Azimut is one of the industry leaders in terms of sustainability, and their model Azimut Seadeck 7 is the first serial production yacht with a hybrid drive, combining innovative technology with signature Azimut luxury and comfort
In 2024, Azimut debuted two models in their new Seadeck line. Following the well-received Seadeck 6 which debuted early last year, with a battery pack guaranteeing an eight-hour autonomy without turning on the generator, the new Seadeck 7, which we had the opportunity to test in Genoa, is the first serial production yacht equipped with a hybrid drive. This type of drive is expected to lower fuel consumption, lower emissions and allow silent navigation.
Smart Design and Spacious Comfort Aboard the Azimut Seadeck 7
Azimut Seadeck 7 was designed by Alberto Mancini and retains all the aesthetic features of her smaller sister, with smooth, rounded lines on every surface, an almost flat bow, and a prominent black line along the hull which also hides the opening in the middle of the ship. The elegant superstructure boasts black glazing surrounding the salon, and the silver roof of the superstructure continues towards the aft, covering a good part of the aft area. Above, the sport bridge hidden from view is only visible its bow, where the low windshield stretches all around it and a small radar mast stands out.
The new model follows the same exterior aesthetic as Seadeck 6, with the profile descending from the end of the superstructure towards the aft, which ends with a spacious aft. The sides of the hull on the main deck open sideways to provide maximum space for outdoor living. The aft platform is really spacious, and about half of its surface descends toward the water, revealing stairs below that allow for easy use when the platform is submerged. Four steps up, the main deck gives the feeling of a real yacht, with the aft salon separated from the platform by an elegant glass railing. There is a spacious and high aft sunbed with a view aft, as large as an open-air double bed. Both starboard and port, there are hull openings, which significantly increase the total space of the aft salon, while forward, leaning against the aft sundeck and protected by an extended roof of the superstructure, there is a sofa with an accompanying folding outdoor dining table.
The spacious aft saloon door can be folded to the right to disappear, connecting the indoor salon part to the exterior, especially with the open glass wall on the left side of the salon. Furnished in light colors, the salon is designed for relaxation, with a large L-shaped sofa starboard, a folding table with variable height that can turn into a low coffee table or a tall dining table, as well as sufficient seating for two more on a small sofa in the middle of the salon.
Spacious sundeck perfect for relaxing
Forward inside the superstructure, in a space one step above the main deck interior begins the staircase leading to the cabins below, right next to the galley and the command post. The galley is minimalist in design, with an electric cooker and a double sink integrated into a dark worktop, which extends all the way to the command console starboard. With two seats, the command post offers good visibility forward, and all instruments are placed on a compact dashboard, with two Garmin multifunction displays, Volvo throttles and IPS joystick, and a sporty leather-covered steering wheel. The command post is served by a dedicated door leading to the main deck.
On the bow, another spacious sundeck is placed right in front of the windshield, as is the entrance to the crew cabin with two single beds and a private bathroom. Starboard, the side passage built into the superstructure leads to the stairs connecting the main deck with the sports bridge. Although compact, with a spacious U-shaped sofa and two seats serving the command post, this sports bridge has enough space to accommodate all the guests and offers spectacular view.
Back in the main deck salon, a semicircular staircase leads to the corridor connecting all four cabins – the VIP cabin in the bow, with a spacious diagonally placed double bed, the very spacious master cabin placed mid-hull, with the bed placed along the starboard side of the hull, and two guest cabins, one with a double bed and one with bunk beds. All cabins, except the guest cabin with bunk beds, are served by private bathrooms, and furnished in the similar color palette as the salon. Bathrooms and the corridor connecting the cabins are decorated with elegant wenge wood.
Performance, Innovation, and Silence: Navigating with Azimut Seadeck 7
All that said, to truly appreciate the level of innovation on this model, you have to see her in navigation. On our test during the boat show, we used only the two 160 kW electric engines powered by a 392 kW battery to maneuver out of the port, while the two 1000 hp Volvo Penta IPS 1350 (main engines) were just turned on and set to Hybrid Standard mode, almost silent. Azimut Seadeck 7 is capable of cruising in all-electric mode, with a top speed of around 12 knots and a range of 28 miles at 7 knots.
There is also Hybrid Boost, where the electric engines assist during acceleration and starting, and the Cross-Over mode, where one engine uses the help of one electric engine to power IPS drives for maximum efficiency and reduced emissions.
With diesel engines, we achieved a maximum speed of 28 knots with 12 passengers aboard, with the consumption of roughly 349 liters per hour at 2400 rpm, while the optimal cruising speed was about 21 knots, with a consumption of 224 liters per hour. For longer cruising, ideal speed is 11 knots with the consumption of only 60 liters per hour.
In turns, Azimut Seadeck 7 tilts barely noticeably, and her hull slices the waves very comfortably without sudden jolts. The new Seadeck 7 is the ideal yacht for owners who value sustainability and innovation, but do not want to sacrifice luxury and comfort – for environmentally conscious owners looking for the ultimate cruising experience.
Text Mlađan Marušić
Photos Azimut Yachts
