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Text by
Lino Pastorelli

Nautica Magazine
n. 525, January 2006

AZIMUT YACHTS - AZIMUT 62 S

Azimut's sporty fleet including the Open 68 S and 86 S, now comprises two new models introduced at the Genoa Boat show last year, the 43 S and the 62 S. The interior/exterior design is by Righini-Azimut and the décor by Carlo Galeazzi as was the case of the larger models.

We had be possibility of testing the boat at sea in the waters facing Savona, an Azimut base in the Ligurian Sea. The yacht has the typical "family feeling" of the range, a streamlined outside line, a burgundy (not compulsory!) hull, ample panoramic side windows in the lower deck, mirrored windows with an aggressive design on the main deck and rounded stern. Compared with the previous models, a new detail was introduced: an opening window was added to the forward cabin for additional air and light. Interiors were radically modified; there are just two cabins, one forward and one aft: the cabin amidships was replaced by a small lounge. In this way, large families and groups of friends are excluded and the ideal clients are those preferring privacy and just one couple of guests, a bit like an open two-seater. Interior décor is contemporary but not minimalist and blends the contrasting tones of wenge wood and leather inlays in the flooring with the cream-colored fabrics and carpet. Light plays a special role: delicate and diffused by the satin ceiling belowdecks and by the backlit panels of the hanging cabinets. Abundant natural light is cast through the saloon and cabin windows or through the open hard top thus determining the solar and Mediterranean style of the yacht. Thanks to a special digital projection system fitted in the lounge belowdecks, guests may follow the course by watching all GPS screens and the radar screen; the same system allows to use the PC or simply to watch a movie chosen from a collection of 200 DVD's.

During the boat test in the dark waters facing Savona, with moderate sea and wind, we appreciated the smooth movement of the hull in waves. Just a few details need improvement as is normally expected from a prototype. Maneuverability in harbor is excellent, with joystick-controlled synchronized bow thruster and stern propellers. In short, the 62S is fully entitled to appear side by side with the larger models and be considered a deluxe, sporty, young and vaguely informal yacht.

TECHNICAL DATA

Exterior/Concept/Interior layout and design: Stefano Righini; Interior décor: Carlo Galeazzi
Yard: Azimut Yachts, Cantieri di Avigliana (Turin, Italy)
Dealers: (Northwest) Euronautica, tel. +39 0185 363301, (Notheast) Timone, tel. +39 071 60905, (Center and South) Danimar, tel. +39 06 6511688
EC Category type: B
LOA: 19.06 m
Beam: 4.98 m
Draft from lower tip of propellers: 1.53 m
Light displacement: 25,000 kg
Full load displacement: 28,000 kg
Maximum passengers capacity: 12
Berths: 4/6 plus deckhand
Test boat power: 2x1,015hp Caterpillar C18
Total installed power: 2,030 hp
Total engines and reduction gears weight: 3,672 kg
Empty boat displacement/installed power ratio: 12.32 kg/hp
Type of transmission: V-drive
Maximum declared speed: 34 knots at 2,300 rpm
Cruising speed: 29.5 knots at 2,000 rpm
Declared fuel consumption at cruising speed: 340 l/hr
Range at cruising speed: approx. 240 miles
Fuel capacity: 2,700 liters
Freshwater capacity: 900 liters
Road transportation: special cargo
Price with standard equipment and test boat power: Euro 1,480,000.00 VAT excluded.

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

CONSTRUCTION CHARACTERISTICS

Hull: V-hull with longitudinal steps and 19.2° deadrise
Hull construction material: fiberglass structure with multi-axial cloth and powder resin; layers laid with special rolling techniques, anti-osmosis vynilester resins for the outer layers (5 mm) and normal ophtalic resins for the inner layers, sprayed isophtalic-neopentilic gelcoat, wood and foam plastic sandwich bulkheads
Deck materials and characteristics: fiberglass sandwich with foam PVC
Bow area: stainless steel bow fitting with 25kg Delta anchor, forepeak with 24V/1,700W electric windlass with flush windlass bell and chain counter, sunbathing area with cushions, glass holders and grabrails
Cockpit arrangements and fittings: sunbathing area with mobile backrest, deckhand cabin hatch, engine room hatch, fiberglass cabinet, refrigerator, sink, trash can, barbecue, teak flooring
Characteristics of the aft platform: built-in aft platform, access steps and door from cockpit, access to the garage (for 2.8 m long tender), teak floor, retractable swimming ladder, hot/cold water shower. An optional lower aft platform may be requested to store a 3.2-m long tender

INTERIORS

Layout and characteristics: access from the cockpit to the lounge is by means of a steel and glass sliding door. The opening ceiling panel contributes to a light and ample lounge where there are to port an L-shaped sofa with coffee&dinner table and to starboard two cabinets with radio-CD player, compartment with two folding chairs for the lounge and the retractable plasma screen. Several stainless steel grabrails are fitted inside. Descending the stairway in the lounge - with stainless steel handrail - one reaches the lower deck where there is a suitable compartment with washing machine and dryer in the landing. The lower deck lobby, with armchairs and a convertible sofa sleeper, serves as vestibule space for the two cabins forward and astern and the galley to starboard. The twin bed cabin - beds can be joined to obtain a double bed - is forward; air and sunlight easily enter the cabin through the hatch and the new side windows with opening porthole. Storing space is abundant and a vanity may be concealed when not in use. The bathroom, with two access doors, may be also used as day head.

Access to the master suite astern is from the lobby. This stateroom is very bright thanks to the square windows that typify the open Azimut range. To starboard, a very small raised two-seat dinette is ideal for breakfast with view on the sea and the table top may be folded to serve as small vanity with mirror. On the opposite side there is the double bed, fitted crossways, with bedside tables and drawers. Two opening portholes behind retractable panels - a new particular of the range - air the cabin. The Owner bathroom includes a shower stall with hydromassage column, compartment and wooden seat. The toilet and bidet are fitted on a raised level and the suspended crystal sink with integrated shelf is beautiful
Helm station: adjustable pilot seat, two-seater co-pilot settee, steel and leather adjustable steering wheel, foot rest. Standard fittings include synchronized electronic levers, complete instruments for both engines, electrical control of lounge windows, lounge ceiling panel, extractor fans, lights and testing instruments, flap and tiller angle control with relative indicators, glass-washer controls, water and oil indicators for both engines, revolution counter, hour counter, ammeter, compass, VHF, Raymarine C80, autopilot, Tridata, GPS
Chart table: to the side of the wheelhouse or on the lounge table
Galley: stainless steel Gaggenau galley with four ceramic hobs, wooden hanging cabinets, two stainless steel sinks with water mixer, microwave oven with grill, optional dishwasher, 230 liter refrigerator, extractor fan, sliding closing door.

FITTINGS

Standard fittings: air conditioning, 6.5 kW generator, lines and fenders, Raymarine C80 (here it is used as GPS and chartplotter), Shipmate VHF, autopilot, 1,700 W/24V windlass, hydraulically-operated gangway, bow thruster, maneuvering joystick in helm station, maneuvering joystick in cockpit, refrigerator and icemaker in cockpit, searchlight, winches in cockpit, Lantic entertainment system integrated with video projector belowdecks, 30" TV and DVD screen in the main lounge, lower deck lobby and Owner suite, 20" TV and DVD screen in VIP cabin and 15" TV and DVD screen in deckhand cabin.

IMPRESSIONS

PERFORMANCE (with full fuel tank, full freshwater tank and 4 persons on board)
Time needed to reach planing speed at 1,850 rpm's: 10 seconds
Minimum planing speed at 1,100 rpm's: 12 knots
Maximum speed at 2,350 rpm's: 34.7 knots
Cruising speed at 1,900/2,000 rpm's: 28,5/30,5 knots.

EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE

EVALUATION OF COMFORT AND FUNCTIONALITY

Deck: in an open radiant yacht, sunbathing areas are a prerequisite and here they are located forward and astern and are quite ample. Fore and aft passages and foredeck are well protected by the railings and by the pulpit, aft sunbathing area with adjustable backrest for greater comfort
Interiors: the lounge and dinette, where the ceiling panel may be opened or closed - with servo-assisted control just like the side windows - is the main living area. The area is very bright thanks to the side windows and the glass door. The lobby belowdecks replaces the third cabin existing in the larger model and its Perspex ceiling illuminates and apparently enlarges this space. The two cabins are large and deluxe with special lighting solutions obtained with transparent panels

Passengers' comfort: by eliminating the central cabin, inner space and habitability for the owner and a couple of guests is greatly enhanced. In case of need, the sofa in the lobby may be converted into a bed. The deckhand has a private cabin aft with en suite bathroom
Chart table: on the seat near the helm station for small charts; for plotting courses on standard nautical charts the lounge table may be used
Galley: functional, may be isolated by sliding doors, fully fitted and with practical worktops
Bathrooms: functional, with integrated revolving shower stall in the forward cabin and well separated in the owner suite. The suspended crystal sink with integrated shelf is beautiful
Engine room: access is through a hatch in cockpit, with a small ladder; excellent sound insulation and easy access around the engines for checks
Electric switchboard and plants: general electrical switchboards are fitted in the engine room for direct current (24V) and alternating current (220V); specific switches are on the dashboard; Kohler 6.5 kW generator, 220V dockside electric connection, 24V/80A battery charger for engines and services, 12V/10A for the generator, service batteries (24V, 300Ah), engine batteries (24V, 150Ah), 12V generator battery, 220V outlets in interior spaces.