Dan’s Take: Azimut just entered the American dayboat market? This ought to make things interesting.

If you were looking for the newest offering from Azimut at the Newport show, you likely strolled past the Verve 40, a distinctive departure from the Italian giant’s fleet of express and flybridge yachts. But nevertheless, there she was, a sleek, 40-footer with triple 350-horsepower Mercury Verados.

It’s the company’s attempt to capitalize on the center console’s U.S. popularity, and man, does this boat assimilate easily. She has sunpads and drink holders in all the right places, as well as a grill and fridge beside a fold-down swim platform in the port gunwale. Azimut touts a top end of 45 knots that should satisfy the American market.

But where the Verve really shines is in its accommodations. Step down the stairs to port of the helm, and it hits you, “Ahhh, there’s the Azimut styling!”

Immaculate woodwork, Italian leather, and stainless steel touches make the galley/saloon feel modern, yet inviting. The galley is suitable for weekend meals, while a starboard settee converts to a kid-friendly berth in seconds. The roomy forward master wants for nothing in terms of styling.

Now let’s talk about the head on this boat. A space that’s commonly an afterthought on vessels this size, here it’s full-beam amidships and has 7-plus-feet of headroom and plenty of space. It appears that Azimut learned a secret to a successful weekender early in the design stage. “A happy wife, a happy life, no?” proclaimed Azimut marketing professional Giovanni Bogetto as he gestured toward the airy space. Wife, kids, and friends are likely to join you on more than a long weekend aboard when the head isn’t a cramped, dark space.

Even though Azimut has just dipped its toe into the American dayboat market, it has created one hell of a splash.

See more images of the Azimut Verve 40 here. ▶

Watch a short video of the Azimut 40 Verve’s debut at the 2016 Newport International Boat Show ▶

MarineMax, 888-708-1128; www.marinemax.com

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Specifications

  • Builder: Azimut
  • Model: Verve 40
  • Year: 2016
  • Base Price: Upon request
  • LOA: 42’9″
  • Draft: 3’2″
  • Beam: 12’7″
  • Displacement: 24,000 lb.
  • Fuel Capacity: 343 gal.
  • Water Capacity: 66 gal.
  • Standard Power: 3/350-hp Mercury Verados
  • CRUISE SPEED: 37 knots
  • TOP SPEED: 45 knots