2010 Azimut 53

The Azimut introduced its 53 to European customers last fall. This boat competes with strong contenders from both sides of the Atlantic. The builder is confident, having already won a major boat of the year award from the U.K. magazine Motor Boating and Yachting. The new model has an overall length closer to 55 feet than 53, maximizing space, especially in the owner’s suite. This luxurious, full-beam suite features large hull windows that extend almost to the waterline, a full-size breakfast dinette, an offset berth, and 6'4" headroom. There are no deckhead intrusions to indicate another deck above, and the vee of the hull is cleverly disguised. Only the height of the dinette, positioned against the port side, may remind you that you’re not on a larger vessel.

Details

The master head compartment continues this clever use of space, featuring a large shower stall at the forward end and ample floor space. The mirrors on the locker doors are angled upwards, allowing guests to admire their reflections without bending down. Stowage is plentiful, with two proper hanging lockers, a set of drawers in the forward bulkhead, three additional lockers, and storage under the mattress. Once settled in, you may feel as if you purchased the 62 by mistake.

The second head compartment, shared by the forepeak VIP and the twin-berth guest cabin to starboard, is smaller but well-designed. The VIP cabin is well proportioned, with a bed the same size as the owner’s: 6'6"x5'2". Large hull windows provide ample light, and although set well forward, the berth is at the proper height, with headroom at its foot just under 6'5".

Despite the two hanging lockers and others over the windows, stowage in the VIP may be limited for long cruises—a trait shared by the guest cabin, which has just one hanging locker and one small locker between the beds. However, the guest stateroom is a comfortable cabin for two, featuring an opening porthole, a fair amount of floor space, and generous headroom of over 6'5". The owner’s suite is the standout area, but few owners will find this a drawback.

On the main deck, the layout is more democratic. The excellent galley is on the same level as the dinette, offering great views and a sociable atmosphere. The dinette is adjacent to the helm, sharing a dual-function seat (see “Noteworthy,” this story), and both overlook the saloon, which features huge windows, a remarkably comfortable sofa, and a large starboard sideboard concealing the TV.

The cockpit features a conventional aft sofa across the transom, with access on each side to the bathing platform. In standard form, the 53’s platform is hydraulic, and the central passerelle doubles as a hoist for the tender. Our test boat, the fourth off the line, along with every other Azimut 53 built so far, had the hydraulic platform with the passerelle mounted on the starboard side. The flying bridge offers ample space for sunbathing, along with a sofa, table, and a sleek helm console. The hardtop overhead features a large sunroof that virtually disappears when opened.

Overall, the 53 provides an enjoyable, responsive drive with a solid, reassuring ride that is popular with guests. Everyone onboard should be satisfied. The 53 is the complete package—a combination of looks, performance, handling, and accommodations that is hard to fault.

Standard Equipment

• 2/715-hp Caterpillar C12 ACERTs;
• Delta anchor w/ 246-ft.
• 10-mm chain;
• 1/1.7-kW Quick windlass;
• 6.5-kW Side Power 24V bow thruster;
• Opacmare electro-hydraulic passerelle;
• C80 chartplotter, 240E VHF/DSC;
• fridge/freezer, Ceran 3-burner ceramic cooktop;
• Daewoo combination microwave;
• 20-kW Kohler genset;
• A/C;
• radio/CD in saloon;
• grey/black water tanks;
• Racor fuel filters;
• 3/electric, 2/manual bilge pumps, plus engine bilge-water discharge valve;
• Bennett trim tabs;
• tableware,
• glasses,
• cutlery for 8 people

Options:

• helm chain-counter;
• convertible sofabed in saloon;
• 6.5-kW Side Power stern thruster;
• duplex Racor filters;
• electric cockpit winches;
• flying-bridge bimini-top;
• flying-bridge ‘fridge and barbecue;
• helm searchlight control;
• dishwasher;
• hi-lo TV;
• Stern-thruster;
• Hydraulic platform;