Azimut 86S for Sale

Azimut 86S Specifications

The specification tells the story of a yacht built for outright speed rather than long-range cruising. The 6,000–7,200 litre fuel capacity is large in absolute terms, but at the consumption rates demanded by 4,000 hp at speed, range is modest compared to a displacement yacht — roughly 250–300 nautical miles at a 37–39 knot cruise. The 1.02 m draft on Arneson drives is remarkably shallow for an 87-foot yacht, opening up anchorages and marinas that deeper-drafted competitors cannot access. The 62-tonne loaded displacement places the 86S firmly in the lightweight camp for its length, a direct result of the carbon fibre and Kevlar-reinforced construction. CE Category B (Offshore) certification permits operation in winds up to Beaufort 8 and significant wave heights to 4 metres — appropriate for Mediterranean and coastal Atlantic cruising.

Performance & Handling

At speed: The twin MTU 16V 2000 M91 engines produce a combined 4,000 hp, making the 86S one of the most powerful production yachts of its era. On Arneson surface drives, the 86S achieves a top speed of 46 knots — a figure confirmed by multiple sea trial reports. Power & Motoryacht recorded 53 mph (46 knots) at wide-open throttle during their test, with 39 mph (34 knots) at a relaxed 2,000 RPM. The waterjet variant is marginally slower at 42–45 knots, but the difference is compensated by vastly superior slow-speed handling. In either configuration, the 86S is genuinely fast — not marketing fast, but fast enough to cover 100 nautical miles in well under three hours at cruise.

Arneson drives: The Arneson ASD 15 surface drives are the defining feature of the performance-oriented 86S. Surface-piercing propellers operate half in, half out of the water, dramatically reducing appendage drag and contributing to the shallow 1.02 m draft. The trade-off is operational complexity: Arneson drives require careful trimming to match sea state and loading conditions, and they demand an owner or captain who understands surface drive behaviour. At displacement speeds, the props are fully immersed and the boat handles conventionally. As speed increases and the hull rises onto the plane, the drives are trimmed progressively to optimise bite and reduce drag. This is a skill that takes time to develop, and it is a meaningful factor in the buying decision.

Waterjet option: The Hamilton HJ 364 waterjets offer a fundamentally different ownership experience. Below 10 knots, the waterjets provide joystick control with intuitive directional thrust — the yacht can be walked sideways into a berth without bow or stern thrusters. Emergency stopping is equally impressive: the 86S on waterjets can stop in approximately three boat lengths from cruise speed, using the jet deflectors as reverse thrust. The penalty is 1–4 knots off the top end and marginally higher fuel consumption at cruise, but for owners who value close-quarters handling over the last few knots of top speed, the waterjet is the more practical choice.

Ride quality: The deep-V hull with 13° deadrise at the transom delivers a ride that reviewers describe as “rock solid” at cruise speeds of 37–39 knots, with the wide chines generating substantial lift and stability. Above 40 knots, the ride stiffens noticeably — the wide chines that provide lift at cruise trade cushioning for speed, and the 86S communicates every wave through the helm at full chat. This is inherent to the hull form: the relatively flat sections outboard generate the lift that enables 46-knot performance, but they cannot simultaneously provide the soft ride of a deeper-V hull. In a Mediterranean chop, 37 knots is a more comfortable and practical cruising speed than 46.

Interior Layout & Living Aboard

The 86S employs a galley-down layout that relocates the kitchen below the main deck to starboard. This is a deliberate design decision that maximises the main salon’s open volume and sightlines, creating a continuous entertaining space from the helm forward to the cockpit aft. The trade-off is practical: without crew to manage meal preparation below decks, the galley-down arrangement requires constant trips up and down the companionway stairs. For most 86S owners running with professional crew, this is a non-issue. For owner-operators, it is a legitimate consideration that warrants a close look during a viewing.

The master suite is positioned amidships in the widest section of the hull, delivering a full-beam cabin that feels remarkably spacious for a sport yacht. Oversized hull windows — larger than those fitted to most competitors in this era — flood the cabin with natural light and provide panoramic sea views from the berth. The en-suite head is finished to a high standard with marble or granite surfaces depending on the specification. A walk-in wardrobe provides genuine storage for extended cruising.

The VIP cabin forward offers a full-size double berth with its own en-suite, while two twin cabins provide flexible accommodation for additional guests or family. All four guest cabins have individual en-suite heads, bringing the total to four guest bathrooms plus one crew — five heads in total. The crew cabin, positioned forward of the engine room, provides two berths and a separate head, with independent access that keeps crew circulation separate from guest areas.

The raised bridge deck houses the helm station with excellent forward visibility and provides hydraulic access to the engine room below — a feature that simplifies maintenance checks, though the engine room itself remains tight. A sliding sunroof above the main salon opens to create an indoor-outdoor connection that is one of the 86S’s most appealing features on warm Mediterranean evenings.

Aft, the tender garage accommodates a tender or jet ski, with a sun bed positioned on top that creates an additional lounging area at cockpit level. The cockpit itself provides dining space and direct access to the swim platform, completing an outdoor layout that prioritises the social, sun-seeking lifestyle that defines the sport yacht category.

Azimut 86S Ownership: What to Expect

The Azimut 86S is an expensive yacht to own and operate. The twin MTU 16V 2000 engines are powerful, complex powerplants that demand specialist servicing, and the Arneson or waterjet drive systems add a layer of maintenance cost that conventional shaft-drive yachts do not carry. Prospective owners should budget for the following:

• Purchase price: The 86S listed at approximately $4.8 million when new. Used examples currently trade between $850,000 and $1,500,000 depending on year, hours, drive configuration, and condition. Waterjet boats tend to command a modest premium over Arneson-equipped examples due to easier handling.
• Insurance: 1.5–2.5% of hull value. On a boat insured at $1,200,000, this translates to approximately $18,000–$30,000 per year. High-performance sport yachts attract higher premiums than displacement cruisers due to the speed-related risk profile.
• Berthing: A 27-metre sport yacht requires a premium berth. Mediterranean marinas range from €20,000–€60,000+ per year depending on location. US East Coast marinas run $30,000–$60,000 annually.
• Engine servicing: Twin MTU 16V 2000 engines require specialist MTU-trained technicians. Annual servicing costs approximately $15,000–$25,000 depending on hours. Major services at 2,000-hour intervals involve injector replacement, turbocharger inspection, and valve adjustment — budget $40,000–$60,000 per engine for a comprehensive overhaul.
• Drive system: Arneson surface drives require annual inspection of prop shafts, seals, and steering actuators. Propeller reconditioning or replacement is a significant cost item. Waterjet maintenance includes impeller inspection, intake grate cleaning, and bearing replacement at manufacturer intervals.
• Refit costs: A full interior refit on an 86S runs approximately $1 million. Hull paint (one side only) costs approximately $100,000. These are figures that reflect the yacht’s size and the complexity of the work involved.
• Approximate total: $120,000–$300,000+ per year depending on usage, location, and whether the boat is professionally crewed or owner-operated.

Depreciation: The 86S has passed through the steepest phase of its depreciation curve. Examples that sold for $4.8 million new now trade below $1.5 million — a depreciation of over 70%. For buyers entering the market now, this means the annual cost of ownership through further depreciation is relatively modest compared to a newer yacht. However, the mechanical and maintenance costs of a 15–20 year old high-performance yacht are substantial, and buyers should not confuse a low purchase price with a low total cost of ownership.

How to Buy an Azimut 86S: What to Look For

Arneson vs waterjet — the key decision: The choice of drive system is the single most important factor when buying an 86S. Arneson surface drives deliver maximum speed (46 knots) and the shallowest draft (1.02 m), but they require an experienced operator, are mechanically complex, and make slow-speed manoeuvring more challenging. Waterjets sacrifice a few knots of top speed for joystick control, exceptional stopping power, and simpler docking. For most second or third owners, the waterjet is the more practical choice — unless outright speed is the primary motivation.

Known Issues to Inspect

• Engine room access: The engine room on the 86S is extremely cramped relative to the size and power of the machinery. Accessing components for routine maintenance is difficult, and major work often requires partial disassembly of surrounding structures. During any viewing, inspect the engine room thoroughly and assess whether your preferred yard can realistically service the boat without excessive labour hours.
• No rub rails: The 86S was designed without rub rails — a clean design choice that works well in the Mediterranean, where yachts typically berth stern-to with fenders. In the US market, where side-to berthing at fixed docks is standard, the absence of rub rails is a genuine problem. Any contact with a dock risks gelcoat and structural damage. US-based owners should budget for aftermarket rub rail installation or exercise extreme caution when docking.
• No side gates: Boarding the 86S requires stepping over the gunwale amidships — there are no side gates for easy dock access. This is awkward for guests and potentially hazardous in a seaway. Some owners have retrofitted boarding gates, but the modification requires cutting into the hull moulding and is not always executed cleanly.
• Deck and hull condition: On boats now 15–22 years old, waterlogged decks and delamination are real risks. A thorough moisture meter survey out of the water is essential. Pay particular attention to the foredeck, cockpit sole, and areas around deck hardware where water ingress is most likely. Tapping the deck with a hammer can reveal areas of delamination that moisture meters may miss.
• Parts from Italy: Bespoke Azimut components — custom glazing, hydraulic fittings, interior hardware — are sourced from Italian suppliers. Lead times of 4–12 weeks are common, and owners outside Europe report occasional frustration with incorrect parts being shipped. The MTU engines are globally supported with better parts availability, but Azimut-specific items remain a logistical challenge.
• “Orphan” status: With only 29 units built and the model out of production since 2011, the 86S does not benefit from the scale of factory support that higher-volume Azimut models enjoy. Azimut’s aftersales department can assist, but the 86S is not a priority model. Buyers should establish relationships with independent yards experienced in Italian sport yacht maintenance rather than relying on factory support.

Pre-Purchase Survey

A motor yacht survey at this level should include a full hull and structural inspection out of the water with moisture meter readings, an engine assessment by an MTU-certified technician covering both engines and the drive system (Arneson or waterjet), a sea trial at full speed to verify performance claims and drive system condition, and a comprehensive systems check including all electrical circuits, hydraulics, and HVAC. Budget $5,000–$8,000 for a thorough survey of a yacht this size and complexity. Given the 86S’s age, drive system complexity, and limited production run, it is essential to use a surveyor with specific experience of high-performance Italian sport yachts — generic motor yacht surveyors may miss drive-specific issues.

Azimut 86S vs Competitors

The 80–90 ft sport yacht segment is a niche populated by a small number of Italian and British builders. Each offers a different balance of speed, luxury, and practicality, but all share the same fundamental proposition: high-performance open yachts designed for Mediterranean summers and fast coastal cruising.

Azimut 86S vs Pershing 72 / 76 / 88

Pershing is the benchmark for the Italian sport yacht category, and the 86S was conceived as a direct challenger. The Pershing 72 and 76 sit slightly below the 86S in length but share the Arneson surface drive philosophy and MTU power. The Pershing 88 (2007–2013) is the closest size match, also using twin MTU 16V 2000 engines with Arneson drives for a similar 46-knot top speed. Pershing’s build quality and attention to detail in the engine room are generally regarded as superior to the 86S, and Pershing’s longer heritage in the sport yacht segment means better developed dealer and service networks. The 86S counters with a more spacious interior (four guest cabins versus the Pershing’s typical three), the waterjet option that Pershing has never offered, and a lower used-market price. For buyers who prioritise accommodation and value, the 86S is compelling; for those who prioritise pedigree and resale, Pershing holds the advantage.

Azimut 86S vs Sunseeker Predator 84

The Sunseeker Predator 84 (2008–2014) is the British alternative, powered by twin MTU 16V 2000 engines with Arneson drives — the same fundamental powertrain as the 86S. Top speed is comparable at 42–45 knots. The Predator 84 benefits from Sunseeker’s stronger brand recognition in the UK and US markets, more refined build quality in areas like electrical installations and panel fit, and a wider dealer network outside Italy. The 86S offers a lower purchase price on the used market, the waterjet alternative, and arguably more aggressive styling. Interior volume is similar, though Sunseeker’s layout prioritises the master cabin with a particularly large en-suite. For US and UK buyers, the Predator’s superior parts availability and service network may tip the balance.

Azimut 86S vs Mangusta 92

The Mangusta 92 (Overmarine) is the larger Italian open yacht, stretching to 28 metres and typically powered by twin MTU 16V 2000 engines with Arneson drives. The Mangusta trades on its purer open-yacht layout — no raised bridge deck, minimal superstructure, a flush-deck profile that prioritises deck space and visual drama over enclosed volume. The 86S offers more interior accommodation and the enclosed helm station that the Mangusta lacks, making it more practical for extended cruising in variable weather. The Mangusta is the statement piece for harbour and coastal day cruising; the 86S is the more versatile cruiser. On the used market, Mangusta 92s command a premium over comparable 86S examples, reflecting the Mangusta brand’s stronger positioning in the open yacht segment.

Azimut 86S vs Riva 85 Opera

The Riva 85 Opera (2004–2008) is an exact contemporary from Ferretti Group’s prestige brand. Also powered by twin MTU 16V 2000 engines, the Opera achieves a similar speed envelope on Arneson drives. Riva’s interior finish is in a different league — the brand’s legendary woodwork, leather, and metalwork are handcrafted to a standard that Azimut does not attempt to match at its price point. The trade-off is higher purchase and maintenance costs, and the Riva mystique that commands a substantial brand premium on the used market. The 86S is the rational choice for buyers who want equivalent performance without paying the Riva tax; the Opera is for those who value the name and the craftsmanship above all else.

For a full interactive depreciation comparison between the Azimut 86S and competing models, visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool, where you can overlay pricing trends, track seasonal demand, and benchmark value retention across the sport yacht segment.