast enough.
As far as safety is concerned, it must be said that the side decks are comfortable and safe to walk on. The beams in the railing are made of wire ropes and in the bow area of sturdy stainless steel tubes - this is good for safety when moving. We have noted that sensors in the double and reversible fuel pre-filters provide a commendable warning of water.
However, the dual filters should have been installed so that they can be operated at the entrance to the engine compartment. And not at the front, behind the engines, which are upside down in the engine compartment due to the V-drive. The electrical control centre consists of two switch panels on the driver's platform, where the fuses and relay-controlled main battery switches can be operated.
Boats in this class are equipped ready to go thanks to standard accessories. However, the owner is also given the feeling of being able to customise their boat with the help of a list of accessories.
CONCLUSION
Azimut has done a good job
The workmanship is right from the keel to the top. There is nothing to criticise in terms of handling characteristics. Owners of the
50 Fly are pleased that their boat is difficult to distinguish from the 80 Fly from a distance. It is not without reason that the 50 Fly is a candidate for the Powerboat Of The Year Award 2015.
DATA
Shipyard Azimut Yachts/Italy
Type Azimut 50 Fly
CE category B = outside coastal waters
Length overall 15.88 m
Width 4.66 m
Weight 23 500 kg
Draught 1.52 m
Clearance height 5.20 m
Fuel tank 2200 litres
Water tank 590 litres
Holding tank 225 litres
Cabins 3+1
Berths 6+1
Possible motorisation: 2 x Volvo Penta
D-11 670each 493 kW (670 hp)
Test motorisation: 2 x Volvo Penta
D-11 670each 493 kW (670 hp)
Price (standard version) 952 000 €
Distribution: AZIMUT YACHTS
AUSTRIA & GERMANY
Tel. +43 664 9201525
email: info@azimutyachts.at
Data sheet: Azimut 50 Fly
Shipyard: Azimuth-Benetti
Type designation: Azimuth 50 Fly
CE category: B - Outside coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 15,88 m
Width: 4,66 m
Displacement: 23,50 t
Price: 952.000,00 €
