Azimut 43 for sale

The Yachting Address view — Azimut 43: one number for three boats that share neither the same powertrain nor the same generation

Searching for a used "Azimut 43" actually means choosing between three distinct boats that only share their length in feet. The early-1990s AZ 43, the 2007-2013 Azimut 43 Fly/Flybridge, and the same-decade Azimut 43S share neither the same hull, nor the same technical generation, nor — most importantly — the same propulsion philosophy. The 43S in particular holds a special place in the brand's history: it's the first series-built Azimut fitted from the factory with pod drives, a technical break whose implications a used-boat buyer needs to understand before comparing two listings that appear to describe the same boat.

The 1990s AZ 43: the forgotten generation

The 1992-1993 AZ 43 examples still found on the used market belong to a flybridge generation fifteen years older than the two models that follow. Classic shaft-drive diesel power, hull and deck architecture from an era before Azimut had settled on its signature design duo. These examples suit a buyer looking for a robust, affordable-to-acquire flybridge, with a budget to set aside for electronics and comfort equipment that's now heavily dated after more than thirty years.

The Azimut 43 Fly / Flybridge (2007-2013): classic shaft-drive power

Launched in 2007 for a first generation produced through 2012, then relaunched in 2011 in a second generation through 2013, the Azimut 43 Fly stays faithful to the yard's traditional flybridge architecture: shaft-drive diesel power, here twin Cummins QSB 5.9 rated at 472hp on the second generation, for a cruising speed around 29 knots. Two cabins, classic layout by Azimut's in-house studio. It's a proven powertrain choice, with a dense Cummins service network across the Mediterranean and broadly predictable maintenance costs.

The Azimut 43S (2005-2012): the brand's technical turning point

The Azimut 43S holds a particular place in the Turin yard's history: it's the first model in the brand to receive Volvo Penta IPS pod drives as standard equipment, while the rest of the range was still shaft-drive powered. Development began in 2004, with the first examples delivered in 2006, fitted with 370hp IPS 500 units on early series and later 435hp IPS 600s — power that, according to the builder, delivers performance comparable to a conventional 450hp engine while burning noticeably less fuel.

The exterior design by Stefano Righini and the interior by Carlo Galeazzi — the same duo who shaped the visual identity of Azimut's entire S range, from the 62S to the 86S — are recognizable by the trademark burgundy stripe along the hull sides and the hardtop with electric sliding sunroof. The 43S targets a buyer seeking the sportiness and quiet running that IPS propulsion delivers, along with joystick maneuverability far superior to a classic flybridge in port.

Points to check before buying used

Correctly identifying the powertrain before comparing two listings — a shaft-drive "43 Fly" and a pod-driven "43S" share neither the same maintenance, nor the same overhaul costs, nor the same resale value at comparable condition. Always check in the listing whether it's shaft drive or IPS propulsion before scheduling a viewing.

On IPS-powered 43S models — the seals and hydraulic components of the IPS system require a specific Volvo Penta inspection, distinct from a simple oil change. On 2006-2012 examples now fifteen to twenty years old, a certified IPS maintenance history is a document to demand systematically — a poorly documented pod replacement is a red flag, not a selling point.

On shaft-drive 43 Fly models — shaft alignment and bearing condition should be checked at every haul-out, with a complete Cummins service history requested to assess the engine block's real condition.

On 1990s AZ 43 models — beyond thirty years old, a hull and gelcoat inspection remains essential, with an electronics and comfort upgrade budget to factor into the negotiated price.

Azimut 43 market prices in 2025-2026

Indicative price ranges, market as of May 2026. VAT included unless otherwise stated.

Our verdict

The Azimut 43 isn't a single model but a name reused across three different technical platforms over thirty years of production. The 43S deserves particular mention: beyond its Righini/Galeazzi styling, it's a genuine technical milestone in Azimut's history, the first series model to adopt the pod propulsion that now equips a large share of the recent range. For a buyer, the real question is therefore never "how much does an Azimut 43 cost" but "which generation and which powertrain are we actually talking about" — a clarification worth getting before even scheduling a viewing.