Captain's Report

The Pros...

We like the Azimut 53’s boarding passerelle off to the side instead of on the centerline. This leaves the cockpit settee and dinette area untouched and fully functional. The swim platform is more than ample for a tender or PWC. The main saloon has lots of natural light from the large windows on all sides. The dining area is large enough for the six guests to eat, rather than the usual curved seat with a small table. The lower helm seat is reversible, so it does double duty as a dining seat, and flips back for helm seating.

Three Staterooms...

Below decks, two staterooms have queen berths, and a third one has two singles. This is great for accommodating a diverse combination of guests. The master is midships and full beam.

Up above it all, the flying bridge is roomy and very sunny, with a rigid steel overhead encompassing a sliding fabric opening in the center to allow sunlight in, or when closed off, provide shade as desired. Open air cooking and dining areas are comfortable and inviting. Full walk-around side decks allow for easy access to all parts of the Azimut 53 exterior.

The Cons...

We’d like to see the flybridge console center mounted. Now it’s off to one side… the port side, owing to the Azimut 53’s European heritage. Some American users will be a bit out of place by both this and the engine controls on the port side as well, but left-handed boaters will love it. The console accommodates only a single nav display, where the lower helm allows for two. Split screen software can solve this problem, if it is one for an owner.

There aren’t too many boats in this size range to compare to, but for what is available, the Azimut is approximately 10,000 lbs heavier (which may translate into more stability), and has larger engines, but carries nearly 200 gallons less in fuel (618 gallons/2,340 L) and 50 gallons less in water (156 gallons/590 L).

The specifications...

The Azimut 53 has a LOA of 54.8’/16.7 m, a beam of 15.5’/4.74 m, and a draft of 4.4’/1.35 m. Her fuel capacity is 618 gallons/2,340 L, and she carries 156 gallons/590 L of water. Azimut reports that the 53’s twin 715-hp CAT C12 ACERT engines give a top speed of 31kts, and a best cruise of 28kts. All in all, with striking good looks and functional interior, the Azimut 53 makes an aggressive pitch for topping your short list of yachts. And while this boat looks very expensive, Azimut is known for coming in with prices that are surprisingly competitive.Have an Azimut sales rep contact you for more information. Visit the builder’s website.

Standard and Optional Features