VP Testcenter, Azimut 50 IPS750, Windy43, Bav 42, Pics

[A_8]

Volvo Penta has a test center in Sweden, Gothenburg on Krossholmen and last week local members of the Swedish cruising club was invited to experience new engines and IPS drives.
I just had to go as I'd heard they had a Azimut 50 with 2*IPS750 and a Atlantis 55 with 2*IPS850!
We typically don't see many (or any) boats like these this far North.

Unfortunately the Atlantis was not available for the test drives but we got to go on a Bavaria 42HT with (I think) IPS 600 and joystick, a Windy 43 with DPH drives and D6's and the Azimut 50 with IPS 750's.

One boat was a major disappointment, another was somewhat or partially impressive and one impressed me big time, I could not find anything to fault. Everything was just spot on.

The pics are from my cell so sorry if they are not that good. I hope you enjoy the spirit of the event anyway!

Pics of the VP marina and some of the boats.

The first test drive, Bavaria 42.

Then on to the Windy 43, the first pic is wake shot of the Windy doing close to 40 knots.
The second pic is the wake close up doing a sharp turn at almost 40 knots...it was just sea spray all over the place!

Finally the Azimut 50.

I had a lot more but most was out of focus (slow cellphone!?)

Also, don't know if its news to the forum but VolvoPenta was talking about lanching IPS1150 soon. Overtime targeting 80" to 115" yachts.

/Michael

 

[B175Chris]

Re: VP Testcenter, Azimut 50 IPS850, Windy43, Bav 42, Pics

Great pictures, cameraphones these days are excellent quality! I really like the look of the Azimut - and this photo!

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

Re: VP Testcenter, Azimut 50 IPS850, Windy43, Bav 42, Pics

very nice and thanks
so which was the sucess and major dissappointment?

 

[A_8]

Re: VP Testcenter, Azimut 50 IPS850, Windy43, Bav 42, Pics

It was not the Windy!

 

[MapisM]

Re: VP Testcenter, Azimut 50 IPS850, Windy43, Bav 42, Pics

Wazzat, a sort of "guess the ranking" game? Ok, I'll give it a try.

Major disappointment: Bavaria
Partially impressive: Azimut
Everything spot on: Windy

Score?

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

Re: VP Testcenter, Azimut 50 IPS850, Windy43, Bav 42, Pics

Major Dissappointment - Bavaria
Partially Impressive - Windy
Everything Spot on - Azimut

Score?

according to rumours Azimut have been testing the IPS on the 50 and 55 for over a year now, and still to my knowledge this option is not available yet, that sounds like good and serious R&D

 

[MapisM]

Re: VP Testcenter, Azimut 50 IPS850, Windy43, Bav 42, Pics

I would also guess that they should be doing a good job in Avigliana.
But having cruised a Grand Windy and a Bora (though both with legs), I bet the "everything spot on" definition can only apply to them.
Btw, not only the boats, but their price list is also impressive...

 

[A_8]

Re: VP Testcenter, Azimut 50 IPS850, Windy43, Bav 42, Pics

Poweryacht got it right!

I've heard and read good things about the Azimuts for some time but had not experienced one before.
For starters engine noise and vibrations was very low. In the saloon the sound of the wash outside was stronger then the sounds from the engines.
It was easy to move around both in and outside, nice looking and the interior was extremely well put together with great finish and really, really nice materials and color schemes. It would also take the waves without slamming, shudder or making any other noises
/Michael

 

[A_8]

Re: VP Testcenter, Azimut 50 IPS850, Windy43, Bav 42, Pics

I had very high expectations on the Windy, some came true like the hull's high speed handling and sea keeping. The interior and joinery was also very nice.
The disappointing parts was how to get up on deck, move around, the layout down below which felt small, a litte cramped and dark. The cockpit did not give a quality impression, lids etc were loose making noises, interior surfaces was not smooth and smart with screws etc visible.

Its obviously just my very subjective impressions, it all depends what you need to get out of your boat.

/Michael

 

[Sundays_Child]

Re: VP Testcenter, Azimut 50 IPS850, Windy43, Bav 42, Pics

Very nice report, thank you Michael.

Though it's not a great surprise to see the boats ordered in terms of cost!