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Article by
Lino Pastorelli

Nautica Magazine
n. 531, July 2006

AZIMUT YACHTS - AZIMUT 43 S

The Avigliana-based yard extends its sport cruiser "S" range - which already includes the 62, 68, 86 models - with the 43 footer presented last year at Genoa Boatshow.

Stefano Righini's model combines spacious interiors, animated by asymmetrical windows, with an aggressive and bright outside line. The "family feeling" is evoked by several features such as: the square window on the hull - a common feature to all "S" yachts -, the mirrored inverted fin-shaped windows on the superstructure, the hard sportop ending with the typical Azimut tail and the wine-red stripe. Inside, where cabins are clearly separated by the living area, Carlo Galeazzi's décor is sober and modern, and harmoniously combines the light and bright natural fabrics with the dark tones of wengé paneling, furniture and flooring. The electrically operated sportop contributes to the airy and bright atmosphere of the saloon. Thanks to the squared bow, hardly noticeable from the photographs taken under way, the master stateroom is very comfortable and the bow area is quite large.

The real innovation of the 43S is deep inside the boat: the Volvo Penta IPS propulsion system with engine, reverse gear, steerable propulsion unit, counter rotating propellers and integrated steering gear. This system offers unparalleled advantages such as: compact engine and propelling unit, simplified installation and improved efficiency thus reduced fuel consumption with extended range. The disadvantages are considerable trim variations when turning and the need of fine-tuning flaps for optimal trim. Nevertheless, the 43S is an amusing boat, both under way as well as in harbor where, thanks to the counter rotating propellers, mooring is quite similar to car-parking.

TECHNICAL DATA

Fuel consumption indicated in the graph is obtained from engine consumption curves supplied by builder, nevertheless the effective consumption at sea may differ from published data as a function of: loads and their distribution aboard, navigating conditions, engine state and adjustment as well as characteristics of propellers used.

CONSTRUCTION CHARACTERISTICS

INTERIORS

FITTINGS

IMPRESSIONS

PERFORMANCE (with full water and fuel tanks and 5 passengers)
Time needed to reach planing speed: 8.6 seconds
Minimum planing speed at 2,300 rpm's: 13.4 knots
Maximum speed at 3,450 rpm's: 31.3 knots
Cruising speed at 3,170 rpm's: 27.5 knots.

EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE
Seakeeping ability, turning and behavior on waves: good; when turning the boat tilts considerably because of IPS propulsion unit
Wheel response: the integrated Volvo Penta electronic controls offer a firm and progressive response; a device limits the turning angle of the propeller/rudder set in proportion with speed
Helm station: for IPS trim, flaps must be adjusted by a few degrees to keep the boat on a horizontal plane and to have good visibility
Docking maneuverability: good, very similar to automobile parking, adaptation to IPS system is necessary.

EVALUATION OF COMFORT AND FUNCTIONALITY