Azimut 48

The latest addition to the Azimut line is an update of the company's highly successful 47. The new 48 incorporates a number of technological and styling updates, such as large vertical cabin windows, but maintains the interior plan of its predecessor. This is noteworthy because, unlike many two-stateroom cruisers this size that place the master stateroom amidships, Azimut locates a pair of guest cabins in the midsection of the boat and places the private master cabin forward of a lower-station galley. This layout allows the 48 to host three couples in private comfort.

These two cabins share a bathroom that is en suite to the starboard cabin. The forward master cabin has its own en suite bathroom with a circular shower enclosure.

The galley is set down and in an open vestibule area that ties into the dinette on the upper deck and enhances the interior's overall sense of spaciousness. The aft portion of the salon is fitted with a U-shape settee surrounding a table that converts into a double bed, which seems best-suited for the occasional extra guest rather than regular use. The helm layout offers good visibility forward through a wide windscreen, but the angled side pillars reduce visibility somewhat to the sides.

The price of the 48's generous interior volume is a smaller engine space, which offers snug but functional access. As an option, the aft storage lazarette can be converted into a compact crew cabin, which is accessed by lifting a cushion in the cockpit settee. The deep cockpit has side gates to facilitate dock access, while stern access requires stepping over the transom settee.

The flying bridge provides a focal point for outdoor living with a settee and table served by a built-in wet bar and grill and a well-appointed helm flanked by a large sun pad. To maintain the boat's sleek profile, the radar arch is mounted aft and below head level.

Azimut Yachts; www.azimutyachts.com

Social space ties the helm and salon together.