March 16, 2026
The Azimut S8: A Triple-IPS Sport Yacht Built for Owners Who Actually Drive
Driver-focused Azimut S8 blends 80ft luxury with triple Volvo IPS joystick control - owner-operable, 30-knot cruise, and dockable solo - del…
Read the articleAzimut S8
Expert Review, Technical Specifications & Market Analysis
The Essentials
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 80' 10" |
| Beam | 18' 3" |
| Draft | 5' 9" |
| Displacement | 57.7 t (127,161 lbs) - Full Load |
| Engines | 3 x Volvo Penta IPS 1350 (1,000 hp each) |
| Fuel Capacity | 4,000 L (1,057 US Gal) |
| Water Capacity | 1,100 L (291 US Gal) |
| Cabins / Heads | 4 Cabins + 2 Crew / 4 Heads + 1 Crew |
| Max Speed | Up to 34 kn |
| Cruise Speed | Variable |
Source: Spec & Photos courtesy of Azimut. Specs verified by Tony Smith, USCG 100 Ton Master, on August 8, 2026.
Part of the Azimut S series — see how owners step up through the lineup.
Quick Verdict
- Triple Volvo IPS 1350 pods deliver 3,000 hp and true joystick control, making this one of the most owner-friendly yachts over 80 feet on the market
- Galley-up main deck layout and driver-focused helm position prioritize real-world usability over showroom aesthetics, a rare choice in this size class
- 30-knot cruise speed and 200-nautical-mile range at speed position the S8 as a serious Bahamas and Keys cruiser, not just a coastal day boat
Our Take
The S8 represents Azimut's clearest answer to the question of what a modern sport yacht should be. The build quality is solid, the systems are proven, and the performance envelope is exactly where it needs to be for South Florida and Bahamas use. Triple IPS is the right call here. It gives you redundancy, handling, and the ability to actually use this boat without a crew standing by. The hull runs well in typical offshore conditions, and the fit and finish is consistent with what you'd expect at this price point.
This boat is for the owner who has already logged serious hours and knows the difference between a yacht that looks fast and one that actually is. It's not for someone stepping up from a 50-footer who still thinks crew is optional on every boat over 60 feet. The S8 rewards competence. If you don't have it yet, get it before you buy this boat. If you do, you'll appreciate how much thought went into making this yacht genuinely enjoyable to operate.
From a market perspective, Azimut's S-series has gained traction in the U.S. over the past five years, and resale data on the S6 and S7 suggests these boats hold value better than some Italian competitors in the same range. The S8 is too new for long-term resale trends, but early interest has been strong. Maintenance costs are predictable if you stay on schedule. Fuel burn is high, but that's the cost of speed. If you plan to run this boat the way it was designed, budget accordingly and don't expect operating costs to surprise you in year two.
Watch Our Azimut S8 Reviews
Official Azimut Premiere: Inside the Azimut S8
Video courtesy of Azimut.
Azimut S8 Photo Gallery
Photos courtesy of Azimut.
Owning the Azimut S8: Operating Costs
The S8 delivers 80-foot performance with an owner-operator's cost logic — but 3,000 horsepower keeps honest company:
- Fuel: roughly 95 to 115 gallons per hour at the fast cruise near 30 knots with the triple Volvo IPS 1350s. That is the price of covering Miami-to-the-islands at speed; at 20 knots the pods reward you with a much gentler burn.
- Annual upkeep: plan on roughly 10 percent of the yacht's value per year all-in — service, insurance, dockage, detailing, and occasional paid help.
- IPS pod service: three of Volvo's largest pods on schedule. Three tickets, no exceptions, full paper trail.
- Dockage: 85-foot slip class. The sport profile sits lower than a flybridge 80 — occasionally an advantage for covered storage and bridge-height routes.
- Crew: more optional here than anything else this size. The driver-focused helm and galley-up layout are built for short-handed running; quarters for two cover the delivery and heavy-season scenarios.
What to Look For in an S8
- Service records for all three IPS 1350s — the entire ownership case rests on healthy pods.
- Verify the performance numbers at sea trial. An S8 that will not reach its cruise and top-end figures has a bottom, prop, or engine story to tell.
- Galley-up equipment. The main-deck galley works hard on this boat — test everything, including ventilation.
- Hull finish below the sport glazing. Long hull windows near the water: check seals and any staining at survey.
- Generator hours versus engine hours — a performance boat with enormous generator hours lived a different life than advertised.
- Delivery and charter history. Fast 80-footers travel; match the hours to the logbook and service stamps.
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 S8 Articles & Guides
Compare With
Azimut S10, Sunseeker Manhattan 74, Princess S80, Ferretti 780
Frequently Asked Questions
What engines power the Azimut S8?
Triple Volvo Penta IPS 1350 pod drives, 1,000 hp each — 3,000 hp total. Three pods deliver the thrust for 34 knots, redundancy for long passages, and the joystick close-quarters control that makes this one of the most owner-friendly yachts over 80 feet.
How fast is the Azimut S8?
The S8 tops out around 34 knots with a fast cruise near 30 knots, driven by triple Volvo Penta IPS 1350 pods delivering a combined 3,000 hp. At speed it holds roughly a 200-nautical-mile range — a genuine Bahamas and Keys cruiser, not a coastal day boat.
Can an owner run the Azimut S8 without a captain?
More plausibly than almost anything else over 80 feet. Triple IPS pods give true joystick control, and the driver-focused helm with galley-up main deck is designed around real-world short-handed use. Crew quarters for two remain when the mission calls for help.
What is the range of the Azimut S8?
Roughly 200 nautical miles at fast cruise near 30 knots, from a 1,057-gallon fuel capacity. Slow down and the IPS pods stretch that meaningfully further — but the S8's pitch is covering Miami-to-the-islands distances at speed.
What are the dimensions of the Azimut S8?
The S8 measures 80 feet 10 inches overall with an 18-foot 3-inch beam, a 5-foot 9-inch draft, and full-load displacement of about 127,200 pounds. It carries 1,057 gallons of fuel and 291 gallons of water.
How many people can sleep aboard the Azimut S8?
Eight guests in four cabins with four heads, plus quarters for two crew with a crew head. The galley-up arrangement keeps the cook in the conversation and frees the lower deck for full-size staterooms.