An Azimut owner at last :)

[Phildorset]

Following quite a few weeks of searching, viewing, negotiating, surveys, more negotiating, sea trials and such I have finally, today, signed on the dotted line and transferred the loot!
It's been exciting and also quite exhausting - it must be the same for all, especially when buying used perhaps, and so we are now the proud owners of a fab 2006 Azimut, we started out looking for a 46, then thought a 50 would be ideal, and ended up getting the 55... never meant to go that big!
I know there are a few other owners on here, and I have already discovered Rafiki as one, I will be pleased to find a few more as I have much to learn about the vagaries of Azimut design and engineering... for instance, where do I get new window opener motors from - Italy? there'll be plenty more daft questions as I delve into tidying and updating, but at least now I can share the experience - for the last few weeks i've been dying to ask questions but didn't want to jinx the deal!
Phil

 

[maverickofpoole]

Congratulations on the new Azi but, we do need pictures to make it official

 

[Phildorset]

Congratulations on the new Azi but, we do need pictures to make it official

will get back with pics then

 

[scubaman]

Wow, many congratulations, the 55 is a fantastic looking boat!

I agree, we need pics .

 

[Bouba]

Congratulations! Where are you going to keep her?

 

[rafiki_]

Brilliant Phil, many congratulations. There are a couple of 46 owners on here, and 2 or 3 of us with the 39. We are a growing group��

 

[Phildorset]

Brilliant Phil, many congratulations. There are a couple of 46 owners on here, and 2 or 3 of us with the 39. We are a growing group��

we should form an Azimut owners group... sounds like there's almost enough of us for a little rally!

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Congratulations. As ex owner of an AZ46 I'm sure you've got a great boat. Just about the only mechanical problem I experienced was the electric window next to the helm on my boat. My advice is dont open it!

 

[rafiki_]

Congratulations. As ex owner of an AZ46 I'm sure you've got a great boat. Just about the only mechanical problem I experienced was the electric window next to the helm on my boat. My advice is dont open it!

I give the runners a liberal dose of silicon lubricant now and again, and so far so good.

 

[paul salliss]

Good luck to you, hope you have many fun and great days on her

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

Congrats.
The Azimut 55 is probably one of the most sold flybridge yachts in its size ever made with about 500 total builds. It is surprising how you are the first on this forum

As for the window motor, I think those where made by Opacmare but if you contact Azimut they should get you one or tell you how to do it.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

I give the runners a liberal dose of silicon lubricant now and again, and so far so good.

In my case the motor failed at sea with the window open. Sods law dictated that the only reason that I needed to shut it was because the wind and spray had got up from the starboard side. We ended up jury rigging a towel to cover the open window. From then on I vowed never to open it again

 

[rafiki_]

In my case the motor failed at sea with the window open. Sods law dictated that the only reason that I needed to shut it was because the wind and spray had got up from the starboard side. We ended up jury rigging a towel to cover the open window. From then on I vowed never to open it again

Pictures please Mike �� We always shut all of our windows, hatches, port lights etc, before we venture out.

 

[Eren]

for instance, where do I get new window opener motors from - Italy?

Congrats for the new boat ! )

I am owner of Azimut 47 since new. As I do most of the servicing by myself, I have a rather good knowledge about my boat. These window openers are one of the few weak sides of Azimut design. Remove the window motor and take it to an automobile spare parts shop. If I am not wrong, it is the same window lifter engine that is used at Renault cars. If you show the motor to a specialist at the spare parts shop, he will most probably identify it. If you buy it from Azimut after sales, it is thousand something Euros. If you buy it from the car parts shop, it should be somewhere around 50 Euros.

Several items that are used at boats are also used in other industries. If we buy them from the marine side of the market, we usually pay 5 to 10 times more than the actual cost. So whenever there is something that has to be replaced, I immediately think from which other industry I can source the needed part. Most of time I end up buying the part at a fraction of what I can buy from Azimut or a marine store.

I hope that I was helpful.

Have fun with your new boat !

 

[rafiki_]

Agree with Eren. It would be financially crazy for Azi to have a motor designed only for them. They will use an auto part and adapt it. The challenge is to find the right part.

 

[Phildorset]

Thanks Eran - great advice, I will take a look once i've got the motor out. I've got a list of little such things to sort - so please expect more silly questions to come soon

here's one - where do I go for marine wiper blades? they won't be in Halfords I'm quite sure??

 

[Eren]

Thanks Eran - where do I go for marine wiper blades? they won't be in Halfords I'm quite sure??

Most probably what you have at your AZ55 should be 90 or 100 cm blades. Blades of this size can be found at bus slare part shops. They are mostly found as Bosch brands. Measure the size, find out the spare part code from the Bosch web site, search for that code at the internet stores and order. If you want to solve it in an economical way, take out the blades, take them to an auto repair shop nearby and have them change the rubbers only. The first solution should cost around 30-40 euros per piece, the second around 10.

 

[rafiki_]

Most probably what you have at your AZ55 should be 90 or 100 cm blades. Blades of this size can be found at bus slare part shops. They are mostly found as Bosch brands. Measure the size, find out the spare part code from the Bosch web site, search for that code at the internet stores and order. If you want to solve it in an economical way, take out the blades, take them to an auto repair shop nearby and have them change the rubbers only. The first solution should cost around 30-40 euros per piece, the second around 10.

+1

 

[Phildorset]

Re: An Azimut owner at last - and a pic of my new obsession

acres to clean and polish!

 

[rafiki_]

Re: An Azimut owner at last - and a pic of my new obsession

Stunning boat Phil. I bet you can't stop standing and staring at her :encouragement:

When do you plan to trip to Dorset?