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Welcome to the special Classic Boat Archive section, where Boats by Motor opens for you its paper archive where hundreds and hundreds of boats we have tested, presented and reviewed in the magazine’s more than 35-year history are kept. Technical data, original boat data sheets, including engines and performance. In short, a database (constantly being updated) that contains everything you need to know about Classic Boats.
In 2005, the understated and elegant Azimut 40 immediately won over enthusiasts, ensuring comfort under sail and great interior prowess. We were there and tested it. Here are the results of our test.
Taken from Motor Boats 2005, no. 1, February, pp. 90-97.
PRIORITIES:
DEFECTS:
To create a boat capable of conquering the world market and, through large series production, make it accessible to a vast number of owners. With this goal in mind, the new Azimut 40 was designed, a flying bridge destined to become one of the most successful models in the entire range. Azimut builds boats from 39 to 116 feet that have as their common denominator excellent habitability, a gift that allows them to be used as a true “home at sea.” Maximum and cruising speeds are around 30 knots, in keeping with the tourist vocation of these boats. It is no coincidence that the work of the design studio is primarily aimed at improving the comfort and handling of the boat, rather than the pursuit of pure speed. The shipyard is also oriented toward cost reduction through the industrialization of production processes. At the same time, the development and research department is carrying out, in collaboration with a number of Italian universities, new studies on the strength of materials and the stresses suffered by hulls, with the aim of verifying the construction standards imposed by the “Registers” and deepening knowledge about the design characteristics of pleasure boats. In this climate of development, the new Azimut 40, the “world boat” subject of our test, was born.
The design of the exteriors of theAzimut 40 was once again taken care of by Stefano Righini, who is credited with finding a perfect balance between size and shape. To promote interior habitability, the hull beam was increased, while new furnishing solutions were sought to increase the versatility of the fly, and it matters little if the backs of the very long upper deck sofa are partially visible from the outside. The walkways are wide and flat, all the way to the forward maneuvering area, making them more comfortable and safe. The line is lightened by the mirror-polished windows, also included as an element of rollbar decoration. Rigorous is the design of the interior compartments, which all have the exact same height. To meet the need to use the boat as a home by the sea, spacious and comfortable rooms were created, without forgetting the importance of a large galley. The use of engines with integrated V-drive allowed them to be moved further aft and increase the space available for living quarters. The hull accommodates both the need for habitability and the increased weight caused by the growing amount of accessories and installations. The rounded bow in the sections above the waterline provides space for the owner’s cabin. The V remains deep until mid-hull (21°) and then drops to 14° aft to increase livability.
It will be built in special assembly lines that will allow, when fully operational, the production of about one hundred units per year. This is a very large number, but in keeping with the demands of the market, which has already shown enormous interest in this new boat. The outer skins of the hull are made with vinylester resin, while the subsequent layers and deck are laminated with an isophthalic product. The bulwarks and superstructures are sandwich with a Pvc core. The hull of theAzimut 40 is guaranteed for five years against osmosis, and the boat is certified by RINa, which applies the strictest classification standards.
The most important element is the flying bridge, which comes with a different layout than all the other models. TheAzimut 40 ‘s sunbathing area joins seamlessly with the sofa located aft, resulting in a seating area with an overall length of almost seven meters. In the center of the lounge is a dining table with wine rack. The pilot’s chair is anatomical and slides horizontally to seek the most comfortable driving position. The effective Lexan windbreak is mounted on a sturdy steel frame that can also be used as a handrail. Movement is aided by handrails built into the fly support structures and wide (30 cm), level walkways that extend to the forward maneuvering area. The stairway to the upper deck, which has deep steps and well-calibrated risers, bolts slightly to lead to the center of the fly. The aft cockpit is furnished with a sofa and a folding table around which folding chairs provided as an option can be arranged. On the forward deck, the sundeck mattresses are fitted with comfortable headrest cushions. Along the sides, mirror-polished windows let in plenty of light but prevent prying eyes from peering inside, as does the large sliding door aft, which connects the salon with the large cockpit.
Arguably, theAzimut 40 possesses the best interior habitability in its category. A success that originates from the shapes of the hull and the skill of architect Carlo Galeazzi, who also put his signature on this new Azimut model. Every space has been studied millimetrically, as evidenced by the identical height of all rooms. The salon takes advantage of the boat’s considerable width to offer two opposing sofas, one of which can be converted into a bed. The furnishings are elegant yet simple, richly upholstered using contrasting colors to give movement to the room. Curious side tables that serve as supports for abatjours are sandwiched between the sofas. The wheelhouse is served by a comfortable two-seat pilot’s couch with a reclining backrest. Controls and instruments are ergonomically arranged, but height in the steering position is limited to just over five feet. The galley spans a length of more than two meters and is equipped with a combi-oven, glass-ceramic hotplates with pan retainers, and a 130-liter refrigerator/freezer. Smaller rooms, such as the hallway leading to the cabins and the two bathrooms, are made more airy by light filtering through translucent glass located under the windshield. The toilets are identically furnished but the owner’s one has a larger surface area. In both, the shower stall is 80 cm in diameter and enclosed by a sliding Plexiglas; an elegant black glass sink and teak grating also lend elegance to the facilities. The master cabin is large and is furnished with two spacious closets and a chest of drawers in the base from the bed. The guest cabin has a partially limited height but is still comfortable. The two bunks can be joined to form a large double bed by simply sliding them on a rail. A closet and some storage cabinets complete the cabin layout.
The shipyard conducts constant quality control of technical equipment and puts great care into the construction of all facilities. A generator and battery charger are included in the standard equipment. The fuel and water tanks have a good capacity. Grey and black water boxes are also provided.
The shipyard has chosen to use exclusively the new Cummins QSB 5.9 common rail engines with electronic combustion control. This is a proven turbodiesel unit that has recently been upgraded with a new high-pressure fuel system. The engines are coupled to integrated V Drive inverters and conventional shaftline transmissions, with four-blade NiBrAl propellers. Currently, Azimut ‘s research and development division is working on a project to reduce vibration through the experimental use of carbon drive shafts and propellers, which should result in significant noise reduction.
We tested the first example of theAzimut 40 while propeller tests were still in progress, and thus a further increase in measured values is possible. The hull runs at 31 knots maximum speed and cruises at speeds between 22 and 28 knots, at which we recorded the best performance of the propulsion system and a range of about 240 miles. In contrast, propeller regression seems to increase both at higher speeds and below these values. From the lowest glide speed (16 knots at 2200 rpm) the hull trim gradually improves to be ideal at cruising speeds. The use of flaps is necessary in extreme conditions, but not essential. The passage over the wave is sufficiently smooth, but influenced of course by the size and displacement of the unit. Rather quick response to throttles: entry into glide is immediate (7 seconds) and in just 15 seconds 20 knots are reached. The height of the construction is compensated for by a considerable width, and roll is contained both at anchor and when sailing. At speed, the response to changes in rudder angle is prompt, but not overly immediate, so that a relaxed, if slightly less precise, ride is possible. Noise is very low and even at maximum speed never exceeds 80 decibels, both in the dinette and on the fly. In port, in the absence of wind, the hull maneuvers very easily.
by Maurizio Bulleri
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