Azimut Fly 53

• LOA: 16.78 m
• Beam: 4.95 m
• Cabins: 3 plus crew cabin
• Engines: 2 x Volvo Penta IPS 950 (D11, 725 hp each)
• Top speed: up to 31 knots
• Propulsion: pod drive with joystick docking
• Collection: entry model of the Flybridge range
• Interior: Italian design, hull windows to lower cabins

The entry to the Flybridge line

The 53 is the smallest of the current Fly models and the natural first step into the collection. It offers three cabins and a crew cabin, enough for a family and for occasional professional support. The pitch is simple, the space and light of a bigger flybridge on a boat that stays manageable. It suits owners moving up from a sportboat or a smaller cruiser. The step up in comfort is immediate and obvious.

The design leans on the same barrierless philosophy that runs through the range, with glazing and open sightlines that make 17 metres feel more generous. Italian interior detailing lifts the finish above the class. Pod propulsion keeps the boat easy to own and easy to berth. The whole package is built around approachability. For a first flybridge, it removes most of the intimidation.

Deck and design

The Fly range is drawn around illuminated, barrier-free spaces, and the 53 carries that through with a cockpit that opens fully to the saloon. The flybridge is the social centre, with a helm, seating and sunbathing under an optional hardtop. Wide glass keeps the main deck bright from bow to stern. The upper deck gives a family a real second living space at anchor. It is the natural gathering point on a sunny day.

Outdoor living is the point of a flybridge boat, and the 53 gives owners a cockpit, a foredeck lounge and the upper deck to choose between. A bathing platform and a transom garage handle water toys and swimming. Wide side decks make moving around the boat safe for children and older guests. Stowage keeps the deck clear for lounging and dining. For a family weekend or a longer coastal trip, the deck spaces do the heavy lifting.

Three cabins, joystick pod docking and a barrierless deck bring flybridge life within reach at 17 metres.

Inside the 53

Below deck the 53 sleeps guests across three cabins, with a full-beam owner's cabin amidships making the most of the width. Italian interior detailing brings warmth and a sense of quality above the class. Hull windows draw daylight into the lower cabins so they never feel enclosed. The finish is contemporary and calm throughout. It is a comfortable, liveable interior for the size.

The main-deck saloon and galley are arranged to keep the cook part of the conversation and close to the cockpit. A crew cabin gives the option of hired help without eating into guest space. Storage and headroom are worked out for week-long trips. The layout keeps the family close while giving the owner a private retreat. It suits couples and families who cruise in comfort for a week at a time.

Engineering and handling

Twin Volvo Penta IPS 950 pod drives, built on the D11 block at 725 hp each, push the 53 to around 31 knots. Pod propulsion brings joystick docking, which makes the boat approachable for an owner berthing without crew. Efficiency and a quiet ride come as part of the package. The setup keeps close-quarters work calm and predictable. Few boats of this type are so easy to bring alongside.

The hull is set up for easy planing and a stable feel through the mid-range, so family passages stay comfortable. Light controls flatter an owner-driver stepping up in size. The boat holds a clean attitude at cruise without fuss. Handling stays confident even as conditions build. It rewards the step up without demanding professional skills to enjoy.

Who it is for

The Fly 53 is for the owner taking their first step into a flybridge yacht who wants space and light without a big operation. It suits families who cruise on weekends and holidays and want three proper cabins. The pod handling makes it a boat to run yourself. The size keeps berthing and running costs sensible. For many buyers it is the ideal introduction to the type.

It also appeals to experienced owners downsizing into something they can manage single-handed while keeping real comfort. The crew cabin adds flexibility for longer trips. For coastal cruising with the option of the occasional crew member, the 53 is a well-judged size. Its place at the foot of the range keeps it keenly priced within the line. Owning one is refreshingly straightforward.

Who it is for: The first-time flybridge owner or a downsizer who wants three cabins and easy pod handling in a boat they can run themselves.