Azimut Verve 40 (2017-)

Brief Summary

The Azimut Verve 40 is a luxury-class center console with outboard power primarily dedicated to watersports, entertaining and weekending afloat.

Key Features

• 2 facing sofas in bow with foldable backrests
• Side folding swim platform with retractable swim ladder
• Three reclining helm seats (hi-lo/sliding driver’s central seat OPT) installed on GRP storage base
• Integrated GPS, speed-based automatic enginetrim system from Mercury Marine (Active Trim)
• Galley equipped with 17 gal. refrigerator, sink, faucet, induction cooktop, dedicated trashcan and Silestone countertop
• Master cabin with double bed with lockers, mattress, pillows

Specifications

Length Overall	42’ 6'' / 12.97 m
Beam	12’ 9'' 3.89 m
Dry Weight	28,880 lbs. 13,099 kg
Draft	3’ 2'' 0.97 m
Deadrise/Transom	N/A
Max Headroom	N/A
Bridge Clearance	N/A
Person Capacity	10
Fuel Capacity	475 gal. 1,800 L
Water Capacity	66 gal. 250 L

Engine Options

Tested Engine	Currently no test numbers
Std. Power	3 x 350-hp Mercury Verado Outboard
Opt. Power	Not Available

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Contents of Report

• Mission
• Major Features
• Features Inspection
• Stern
• Cockpit
• Helm
• Bow
• Lower Deck
• Galley/ Dinette
• Master Cabin
• Head
• Power
• Performance
• Options to Consider
• Price
• Observations

Mission

The Azimut Verve 40’s design inspiration was the center console concept -- easy maintenance, outboard power, plus speed. In their research and development phase, Azimut noted that this particular collection of traits was so popular that many consumers were buying center console fishing boats without an interest in fishing. Thus launched their mission -- to provide those wildly popular design characteristics with the option to be outfitted with whatever concentration may best fit the consumer -- luxury, watersports, entertaining, fishing, or any combination thereof.

Azimut calls this Verve 40 a “Weekender” because a couple, two couples, or a small family could use it as a dayboat or weekend on the boat -- and that is her primary mission.

Major Features

• • Outboard Power – Traditionally, boats this size were powered by sterndrive or inboard engines. Azimut has never before built an outboard-powered boat, but the handwriting is on the wall for this size dayboat.




• • Aft Fold-Down Deck – With three outboard Mercury Verados soaking up so much space on the aft swim platform, Azimut has added a big, fold-down, teak-decked swim platform off the portside just forward of the transom walkthrough.




• • Versatile Cockpit Space – A large settee that can convert to a large sun pad lounger, and an aft facing sofa on tracks in the deck that can slide aft to join the rest of the space or forward to create more open space.




• • Dual Cockpit Entertaining Stations – The Verve 40 packs a bunch of extremely useful entertaining amenities into its design; in addition to the lower deck galley, the Verve 40’s cockpit features two refreshment stations -- a wet bar is to port with a barbecue grilling station to starboard.




• • Lower Deck Dinette/Berth – With a C-shaped settee wrapped around a wood varnished table opposite the lower deck galley, the Verve 40 can do sit-down meals; with a table that lowers to convert the space to a berth -- guests can make that last-second decision to stay the night and be fully accommodated.




• • Head with Shower – The Verve 40’s head is a necessity with the overnight capabilities, and their design makes for meeting these expectations without absorbing too much lower deck space. The shower cordons itself off with a sliding curtain; the drain is under a wood latch in the deck.

Features Inspection

Stern

The Verve 40’s decks on the main level are teak throughout, and this starts on the aft platform. Three 350-hp Mercury Verado outboard engines take up much of this space, though walkthrough is comfortable and guided by a stainless steel grabrail along the transom. All the cleats, rails, and fixtures on the Verve 40 are this same high-quality AISI 316 stainless steel. The transom walkthrough is to port, just forward of the hot and cold water shower.

Cockpit

Side-Deck Platform. Immediately to port upon entry is a fold-down swim platform. Considering the presence of the outboard power can take away from the fun an uninhibited swim platform can provide, this is a welcome, useful design feature. The decks are teak here as well. The platform requires manual opening and lowering to deploy, and since it is a bulky, heavy piece, it could likely be improved.

In-floor storage is right under foot by the fold-down swim platform via a teak hatch. There is 1,800 liters of storage on the main deck of the Verve 40.

The cockpit on the Verve 40 is a versatile one, offering entertainment space with amenities to keep the party stocked with refreshments and can be adjusted on the go to more (or fewer) guests as the event dictates.

A large, L-shaped settee extends along the transom and up along the starboard side. The cockpit seating cushions are made from an open-cell foam structure that allows them to self-drain and dry rapidly. Below the seat bottoms is storage, and this is true throughout the cockpit seating.

The seating wraps around a high-gloss wood dining table, which sits on stainless steel high-low pedestals, which means it can be lowered to install removable filler cushions, turning the entire space into a sun pad lounger.

Forward the transom seat space is an aft-facing sofa seat. This sofa is on tracks, and can be adjusted aft to bring it up close to the dining table, or rolled forward to provide more open space.

The cockpit is flanked on either side by two refreshment stations. To port is a wet bar, with a lid over faucet and tap, removable cutting board, plexiglass drink-and-bottle holders, plexiglass trash can below next to an icemaker drawer.

To starboard is the electric grill station, made by Kenyon, just under a lid that provides counterspace when needed. The grill is next to removable cutting board surface just like the wet bar. Below is a refrigerator and storage space.

The fuel tank and generator are separated from the electrical systems just below the cockpit by what Azimut calls a water and airtight bulkhead. These can be accessed via two separate hatches in the cockpit deck. The forward hatch, leading to the fuel tank, can be opened with the aft-facing sofa rolled aft. The aft hatch, which accesses the generator, can be opened when the sofa is adjusted to its forward position. In addition, a larger access hatch comes under the cockpit dining table, with the table tilting forward when lifting the hatch.

The Verve 40 comes standard with a 10 kW low-CO gasoline Kohler generator.

The Verve 40’s hardtop is made by GRP, and has an opening vent by the helm, with recessed LED lighting and our test boat had an optional SureShade extension off the aft end to cover the cockpit space when desired.

Helm

Just forward of the grill station, just off the helm to starboard is a side boarding gate, outfitted in teak decking, which is a subtle design touch. The gate opens and locks in place with the Verve 40’s polished stainless steel hardware, with a step down to the main deck for safety.

The helm is a center console design, with three captain’s chairs shoulder-to-shoulder facing out through a single-pane laminated glass windshield with a single-arm windshield wiper system. Glass panels on each side provide a measure of extra spray and wind protection.

The seats are high for a great vantage point, and have commanding views of the water ahead. Because they are high, they will be tough to mount for most people, so Azimut has provided a fold-down teak step down in the well between chairs and dash with grab rails on each side. There is a tilted teak foot rest in the console.

All three captain’s chairs recline, with adjustable arm rests and flip-up bolsters. The center captain’s chair can slide fore and aft, up and down, with an electrical switch at the base of the seat.

The upper console ash is carbon-fiber with a non-glare surface. The Verve 40 has power steering and a wheel made with grip-able texture and stainless steel inserts. The optional joystick and digital throttle are right at hand to starboard. The standard bow thruster is to the left of the wheel.

Instruments. Integrated engine data, GPS, and chartplotter, depth sounder, VHF radio and screens are all by Raymarine 12" displays and come standard. The boat also comes standard with Mercury Marine’s Active Trim and Lenco Auto Glide system. These systems sync the three engines and automatically trim the engines for maximum efficiency at all speeds.

Bow

The bow on the Verve 40 is no mere afterthought -- but rather an integral part of the boat’s entertaining master plan. We appreciate the continuation of luxury out to the bow, with teak side decks 16” (0.41 m) wide, lined by stainless steel grab rails, leading up to another social and/ or relaxation space.

Two facing seats set the Verve 40 apart from most other boats in this size range because of the boat’s bulwarks above the deck, the facing seating and working area at the bow that eliminates the need for a bow pulpit. The seating upholstery is self-draining foam with weather-resistant upholstery. The forward of the two, which is on the trunk cabin, lifts up on latched struts to reveal a substantial storage below.

Aft of this space is a sun pad lounger section of the bow. The backrests tilt up or lay flat, and each have a sliver of teak for books or a snack, plexiglass cup holders seen throughout the boat, and stainless steel grab rails -- continuing the theme on the Verve 40 of no surface that could use a grab rail going without one.

The Verve 40’s anchor locker and windlass are forward of the seating spaces, under a double-opening hatch to a self-draining locker. The anchor has a stainless steel stem head and weighs 33 lbs. (15 kg) with 130’ (40 m) of galvanized chain. The windlass is 1000 W DC with a remote control and dashboard operation as well.

Lower Deck

A smoked-plexiglass door framed by polished stainless steel is just to port of the helm, and opens to give access to the lower deck.

There are three steps down to the lower deck, each lifting to reveal storage and equipped with a safety light. On our test boat the decks down below were wood in the galley, but carpet is standard. The Verve 40’s fusion stereo system, which includes auxiliary hookups, has a control panel on the bulkhead just along the access stairs, with an electrical control panel just below and the three engine ignition switches.

The lower deck continues the subtle, modern design down below, with upholstered (which are easy to clean) bulkheads, stainless steel fixtures, and wood accents all around. All cabinets, wood doors, and trim are in Canaletto Walnut. Note the horizontal grain which is easy on the eyes. Gray Oak wood is available.

There is 6’3” (1.91 m) of headroom below.

Galley/ Dinette

The galley is immediately to port upon entry, with the dinette opposite to starboard.

The bulk of the galley is made up by its 74” x 23” Silestone countertop, which stretches the length of the space. Opening portlights sit just above, with a 32” HD TV accented by wood-panel and mirror just above that.

There is a 17 gallon (65 L) refrigerator, induction cooktop with cover, sink and stainless steel faucet, and a dedicated trash can. Two large storage cabinets are below the countertop.

To starboard is the dinette, with a C-shaped settee wrapped around a dining table, opening portlights and a wood-panel design mirroring the one over the galley. The settee is wrapped around a dining table on an adjustable pedestal. This pedestal lowers to convert the dining space into a second berth by adding filler cushions. Conversely, removing all of the cushions reveals storage space.

Master Cabin

The master cabin on the Verve 40 is in the bow, accessed through a sliding wood door that saves space created by a swinging door. The ship’s bow flare creates space for two shelves on either side, and there are reading lights installed at the head of the berth as well.

Climate and stereo control panels are on the bulkheads. Two opening portlights, with custom metal blinds, are in the hull to port and starboard. There is an overhead opening hatch that acts like a skylight and can be blacked out or outfitted with a mosquito net. There is also a hatch to the ship’s forepeak, just behind a sliding wood panel at the head of the berth.

The master has a berth measuring 53” wide x 75” from head-to-toe, with a bed frame upholstered in synthetic leather and locker storage below. There is also access to the bow thruster below the bed. There are recessed LED lights overhead, carpeting on decks, and the bulkheads are upholstered, accented by the uniform woodgrain design through the Verve 40.

There are two closets on either side of the access door.

Head

The head packs a great deal of utility into a small space. It is on the starboard side of the lower deck, aft of the dinette. It measures 32” (.81 m) fore-to-aft and 58” (1.47 m) side-to-side, with 80” (2.03 m) of headroom.

In this space, Azimut has fit a TECMA electric head system, full shower, wood decks, ceramic basin and a high-quality stainless steel faucet, mirrored vanity and wood-grain countertop, with drawer storage for bath towels below. The shower sections off with a sliding curtain, with the wood deck lifting up to reveal the shower drain for easy cleaning. Although it is a wet head, the shower curtain effectively seals off the sink and counter from water and the toilet seat can be used as a stool.

Power

Our test boat was powered with triple Mercury Verado 350-hp outboard engines turning R4 Revolution 17” pitch props.

Performance

We did not run speed trials on the Azimut Verve 40 because on test day seas were running a steep, short 3’ to 4’ (.91 m to 1.22 m), and our test captain made the decision not to run the boat at full throttle as it would be unsafe for the people aboard. Further, at all speed settings the engines would be working harder than normal to mount the seas and would be slower and burn more fuel. In conditions such as those, no boat this size should be run at full throttle for safety’s sake.

However, the techs at Azimut have tested the boat and they report that the top speed at 6300 rpm is 40 knots.

Best Cruise. They report that best cruise is found at 5300 rpm

at a speed of 35

knots for a range of 154 nautical miles with a fuel capacity of 475 gallon (1,800 L), holding 10% of the fuel in reserve. (Early versions of the Verve 40 had a 343 gallon/1,300 L fuel capacity.)

Options to Consider

Azimut does not offer a distinct list of options, instead offering the ability to tailor certain aspects of the vessel’s capabilities in the design phase. This includes substituting different outboard power, subject to adaptability. In this way, each individual owner can sit down with the dealer and work out precisely what modifications to the boat should be made to meet a specific requirement.

Price

Under a million dollars.

Observations

Dayboat or Weekender. To a great degree the Azimut Verve 40 was designed for the South Florida lifestyle where there are many places to go for watersports, cruising or fishing in a day – and even more places to go in a weekend. Indeed, even Bimini in the Bahamas can be reached in under two hours on a good day, leaving plenty of time to go ashore, swim, snorkel, scuba dive or fish, and return – all in daylight.

That is why speed is important. A cruising speed of 30 to 35 knots is fast, and with the new, large fuel capacity (475 gal./1,800 L), she has a 200 nmile range.

Entertainment. Azimut has designed a boat that is for dayboat entertaining. By creating a versatile cockpit and by fully utilizing the foredeck for seating as well as sunning, the Verve 40 competes well with some large bowriders on the market, to say nothing of center consoles. Her accommodations give the boat much more utility than many other boats in the price range that are designed primarily for fishing.

We see four primary types of owner this boat should appeal to:

1. Younger, working couples, who only have weekends for adventure, relaxation, and entertaining.

2. Grandparents who want to take their grandchildren for a fun short weekend on the water -- and give their parents a break.

3. Megayacht owners who want to use the boat as a tender and dayboat.

4. Anyone who wants a boat big enough for a party and fun on the water, without the expense of getting a larger boat designed for much more.