Azimut Magellano 66 Review (2023 Edition)

In the presence of Azimut’s S7 sportsbridge or the intelligent 68 flybridge, the Magellano 66 may seem overlooked in terms of style, yet it boasts one of the most attractive exteriors.

The design of this liveaboard trawler yacht range received a significant boost from Ken Freivokh, known for blending timeless class with modern superyacht substance in his Magellano 25 and 30 Metri designs. While this 66 model adopts Freivokh’s lines, it is distinctly Azimut, with the in-house design team overseeing the boat's creation from the semi-displacement keel up.

While aesthetics are subjective, Azimut's combination of gunboat capability and timeless elegance shines through in this design. The powerful bows maintain their shape moving aft, allowing for a spacious three or four-cabin interior, with a sleek superstructure completing the overall look.

Beautifully Balanced

The result is one of the most aesthetically pleasing yachts under 21m (70ft). This is significant because, as our competitor analysis demonstrates, much of the next-generation trawler market consists of large, sometimes imposing designs. If you prefer something less imposing, if you appreciate classical lines as much as a spacious owner's cabin, the Magellano offers an ideal balance.

The onboard ambiance of the yacht, from the flybridge to the cabins, is relaxed and comfortable. The focus on living aboard is evident in the open-plan salon and the choice between four cabins or three with a lower utility area. Our test boat included a lower study, demonstrating Azimut's ability to cater to owners in this discerning sector of yacht ownership.

Power is provided by twin MAN i6 850hp engines, delivering speeds of around 24 knots. With a semi-displacement hull and 4,500-liter tanks, the 66 can travel approximately 500nm at 19 knots and a very practical 1,000nm at 10 knots. This means you can explore for an entire week without worrying about refueling.

Throughout the yacht, there's a distinctive vibe. If you're accustomed to the interior of an Azimut flybridge, this boat stands out. While it exudes substance and style, it does so in a more subdued manner. The single-level salon showcases conservative cabinetry and a sleek window design. The deck head is adorned with luxurious wood framing, and the seating, though plush and cozy, is adorned in subtle tones.

That attention to detail continues with a nod to trawler traditions. The forward galley, linked to the separate dining area by a charming port-light serving hatch, pays homage to the layout found on old Grand Banks vessels. However, beyond this, the design reflects practical cruising, Italian style. The salon seating is positioned to port, accompanied by a lengthy sideboard to starboard, ideal for storing day cruising essentials. A sleek full-height cabinet near the entrance provides snug storage for glassware, with a refrigerator below ready to cater to guests' needs.

A portion of the sideboard can be replaced with a facing sofa. While this may prove useful for weekend excursions, extra storage will be indispensable for longer voyages.

The dining table extends from the port side, offering a splendid view outward. Above, Azimut has incorporated one of its distinctive light fixtures, with its cuboid design complementing the overall finish. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the oversized serving port serves a practical purpose, facilitating easy communication between the galley and guests.

The galley itself has a functional layout, evoking a crewed atmosphere with its semi-enclosed design and side door. This layout is particularly advantageous for those considering running with a crew, as it enables easy movement around the yacht and efficient service to guests without disrupting the salon. Ample storage surrounds the two worktops, with a dedicated section for cold storage. Positioned forward near the windscreens, the hob and oven highlight the importance of the side door for ventilation and preventing steamed-up glass.

The galley-forward design leads to the cabins accessed via a stairwell amidships from the salon. This arrangement provides additional stowage space, and the layout is straightforward, with a full-beam stateroom forward, a VIP cabin, and a twin cabin, all with ensuite facilities. The fourth bunked cabin to port appears more suited for use as a dedicated utility and storage room, although there is space for a washing machine along the lower deck companionway, as seen on the boat we observed, with its bespoke lower deck study.

The owner’s stateroom showcases the ambiance of this yacht, with its laid-back style, spacious twin wardrobes, and cabinetry. Despite its practicality, being an Azimut, it boasts textured finishes, subtle lighting, expansive hull side glass, and a charming snug area. While the snug accommodates only a single seat, a sofa might offer more practicality, yet it presents an inviting space that occupants will likely enjoy using.

The cabin enjoys a full-beam layout due to the ensuite being positioned forward, resulting in a surprisingly spacious toilet and shower compartment finished in bright white marble.

Similarly, the VIP cabin boasts a welcoming atmosphere with long strips of hull glass and another impressive ensuite. The twin cabin serves as a cozy retreat, mirroring the high standards of the yacht, perhaps more prominently than anywhere else.

Located off the transom, the crew quarters feature a tidy two-bunk design and ensuite. If opting for a three-cabin layout with utility space, this crew cabin could serve as occasional fourth guest quarters.

The decision to relocate the galley forward influenced the design of the lower helm to some extent, shifting it to the starboard side. Although there isn't a helm side door, a sliding window is present, while the galley offers access via the port deck door. The adjustable leather helm seats, positioned slightly higher, provide an excellent forward view through tall clear screens — even the wipers retract when not in use.

The upright console accommodates two multifunction display screens, along with a bits tray, cup holders, and a leather-bound handrail for the navigator. Throttle and optional joystick controls are neatly situated on their own outboard console.

This area is ideal for longer journeys, offering a sense of separation from the rest of the yacht, which is further emphasized by the standard full-height cabinet typically positioned behind the helm. In our boat, a sideboard was included, providing a clear view aft through the salon.

The upper helm features a twin seat and multifunction display layout identical to the lower helm but boasts a practical, minimalist finish that promises durability. With excellent visibility and a reliable wind deflector, the upper helm is perfect for day cruising and is surrounded by guest seating.

The majority of Magellano 66 models sold thus far have opted for the optional hardtop for the flybridge. However, the boat we looked at did not include this feature, allowing us to appreciate the distinguished central mast design that divides the forward guest area from the open aft deck. Positioned beneath the mast, a complete wet bar and grill form an ideal barbecue area. The open aft deck embodies a true trawler characteristic, historically designated for deck storage or a tender. Nonetheless, on modern yachts, it is more common to encounter freestanding furniture in this space.

The flybridge offers both depth and security, with effortless maneuverability. Notably, a superb rail to port divides the aft and forward sections, ensuring safety. Moving into the guest seating area, ample grab rails provide additional security. The seating layout features a dining area adjacent to the wet bar, complemented by a sun pad wrapping around the forward sections. With the inclusion of twin helm seats, there is seating capacity for approximately twelve people.

The straightforward yet highly functional finish of this boat, indicative of an owner intending to utilize the yacht extensively, omitted optional teak decking to warm up the flybridge. However, various customization options are available, including a hardtop, teak decking, and alternative upholstery, each capable of significantly altering the ambiance of the space.

Mainly Impressive 

The main deck aft features teak decking, offering a luxurious touch. A spacious U-shaped dining area dominates this space, complemented by stairwells leading down to the standard-fit hydraulic swim platform and bulwark gates for easy alongside boarding.

The side decks are exceptionally well-designed, characterized by their depth and width, ensuring frequent utilization beyond merely securing forward lines. Moving forward, the foredeck lounge presents a welcoming and expansive area. A long stretch of U-shaped seating can be converted into a sizable pad, offering versatility in lounging options. Situated securely within the boat, the lounge is protected by moldings that provide ample storage voids for fenders and lines.

The deep bulwark extends around the bow, augmented by an additional layer of sturdy guardrails, instilling a sense of safety and manageability to the anchor platform and working deck; ideal for owner operation.

Another noteworthy aspect of the vessel, driven by practicality, is the engine bay. Accessible through a spacious aft deck hatch, the bay boasts clever engineering and offers full-standing headroom for individuals under 6ft. Key service points are conveniently positioned at the forefront, ensuring easy access. Additionally, ancillary equipment such as the hydraulic or freshwater system and the 19kW generator are readily accessible, further enhancing the ease of maintenance and operation.

The Magellano 66 we observed was notable for two reasons. It showcased Azimut's capability to collaborate with an owner to tailor their desired cruising setup, while also indicating an owner less focused on appearances. The standard interior requires minimal additional features, though opting for the optional hard top and teak decking for the flybridge could be considered.

The hydraulic package helps to reduce the cost of the stabilizer, which also powers the swim platform and tender launch and recovery system.

Most of the other important options don’t come with a hefty price tag, so you're free to choose the layout and finish that best suits your cruising style.