March 3, 2026
The Azimut Fly 53: When 55 Feet Feels Like 65
The Azimut Fly 53 packs 60-foot comfort into 55 feet: an owner-operator flybridge with a full-beam master, three cabins, Volvo IPS joystick …
Read the articleAzimut Fly 53
Expert Review, Technical Specifications & Market Analysis
The Essentials
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 55' 1" |
| Beam | 16' 3" |
| Draft | 3' 5" |
| Displacement | 28.9 t (63,714 lbs) Full Load |
| Engines | 2x Volvo Penta IPS 950 D11 (725 hp each) |
| Fuel Capacity | 2,400 L (634 US Gal) |
| Water Capacity | 590 L (156 US Gal) |
| Cabins / Heads | 3 Cabins + 1 Crew / 2 Heads + 1 Crew |
| Max Speed | Up to 31 kn |
| Cruise Speed | Up to 26 kn |
Source: Spec & Photos courtesy of Azimut. Specs verified by Tony Smith, USCG 100 Ton Master, on August 8, 2026.
Part of the Azimut Fly series — see how owners step up through the lineup.
Quick Verdict
- Full-beam master cabin with walk-in closet and hull-side windows delivers space typically found on 60-footers, giving owners genuine liveaboard comfort without the crew requirement
- Volvo IPS 950 drives with Active Trim Control and joystick docking eliminate the learning curve of traditional shaft drives, making this genuinely manageable for experienced owner-operators transitioning up
- Galley-aft main deck layout and asymmetric cockpit design create functional separation between helm operations and social spaces without the flow compromises seen in competitors like the Prestige 590 or Princess F55
Our Take
The Fly 53 represents Azimut's clearest thinking in years. The IPS 950 installation is clean, the hull is honest about what it is (a planing design, not a pseudo-displacement compromise), and the build quality reflects the lessons learned from the previous generation. The asymmetric cockpit layout works better in practice than it looks on paper. The flybridge glazing band reduces topside weight without sacrificing structural integrity, which you feel in the handling. This is competent engineering executed well.
This boat is for the owner who has run a 40-footer hard and knows exactly what they need in the next size up. It is not for the first-time buyer stepping up from a 30-foot center console. It is not for the owner who wants to impress the marina with sheer size. It is absolutely for the experienced operator who values three real cabins, joystick docking, and the ability to run the boat solo or with a day captain when needed. If you need five staterooms or you are planning extended cruising with permanent crew, the Fly 68 is the correct answer.
Azimut resale has historically lagged competitors like Princess and Sunseeker in the US market. The Fly series holds value better than the S series, but expect typical Italian depreciation. The IPS drives are reliable but expensive to service, and you are locked into the Volvo dealer network. Budget 1 to 1.5 percent of hull value annually for maintenance if you are doing it correctly. The three-cabin, no-crew layout is the economic advantage here. You avoid the salary, benefits, and accommodation costs of permanent crew while maintaining the flexibility to hire day captains when needed. Buy this boat to use it heavily, not as a financial instrument..
Watch Our Azimut Fly 53 Reviews
Official Azimut Premiere: Inside the Azimut Fly 53
Video courtesy of Azimut.
Azimut Fly 53 Photo Gallery
Photos courtesy of Azimut.
Owning the Azimut Fly 53: Operating Costs
The Fly 53 is one of the most affordable entries into the flybridge life, and its costs behave like the owner-operator boat it is:
- Fuel: roughly 45 to 55 gallons per hour at the 26-knot cruise with the twin Volvo IPS 950s. Throttle back to 20 knots and the burn drops meaningfully — the IPS drives reward patience.
- Annual upkeep: plan on 5 to 10 percent of the yacht's value per year all-in — service, insurance, dockage, and detailing. At 55 feet this is the class where insurers are most comfortable with owner-operators, which keeps premiums reasonable with a clean resume.
- IPS pod service: two pods on Volvo's schedule, routine work at any Volvo Penta center. Keep every receipt; IPS service history is the first question a future buyer asks.
- Dockage: a 55-footer with a 3-foot 5-inch draft fits marinas — and anchorages — that bigger flybridges skip. That shallow draft is also a real dollar saver on Bahamas trips.
- Crew: none. The crew cabin makes a fine storage room or occasional captain's berth.
What to Look For in a Fly 53
- IPS service records — pod fluid and seal service on schedule, joystick calibration current.
- Active Trim Control function. Verify it engages and trims correctly at sea trial; it is central to how this boat drives.
- Full-beam master condition. Hull-side windows are a highlight — check seals and surrounding finish for any weep staining.
- Galley-aft slider hardware. The main-deck layout lives and dies on its glass; cycle every slider and check tracks.
- Bottom and running gear. Shallow-draft boats visit shallow places — look for grounding evidence on the pods and skegs at haul-out.
- Engine hours versus generator hours. A weekend boat should show a sane ratio; a big mismatch tells you how it really lived.
Cost figures are Minted Yachts editorial estimates for typical U.S. Southeast ownership; your marina, usage, insurance profile, and spec will move these numbers. Read how we source and verify, or ask us for numbers specific to your situation.
Azimut Fly 53 Articles & Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Fly 53 layout different from competitors?
The galley-aft main deck and asymmetric cockpit separate helm operations from social space without choking traffic flow — a compromise you feel on the Prestige 590 and Princess F55. Dinner service, docking, and kids moving around stop competing for the same square footage.
How much fuel does the Azimut Fly 53 carry?
634 gallons (2,400 liters), with 156 gallons of water. At a 26-knot cruise that comfortably covers Florida coastal hops and Bahamas crossings, and the shallow 3-foot 5-inch draft means the fuel stop can be a marina bigger boats cannot reach.
How fast is the Azimut Fly 53?
The Fly 53 reaches up to 31 knots and cruises at up to 26 knots on twin Volvo Penta IPS 950 D11 drives, 725 hp each. Joystick docking and Active Trim Control come with the package — genuine speed without shaft-drive docking anxiety.
How many cabins does the Azimut Fly 53 have?
Three guest cabins and two heads, led by a full-beam master with a walk-in closet and hull-side windows — space usually found on 60-footers. A separate crew cabin with its own head adds flexibility for a captain, storage, or extra bunks.
Is the Azimut Fly 53 good for a first-time flybridge owner?
It is one of the best candidates in the class. IPS 950 joystick docking and Active Trim Control flatten the learning curve of moving up from a smaller boat, and the 55-foot 1-inch package with a 3-foot 5-inch draft opens shallow Bahamas water bigger yachts skip.
What are the dimensions of the Azimut Fly 53?
Length overall 55 feet 1 inch, beam 16 feet 3 inches, draft just 3 feet 5 inches, and full-load displacement of about 63,700 pounds. Fuel capacity is 634 gallons and water is 156 gallons.