Atlantis' sporty model range currently comprises five boats from 10 to 19 metres in length. In the January 2014 issue, we presented the smallest, the Atlantis 34, and now we take a look at the larger Atlantis 43. The marketing department wants to appeal to all the senses, which is why the shipyard refers to the 43 as a so-called new Open.
However, this only applies and works if, as in the test boat, the largest sliding roof in the class is installed according to the shipyard, with which the 43 can be transformed into an almost open boat.
In addition, the aim is to differentiate itself from the usual day cruisers - and thus from its competitors. To this end, renowned fashion houses in Italy are used to make their fashionable contribution to the interior. "Crème de la crème" and "Italian Luxury Interiors" are the buzzwords that are to be followed by action in the interior of the Atlantis 43 with selected materials.
However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, i.e. the customer, and does not require our commentary. We can at least say that the standard of workmanship inside and out is of a high standard and that there is almost no reason to criticise anything to do with the technical or electrical installation.
This is less about the "what" and more about the "how" when it comes to the engine compartment and having to move around in it.
This is because the movement space is severely restricted in favour of the tender garage under the rear sunbed. This and the fact that there is no real boarding aid reduces the daily inspection to a view through the cockpit floor hatch, which is also the only access to the engine compartment.
Normal servicing requires a very slim and manoeuvrable fitter. Realising this, the shipyard designed the floor in the tender garage in such a way that it can be removed, albeit awkwardly, for the major overhaul. This makes it easier to access the technology. - The lack of water alarm sensors on the fuel pre-filters, which make little sense, is also criticised. Otherwise, everything fits.
The Atlantis 43 is built with two cabins and two bathrooms with toilets. One cabin with its own bathroom is housed in the forecastle and the other underneath without, allowing us to push the lower planing limit to 19 kn (2600 rpm) in good visibility. We measure a maximum of 37 kn at right angles to the wind.
After analysing the measurement data, we determine a speed of between 24 and 28 knots as an economical speed, at which one tank of fuel is sufficient for a theoretical range of just under 200 nm plus 15% reserve. This means that the test boat only fulfils our target in fast displacement cruising (9 kn at 1600 rpm), which is just above the theoretical hull speed.
At full throttle, you should look for a petrol pump after about 180 nm if you want to keep your reserve. Our test boat passed all of the extreme manoeuvres completed at full speed with the grade "Good". Due to the joystick aquamatic, the curve diameter is determined by speed and rpm.
So if you want to glide around tighter than a radius of around 75 metres, you have to ease off the throttle. Turns to port are blind as long as you keep the sunroof closed; everything is clear to starboard. We cross gradually building waves in all directions at varying speeds without any problems.
Against wind and waves, spray usually comes over from time to time, but this is not an impossible task for either windscreen wiper. The skipper will find everything he needs at the helm and has no trouble with the displays, switches and controls.
Data sheet: Azimut Atlantis 43
Shipyard: Azimuth-Benetti
Type designation: Azimuth Atlantis 43
CE category: B - Outside coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 13,86 m
Width: 4,25 m
Displacement: 10,70 t
Price: 428.400,00 €
