Buying a Used Azimut 50 Fly: What Buyers Need to Know

The Azimut 50 Fly is one of the most sought-after used motor yachts in the mid-range flybridge segment – and for good reason. Anyone looking to buy an Azimut 50 faces a decision that demands careful preparation: the pre-owned market for this model is lively, but the quality of boats on offer varies considerably.

By Ernst Nassl, COO at Yachtwerk – Authorised Azimut Dealer

Azimut 50 Fly: What Makes This Model So Desirable on the Pre-Owned Market

The Azimut 50 Fly represents a design philosophy that has defined the mid-range flybridge segment for years. Azimut, based in Avigliana near Turin, developed this model consistently as a family cruising yacht – with a functional flybridge, a generously proportioned saloon and a cabin arrangement that makes multi-day passages genuinely comfortable. No other detail better captures the character of this boat.

The difference from the pure sports line Azimut S or the open Seadeck range lies in the intended use: the Azimut 50 Fly prioritises on-board living comfort. Anyone planning to spend a week on the Mediterranean with family or guests will find a different quality of usable space here compared with a pure sports yacht.

Demand on the pre-owned market remains steady because this concept is timeless. At the same time, that means well-maintained examples are rarely offered below their true value. Buyers should inspect accordingly thoroughly.

The Fly Range Within the Azimut Portfolio

Azimut organises its programme into clearly defined model lines. The Fly range – which also includes the Azimut Fly 53, the Azimut Fly 62 and larger models – stands for classic flybridge architecture with the distinctive Azimut design approach. The yard works consistently with external design partners, giving the interiors a character all of their own.

The Azimut 50 Fly sits in the middle of this range. It is neither an entry-level model nor a flagship, but the volume model that concentrates the line’s strengths. Those familiar with the concept know that build quality and material selection are at a level that holds up well on the pre-owned market over the long term.

The Pre-Owned Market: Supply and Reality for the Azimut 50

Anyone looking to buy an Azimut 50 will find listings on the usual European platforms, through brokers in Italy, Spain, Croatia and Germany, and directly via authorised dealers such as Yachtwerk. The quality of those listings varies considerably. Privately sold boats frequently have incomplete service documentation; broker listings may read well but reveal little about actual condition.

A structured approach pays dividends. Those who know what they are looking for filter quickly: complete service records, a known mooring history, traceable previous ownership and documented engine hours are the four decisive pre-selection criteria – before any viewing even takes place.

The advantage of buying through an authorised dealer lies in the preliminary vetting. Yachtwerk inspects boats before brokering them, has first-hand knowledge of typical weak points on the Azimut 50 Fly, and has a direct relationship with the yard in Avigliana – a benefit that makes itself felt concretely when sourcing parts or assessing modifications.

What to Look for in a Listing

High-quality photographs alone reveal little. Look in the listing for specific details on engine hours, the most recent service, mooring location and any modifications. If these details are absent, that is not a good sign – not necessarily through carelessness, but possibly through deliberate omission.

Always ask for the complete service log and original invoices. Reputable sellers make these documents available upfront. For the Azimut 50 Fly, engine service intervals are particularly relevant, because the fitted drivetrains can achieve a long service life with conscientious maintenance – but become disproportionately expensive when neglected.

Technical Inspection Points Before Buying an Azimut 50 Fly

The most important technical inspection points fall into three areas: drivetrain, hull and onboard systems. All three should be assessed by an independent surveyor before any commitment to purchase is made. A survey costs a manageable sum and can spare you considerably greater expense further down the line.

Drivetrain and Engines

The Azimut 50 Fly was available with various engine configurations. Different drivetrain combinations mean different service chains and different parts availability. Ask specifically: which engines are fitted, at which dealership was servicing carried out, and are compression test records available?

Engine hours are an important indicator, but not the only one. A low hour count with poor maintenance history is worse than a high hour count backed by comprehensive documentation. Gearboxes, shafts, shaft bearings and drivetrain components must be assessed under load during the inspection – a purely dry inspection cannot provide a reliable assessment.

Turbocharger condition and exhaust colour during the sea trial give early indications of engine health. Blue smoke or rough running are clear warning signs that should either drive the price down or lead to withdrawal from the purchase.

Hull, Osmosis and Antifouling

GRP hulls from these production years are fundamentally long-lasting when maintained consistently. Osmosis is not automatically a deal-breaker in this class, but it must have been treated professionally. A moisture measurement report from the surveyor will provide clarity here.

Keel fastenings, through-hulls and the condition of the anodes should also be recorded. The Azimut 50 Fly is a type of boat that has frequently seen Mediterranean service – saltwater demands regular inspection of the underwater coating and all metallic connections.

Onboard Systems and Electronics

Air conditioning, the generator, hydraulic systems (swim platform, bow thruster) and the watermaker are technically complex systems whose service history should be separately documented. Air conditioning units of this size are heavily used and costly to repair when they fail.

Electronics date quickly, but functionality takes precedence over modernity. Check whether Navionics charts are up to date, whether the autopilot responds correctly and whether the bilge pumps function properly. The condition of the wiring and the fuse panel also give experienced buyers early indications of how well the previous owner looked after the boat.

Assessing the Interior and Equipment of the Azimut 50 Flybridge

The interior of the Azimut 50 Flybridge follows the typical Azimut style: light wood tones, a well-considered layout, a saloon with natural light and a flybridge that can be used under way. What looks good in photographs must be checked for wear during the viewing.

Upholstery and carpeting are consumables – their condition reflects the intensity of use, but they are replaceable. Timber surfaces, however, can suffer lasting damage from improper cleaning or moisture ingress. Drawers, handles and fittings give a good indication of how the boat was used day to day.

Galley and Heads in Detail

The galley and heads are the most intensively used areas on any cruising yacht. On the Azimut 50 Fly, silicone seals in the heads should be checked for mould – a common finding after several seasons. Test all galley appliances (hob, refrigerator, dishwasher) for function and note their age.

Sanitary systems, and in particular the black water system, should be odour-free and function correctly. Vacuum toilets on boats of this size are prone to malfunction after extended periods of disuse – ask when the boat was last in use and test under load.

Buying an Azimut 50: The Purchase Process in Detail

Anyone looking to buy an Azimut 50 Fly should ideally follow a structured process: shortlisting, initial viewing, surveyor’s report, sea trial, price negotiation, purchase contract, technical acceptance and delivery. Each of these stages has its own potential pitfalls.

The purchase contract should include a condition precedent making completion contingent on the outcome of the surveyor’s report. A reputable seller will not object to such a clause. Anyone insisting on an immediate signature is already saying something about their confidence in the boat’s condition.

Flag State, Registration and Tax Considerations

When purchasing a used Azimut 50 Fly from another EU country – such as Italy, Croatia or Spain – flag state requirements and the tax implications of importation need to be clarified. A VAT-paid yacht within the EU is considerably more straightforward to handle than one whose status in the EU single market requires careful legal examination.

Yachtwerk guides buyers through this process and works with experienced legal and tax advisers who specialise in yacht transactions. Our full service from initial viewing to registration is part of what we offer – not simply the sale of the boat itself.

Financing an Azimut 50 Fly

Pre-owned yachts in this class are financed by specialist marine finance partners. Conventional banks are rarely the first port of call here. Loan terms, deposit requirements and residual value arrangements differ from standard lending products and need to be tailored to the individual’s intended usage.

Yachtwerk can introduce buyers to suitable finance partners. The application process runs in parallel with the technical assessment of the boat, so no time is lost. Having a finance agreement in place before the final price negotiation measurably strengthens the buyer’s negotiating position.

Realistic Running Costs and Upkeep

The purchase price is the smallest part of the total investment over a typical ownership period. Berth fees, winter storage, insurance, antifouling, annual engine services, class surveys and occasional repairs add up to an annual budget that should be calculated in advance.

The industry rule of thumb is that annual running costs for a yacht of this class amount to somewhere in the region of ten to fifteen per cent of the purchase price – and more in cases of intensive use or neglect. A solid reserve for unforeseen repairs is not merely a precaution; it is a necessity.

Berth Option: Marina D-Marin Mandalina in Sibenik

For buyers wishing to base their Azimut 50 Fly in the Mediterranean, Yachtwerk offers access to the Marina D-Marin Mandalina in Sibenik, one of the most capable bases on the Dalmatian coast. The marina has the infrastructure to accommodate yachts in this size range and provides direct access to Croatian waters.

A berth in Croatia combines fiscal advantages with an ideal geographical starting point for summer cruising. The combination of Yachtwerk’s on-site service and the marina’s infrastructure makes this location particularly attractive for buyers who do not wish to base their yacht permanently in Germany.

Refit and Retaining Value on the Azimut 50 Fly

A pre-owned Azimut 50 Fly in average condition can be significantly enhanced through targeted refit work. Engine overhaul, interior refresh, electronics upgrade and a new antifouling treatment are measures that both increase usability and improve the boat’s market appeal should a future sale be planned.

Yachtwerk coordinates refit work in close collaboration with qualified yards and Azimut-certified technical specialists. A realistic condition assessment prior to the refit prevents work being commissioned that is neither technically nor economically justified.

Azimut 50 Flybridge: Alternatives in the Same Segment

Anyone considering an Azimut 50 Flybridge should simultaneously explore other models in the same segment – including within the Azimut portfolio. The Azimut Fly 53 offers a similar concept with a layout that has been refined in certain respects. The Azimut Fly 62 addresses buyers seeking greater open deck space and cabin volume.

Those who prefer a more open concept to a flybridge will find an alternative architecture in the Seadeck range – such as the Azimut Seadeck 7 – with the option of hybrid propulsion. For long-distance cruising, the Magellano range would be the more appropriate choice, while the Grande segment caters to those seeking maximum prestige.

The complete Azimut brand overview at Yachtwerk provides a good initial overview of all model lines and their respective usage profiles. A personal consultation then helps to identify the right model for your specific needs – even if the starting point is the Azimut 50 Fly.

Cruising Grounds and Usage Profile: Where the Azimut 50 Fly Excels

The Azimut 50 Fly is primarily a yacht for well-established cruising grounds: Croatia, Greece, Tuscany, the Balearic Islands. It combines sufficient range for multi-day passages with a size that the majority of marina berths can accommodate without difficulty. At the same time, the boat is manoeuvrable enough to be handled by an experienced crew without a professional skipper.

The model is not primarily designed for Atlantic crossings or demanding offshore passages – the Magellano range would be the more appropriate choice for that. The Azimut 50 Fly’s strength lies in comfortable Mediterranean cruising over several weeks, using marinas as departure points and destinations.

Croatia as a Home Cruising Ground: Tangible Advantages

Croatia offers an almost ideal cruising ground for the Azimut 50 Fly. The island chain allows day-by-day passages without long offshore legs. Well-equipped marinas are within regular reach, and the season is long. Yachtwerk has its own base directly in the area at Marina Mandalina in Sibenik – an advantage that buyers can make real use of.

The showroom at Motorworld Munich complements this approach for buyers from the German-speaking world: consultations and initial encounters with the models take place at Grünwald near Munich, while actual boating takes place in the Croatian home waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a used Azimut 50 Fly cost?

The price of a pre-owned Azimut 50 Fly varies considerably depending on model year, engine hours, equipment level and condition. We are happy to share current market pricing on direct enquiry – blanket price indications without knowledge of the specific boat are misleading. The true value of any individual boat depends on too many individual factors.

How does buying an Azimut 50 through Yachtwerk work?

Yachtwerk supports the entire purchase process: from shortlisting suitable options through coordinating the surveyor’s report to delivering the yacht to its home marina or to Marina Mandalina. As authorised Azimut dealer in Germany, we have a direct relationship with the yard and with certified technical specialists. The process typically takes several weeks, depending on availability and the destination port.

Can an Azimut 50 Fly be financed?

Yes, pre-owned yachts in this class are financed by specialist marine finance partners. Yachtwerk can introduce buyers to suitable institutions and assist with preparing the financing documentation. Terms depend on the age and value of the boat and the buyer’s personal creditworthiness – an informal initial assessment is available on request.

How is the Azimut 50 Fly delivered after purchase?

Yachtwerk organises deliveries by experienced captains – both within the Mediterranean and overland for routes to Germany. The delivery route, insurance during transit and marina arrangements are planned and coordinated in advance. Buyers have the option of accompanying the delivery or taking handover of the boat directly at the destination.

What is the difference between the Azimut 50 Fly and the Grande models?

The Azimut 50 Fly belongs to the mid-range of the flybridge line and is designed for comfortable cruising with a small crew. The Grande range – such as the Azimut Grande 26M – addresses a different usage profile: greater overall volume, frequently a professional crew and a level of prestige that makes structurally different demands. Both concepts have been developed consistently for their respective audiences.