During the summer months, local dealer Alexander Marine USA opens a seasonal office at Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. If you happen by their island docks this year, you may catch a glimpse of the brand new Azimut 55S, a modern-styled sport luxury yacht. There’s nothing old school about this high-tech boat that has emphasis on comfort, style, and performance.
Let’s start with performance. The 55S has not one, not two, but three Volvo IPS propulsion drives (three 435 horsepower Volvo D6-IPS 600 inboard diesels). The triple pod drive system should allow for excellent maneuverability, efficiency, and noise reduction. The cutting-edge, performance-oriented engine system makes for a reported maximum speed of 34 knots and cruising speed of 30 knots. As is popular with these setups, the helm is inspired by sportscars and complemented with joystick controls.
But the future-is-now emphasis doesn’t stop with the propulsion. The swim step can pivot up or down to take advantage of a full-sized tender garage built into the transom, and it’s easy to imagine the kind of high-end center console tenders that will use the feature as its base of operations. A dual set of stairs from the swim step/pivoting platform lead up to the covered cockpit that has a table with padded seating to entertain. Well-set walkways with high railings lead forward both port and starboard to the foredeck where padded seats invite guests to lounge.
The interior continues with the modern theme: hard-angle joinery with horizontal grain woodwork with gray and white motifs and gigantic windows. The full-service galley should not leave anybody for want and is positioned near the family dining area amidships. There is a total of four cabins with seven berths and three heads.
The Azimut 55S is a modern boat for the modern boater. If you’re in the luxury sport yacht market, it merits a gander. Contact local dealer Alexander Marine USA for more information and pricing options.
