The new Verve 48, an upgrade on the previous Verve 47, is a 15m centre-console weekend cruiser that’s sure to let the good times roll far beyond the shores of Italy, and America.
The design team that created the Azimut 48 is both Italian and American, with a fast-moving planing hull that is designed by the Florida-based naval architect Michael Peters combined with exterior and interior design by the Rome-based architect Francesco Struglia.
Peters specialises in speedboats and has patented the hull shape used for the Verve 48, a classic deep ‘V’ fore, jazzed up by two transverse steps and a ventilated central tunnel aft – amounting to a stepped ventilated tunnel that increases the longitudinal stability of the boat in high-speed turns and other potentially tricky situations, as well as cutting drag, which improves fuel efficiency.
The combination of this technology with three supercharged 600hp Mercury Verado V12 outboards means that the Verve 48 can reach speeds up to 50 knots, excellent for a quick hop to multiple destinations or a spontaneous fast change of backdrop.
Compared with the previous Verve 47, which was powered by four 450hp Mercury outboards, the Verve 48 is said to have fuel consumption reduced by 15 per cent at cruising speed and noise reduced by up to 10 decibels, two numbers that point to a much improved on-board experience.
With this Azimut power pack, swoosh is what you will feel, and thanks to Struglia’s zippy design, swoosh is what you see around you, too: the most notable aspect of the Verve 48’s exterior is an upward jag of dark hull glass that contrasts with the white exterior like the brand logo on an athletic shoe. Also distinctive, the slender new hard top has a strongly raked windscreen.
While the Verve 48 has its roots in the American concept of a centre console outboard, its reinterpretation in an Italian interlocking key configuration gives it a sporty elegance and a degree of lifestyle comfort that sets it apart and says: “Let’s go,” or maybe that’s should be, “Andiamo”.
Boarding the boat from the aft platforms next to the outboards you find a stern area that’s large and becomes larger with a drop-down bulwark on the port side that gives a welcome boost to the boat’s 4m beam. A swim ladder gives easy access to the water in a spot that’s away from the engines for extra safety and peace of mind.
The cockpit layout has an L-shaped seating arrangement around a convertible table that can be used for dining, as a base for sunpads or can even drop down to become flush with the deck flooring, leaving the space free for fishing or even dancing.
Does dancing aboard sound silly? Well, Azimut doesn’t think so because the Verve 48 comes with all the equipment you need for an on-the-water party: the helming position is backed by an outdoor galley/wet bar that can be set up with a sink, fridge, ice maker, grill and hotplate.
A drop-down flat screen is concealed between the outdoor galley and the helm and a full set of JL Audio marine speakers – including subwoofers to overcome the engines’ low-frequency noise – are standard. Even the rope LED lights used aboard have edgy (RGB) colour effects.
For more relaxed moments the large foredeck is set up with comfortable sunpads and a C-shaped couch which can all be shaded by an awning. Just add food, drink and friends and memorable moments are practically guaranteed.
While the Verve 48 may be party-ready, running a boat is serious business. The centre console has a row of three seats arranged in front of three integrated Raymarine screens that offer an excellent place both to helm the boat and to watch it being done. The look is clean and modern and the technology is efficient and easy to use, with information and commands for all systems at your fingertips.
The Verve 48 is part of Azimut’s Carbon Tech Generation and sees extensive use of carbon fibre in the upper parts of the boat like the deck covering and the hardtop. By using this lighter-weight yet durable material, Azimut has maintained a low centre of gravity that helps to reduce roll and offers better stability and easier handling. The Verve 48’s hard top is available with a tempered glass insert, that opens, to let in light and air even at anchor.
More than a dayboat, the Verve 48 is a weekend cruiser and just a few steps down from the helming station is access to the lower deck area. Here, there is a second galley and a comfortable dinette with L-shaped seating around another table that can adjust in height to become an extra berth.
A contemporary white and grey colour palette is used throughout the boat to good effect, especially in the forward owner’s cabin with its centrally placed bed and textured headboard.
There is a second twin cabin under the helm station and a well-appointed shared bathroom with a bowl sink and a separate shower. All lower-deck areas have opening portholes for natural air circulation in addition to AC.
The Verve 48 offers just about everything you can ask for from a weekend cruiser. On top of good times on the water, Azimut has planned for carefree endings, too: the Verve 48 has synthetic decking painted to look like weathered teak with white caulking. Just hose it down and you’re ready to go home, with minimal effort.
With its Michael Peters design and equipment by Mercury, Raymarine and JL Audio, the Azimut Verve 48 undoubtedly has an American accent. But the added touch of an Italian builder and designer have made for a boat that is as versatile, practical and fun to use.
Image courtesy of Azimut
azimutbenetti.com
marineitalia.asia
This article was first seen on YachtStyle.co.
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