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NAUTICA MAGAZINE
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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.
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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.
Designer: Outside line and interiors design, Stefano
Righini; interior décor, Carlo Galeazzi; Hull, Sydac and Azimut Technical Office |
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
Hull: deep-V hull with longitudinal steps and 14° deadriseHull construction material: infusion-laminated GRP hull, monolithic bottom and sandwich topsides. Vinyl ester resins used for outer layers against osmosis and polyester resins for the rest; hull strengthening in way of IPS transmission so that in case of a collision the leg lifts with no hull damage (similarly to a fuse). Marine plywood and foam sandwich bulkheads
Bow area: stem fitting with 21kg-anchor and 75m-chain with
self-draining anchor peak and 1,000W/24V windlass, stainless steel
fender container fitted on the railings, ample sun bedCockpit arrangements and fittings: teak cockpit with U- shaped settee and table that converts into a sun bed, two side storage compartments and fitting for manual pump
Characteristics of the aft platform: accessible from cockpit by a door; may be lowered below water level to launch a 2.5m tender; capacity of 400 kg and fitted with stowaway swimming ladder; access from the cockpit to the 2.66 m gangway is by way of two steps.
INTERIORS
Layout and characteristics: the master stateroom is
forward, it includes the double bed and underlaying drawers, two
hanging lockers and side shelves; two fixed windows on hull side
and an opening hatch on deck provide plenty of light. The en suite
bathroom includes rounded Perspex shower stall, electric WC,
crystal glass basin, cabinet with mirror and an opaque skylight
for natural lighting. The second bathroom and the guest stateroom
may be accessed by the corridor. This bathroom is similar to the
master's one but it is not as bright. The guest stateroom, located
under the wheel station and saloon has headroom in the treading
area. The cabin includes twin beds, a hanging locker and drawers.
The lower deck includes the galley as well. On the main deck there
is the saloon with opening sportop, electrically operated table,
sofa and opposite two armchairs; an optional sofa convertible into
double berth may be requested
Helm station: raised, with two seats with adjustable
backrest; dashboard with analog instruments for water temperature,
oil pressure, rpm counter, hour counter, tiller angle, fuel
indicator, water indicator, Tridata, radar, GPS, auto pilot, Volvo
Penta displays for engine control, chain counter, bow thruster
control, flap indicatorsChart table: with Perspex counter to port of dashboard
Galley: three ceramic hobs with pot catches, extractor, sink, 130 liter refrigerator, stainless steel top, cabinets.
FITTINGS
Standard fittings: Inboard Performance System transmission,
aft platform, wine-red stripe on hull, electronic engine controls, chain counterOptional fittings: Charme decor, forward sunbed cushions, saloon curtains, teak cockpit, teak swimming platform, forward maneuvering lights, Raymarine E120, Fishfinder DSM300, Raymarine antenna 48nm, 13kW DB Kohler generator, tropical BTU 40,000 air conditioning system, bow thruster, double Racor filters, single Racor filter, safety box in master stateroom, stainless steel fender holder, 130 liter refrigerator and 50 liter freezer, refrigerator in cockpit, teak sink cover, saloon sofa convertible in bed, Galeazzi-designed table lamp, automatic feeder for refrigerator, 2 sets of towels with logo, a set of pots, automatic firefighting system, side access doors.
IMPRESSIONS
SEA AND WEATHER CONDITIONS DURING BOAT TESTINGWind: 15 knot wind with gusts
Sea: slightly moderate.
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
Deck: the living area of the cockpit is covered by an
extension of the sportop and includes a sofa with table
convertible in sunbed; second sunbed forward. Interiors: the
interior décor signed by Carlo Galeazzi is in natural
fabrics and wengé wood; even though the lower deck has
small living spaces, the layout offers a good level of privacyPassengers' comfort: the boat is very comfortable for 4 persons; in an emergency, 2 additional guests may sleep in the optional sofa convertible in bed in the saloon
Galley: extremely functional
Bathrooms: comfortable with electric toilets and round
shower stall; the master bathroom is very brightEngine room: very compact with three different accesses: from the saloon, from the cockpit (here levels may be checked) and from under the aft sofa (here access to transmissions is also possible)
Electric switchboard and plants: shore power, (optional) generator, engine and dashboard switchboards, 24V/150Ah domestic battery, 24V/150 Ah engine battery, shore power 50A battery charger, generator 10A battery charger.
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