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Azimut or Sunseeker ?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Octobriana, Oct 11, 2006.

  1. Octobriana, Oct 11, 2006
    #1
    Octobriana

    Octobriana New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2006
    Messages:
    21
    Location:
    West Palm Beach, Florida
    Hello Everyone,

    I would like to ask your advice on which of the following vessels I should
    purchase taking into consideration:

    -Maintenance
    -Fuel consumption
    -Captain Required or Not
    -Overall Comfort
    -Ease of Operation
    -Resale Value

    The choices are:

    2000-2001 Azimut 70 Sea Jet $1,400,000 +/-

    2006 Sunseeker 62 Predator $1,500,000 +/- Pre-Owned

    Thank You All in advance for your assistance !
  2. GrahamF, Oct 12, 2006
    #2
    GrahamF

    GrahamF Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2006
    Messages:
    537
    Location:
    Palma Spain/ South Africa

    Dear Sir.

    If i was you i would go for the 2006 Sunseeker at least the vessel will still be under warrantee. The Azimut will probably cost a bit more as she is 5 years old it all depends on how she was maintained. On the resale value you might have a better resale on the Sunseeker.
    Regarding the following.
    -Fuel consumption: it all depends on what engines you have in the Azimut
    -Captain Required or Not. Will you be driving yourself and will you maintain the boat yourself at a high level, If not get a captain. As soon as you let the maintenance go then it will cost you a lot to get it back to what it should be
    -Overall Comfort: Depends on what you like
    -Ease of Operation: depends on your drive experience
    -Resale Value: Sunseeker might have a better resale value as she is new
  3. nilo, Oct 12, 2006
    #3
    nilo

    nilo Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2005
    Messages:
    681
    Location:
    Istanbul
    comparison of fly bridge boat to a sport cruiser

    In addition to Graham's comments, I would like to add that these boats are somehow different in terms of use. Azimut is a flybirdge boat and gives you more living area and most important, gives you more outside area with good shade. If you are going to live on the boat for long periods in the Med then this may be crucial, whereas Sunseeker is more of a dayboat type.

    Nilo
  4. Octobriana, Oct 12, 2006
    #4
    Octobriana

    Octobriana New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2006
    Messages:
    21
    Location:
    West Palm Beach, Florida
    Thank You Very Much Graham F and Nilo !

    I appreciate you comments. I guess I have to contemplate
    long and hard what type of usage I am planning for the vessel.

    I will be attending the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show at the end of this
    month which will give me a good opportunity to compare the different
    options side by side.

    If I am leaning more towards a day boat like the 62 Predator should
    I consider a 2006 53 Portofino HT which would be less of a challenge
    to handle on my own ?

    We cruise mostly Florida & Caribbean.

    Thank You Gentlemen.
  5. MYCaptainChris, Oct 12, 2006
    #5
    MYCaptainChris

    MYCaptainChris Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2005
    Messages:
    316
    Location:
    Melbourne Beach FL
    handling

    The handling difference between a 50 or 60 foot yacht is not a great deal. (depending on type of yacht) I sometimes thing big is easier.
    I would suggest the sunseeker, having worked on both Azimut and Sunseekers. I will always head the british route as they seem to be better built, especially the electrics!!! I've also worked on Ferretti which cost a significant amount more than the azimut but the build quality is not a great deal better.
    The sunseeker also has that great platform that you can lower into the water. I loved that in the Caribbean. Sat at anchor with the platform slightly submerged while sat on it, HEAVEN!!!
  6. Octobriana, Oct 12, 2006
    #6
    Octobriana

    Octobriana New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2006
    Messages:
    21
    Location:
    West Palm Beach, Florida

    Thank You Chris !

    I spent two seasons on a 74 Sunseeker Manhattan in Mallorca, Ibiza & Capri and the platform was awesome. Great for watersports and lounging.

    One downside to Sunseeker is that they outdate their designs every three years. An eight year old Sunseeker looks like it is 20 years old due to the constant design changes.

    Other builders like Maiora,Azimut,Leopard, Mangusta,Astondoa etc. have timeless designs.

    It is tough to have your cake and eat it to !

    Decisions, decisions....

    Thanks Again
  7. MYCaptainChris, Oct 12, 2006
    #7
    MYCaptainChris

    MYCaptainChris Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2005
    Messages:
    316
    Location:
    Melbourne Beach FL
    hmm

    I'd have to disagree with you saying the azimuts are timeless. If you want a timeless design you go for a classic or a trawler, the Azimut designs are too extreme and date just like the sunseekers.

    I do find that the princess/viking tends to look good for it's age.