By Robert Lama, President — Miami International Yacht Sales | Updated July 2026
Azimut or Ferretti — the question comes up in almost every conversation I have with buyers evaluating Italian motor yachts in the 50–90 foot class. After 14 years of representing buyers and sellers across both brands in Miami and South Florida, here is the direct answer: neither brand is universally better. They serve different ownership personalities, and the right choice depends on how you intend to use the boat, how long you plan to hold it, and what you value more — dynamic styling or refined stability.
This guide breaks down every meaningful difference between Azimut and Ferretti — from hull design and performance to interior philosophy, price ranges, resale values, and how both brands fit into the broader Italian yacht landscape. It also covers what buyers in the Miami market specifically need to know, since the South Florida operating environment — Bahamas runs, year-round use, charter potential — changes the calculus in ways that generic brand comparisons miss.
📞 Evaluating Azimut or Ferretti in Miami? Call Robert Lama directly: +1-305-857-8939
Azimut vs Ferretti at a Glance — Quick Comparison
| Factor | Azimut | Ferretti |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1969, Turin, Italy | 1968, Forlì, Italy |
| Parent Group | Azimut|Benetti Group | Ferretti Group |
| Size Range | 34ft – 116ft (Azimut line) | 40ft – 100ft+ |
| Design Philosophy | Bold, modern, trend-forward | Classic elegance, understated |
| Hull Type | Planing / semi-displacement | Semi-displacement / displacement |
| Top Speed (typical) | 28–38 knots | 26–34 knots |
| Interior Focus | Open decks, panoramic glazing | Enclosed salons, soundproofing |
| Annual Maintenance | 8–10% of vessel value | 7–9% of vessel value |
| Resale Speed | Moves faster on open market | Holds higher value over time |
| Miami Dealer Network | Azimut Americas (Fort Lauderdale) | Ferretti Group Americas (Miami) |
| Best For | Style-forward, social, day cruising | Long passages, stability, families |
Brand Origins — Two Different Traditions
Azimut Yachts
Azimut was founded in 1969 in Turin by Paolo Vitelli as a yacht charter and distribution business before pivoting to manufacturing in 1972. Today, through the Azimut|Benetti Group, it is one of the largest yacht manufacturing groups in the world by volume — producing vessels from 34 feet (the Azimut 34) up to the 116-foot Azimut Grande range, and superyachts through its Benetti division.
Azimut’s identity is built around volume innovation — they consistently introduce fresh design language, push deck space maximization, and were early adopters of IPS (Inboard Performance System) pod drives across their lineup. The result is a brand that looks consistently current, attracts buyers who respond to design-forward marketing, and commands strong initial interest in the pre-owned market.
Ferretti Yachts
Ferretti Yachts was founded in 1968 by the Ferretti family in Forlì, Emilia-Romagna — one of Italy’s most productive manufacturing regions. Today, Ferretti Yachts is part of the broader Ferretti Group, which also owns Riva, Pershing, CRN, Custom Line, Itama, and Wally. This group structure gives Ferretti Yachts access to shared engineering, materials science, and production infrastructure that independent yards cannot match.
Ferretti’s identity is built around engineering refinement — their vessels are heavier, better soundproofed, and more stable at sea than most competitors at equivalent length. Interior finishing tends toward classic Italian craftsmanship rather than trend-responsive styling. The buyer profile skews toward experienced owners who have moved through lighter production boats and now prioritize comfort, seakeeping, and longevity.
Hull Design and Performance — The Most Important Difference
This is where Azimut and Ferretti diverge most meaningfully. If you cruise primarily in calm Florida waters, this distinction matters less. If you cross the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas regularly, it matters significantly.
Azimut — Planing and Semi-Displacement Hulls
Most Azimut models in the 50–90 foot range use planing or semi-displacement hulls optimized for speed and responsiveness. This makes them exciting to drive, fast to a destination, and efficient at higher throttle settings. The tradeoff: in heavy sea states — which South Florida buyers encounter regularly on Gulf Stream crossings — planing hulls pound more and require more active throttle management to maintain passenger comfort.
Azimut’s proprietary ARS (Azimut Running Surface) hull design, used across their Fly and S series, is specifically engineered to reduce slamming and fuel consumption simultaneously — and it largely delivers on that promise. At cruising speed (22–28 knots), Azimuts are genuinely efficient and pleasant to handle.
Ferretti — Semi-Displacement Comfort Hulls
Ferretti Yachts designs most of their flagship models around semi-displacement hulls that prioritize stability, seakeeping, and noise reduction at sea. This produces a quieter onboard experience at cruising speed and a more forgiving behavior in 3–5 foot chop — which is exactly what a Miami–Bimini run in December looks like.
Ferretti’s deep-V hull design also means better behavior when running off a following sea — a condition common on the return run from the Bahamas with a southeast trade wind on your stern. Buyers who cruise offshore regularly and often have guests onboard who are not seasoned boaters consistently report preferring Ferretti’s sea manners to Azimut’s in equivalent conditions.
Performance Comparison by Model Class
| Model Class (~70 ft) | Azimut 70 | Ferretti 720 |
|---|---|---|
| LOA | 22.12m / 72’6″ | 22.6m / 74’2″ |
| Beam | 5.77m / 18’11” | 5.72m / 18’9″ |
| Displacement | 32,000 kg | 38,000 kg |
| Max Speed | 32 knots | 30 knots |
| Cruise Speed | 26 knots | 24 knots |
| Range (cruise) | 350 nm | 400 nm |
| Engines (standard) | 2× MAN 1000 hp | 2× MAN 1000 hp |
| Hull Type | Planing | Semi-displacement |
| Fuel Capacity | 3,200 L | 4,500 L |
Interior Design and Layout — Two Different Philosophies
Spend two hours aboard an Azimut and a comparable Ferretti back to back and the difference in interior philosophy becomes immediately apparent.
Azimut — Open, Social, Light-Filled Layouts
Azimut designs their interiors with panoramic glazing, open salons, and maximised outdoor deck space. The cockpit flows naturally into the salon through full-width sliding glass doors. Upper decks are wide-open entertaining spaces. Natural light floods every cabin. The effect is a boat that feels social, modern, and spacious — ideally suited to the Miami lifestyle of dock parties, afternoon runs to the sandbar, and entertaining large groups.
Interior styling trends change regularly across Azimut model years — which is partly why Azimuts can look dated faster than Ferrettis as years pass, affecting resale positioning.
Ferretti — Enclosed Elegance, Acoustic Engineering
Ferretti interiors are quieter, heavier, and more traditionally finished. The salon typically features a proper separation from the cockpit, better noise insulation from the engines, and interior materials that age more gracefully — leathers, woods, and stone surfaces that were selected for durability rather than visual impact alone.
Ferretti also invests heavily in acoustic engineering — hull insulation, vibration dampening, and engine room isolation that produces measurably lower interior noise levels at cruising speed. For owners who spend overnight passages aboard or frequently dine at anchor with guests, this engineering investment translates to a meaningfully more comfortable experience.
Price Comparison — Azimut vs Ferretti (USD, 2026)
| Length Class | Azimut (New) | Ferretti (New) | Azimut (5yr Pre-owned) | Ferretti (5yr Pre-owned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~50 ft | $700K – $950K | $850K – $1.1M | $420K – $600K | $520K – $720K |
| ~60 ft | $1.1M – $1.6M | $1.3M – $2.0M | $700K – $1.1M | $850K – $1.4M |
| ~70 ft | $1.8M – $2.8M | $2.2M – $3.5M | $1.1M – $1.9M | $1.5M – $2.4M |
| ~80 ft | $2.8M – $4.2M | $3.2M – $5.0M | $1.8M – $2.9M | $2.2M – $3.5M |
| ~90 ft | $4.0M – $6.0M | $4.5M – $7.0M | $2.5M – $4.2M | $3.0M – $5.0M |
USD ranges reflect Miami/Fort Lauderdale brokerage market asking prices as of July 2026. Pre-owned pricing varies significantly by model year, condition, and equipment specification. Contact Robert Lama at +1-305-857-8939 for current market pricing on specific vessels.
Ferretti commands a modest premium over Azimut at equivalent size — typically 10–20% on new builds. The premium reflects heavier construction, more advanced acoustic engineering, and the brand’s positioning as a slightly more exclusive product.
Resale Value and Maintenance Costs
| Metric | Azimut | Ferretti |
|---|---|---|
| Year-1 Depreciation (new) | 15–20% | 12–18% |
| 5-year value retention | 50–60% of new price | 55–65% of new price |
| Annual maintenance cost | 8–10% of vessel value | 7–9% of vessel value |
| Resale liquidity (time to sell) | Faster — broader buyer pool | Slower — more selective market |
| Parts availability (USA) | Good — Azimut Americas network | Good — Ferretti Group Americas |
| Service centers (South Florida) | Fort Lauderdale, Miami | Miami, Fort Lauderdale |
Robert Lama’s take on resale: In 14 years of brokerage in Miami, I have sold both brands at multiple price points. Azimuts consistently attract more initial inquiries from buyers — the styling draws attention and the brand is broadly recognized. Ferrettis take longer to sell but the eventual buyer typically pays a stronger price per foot. If your priority is quick liquidity, Azimut is the safer bet. If your priority is maximum return on a longer hold, Ferretti’s slightly stronger value retention becomes meaningful.
The Broader Picture — Italian Yacht Groups in 2026
Understanding Azimut and Ferretti also means understanding the groups they belong to — because the group structure affects warranty support, dealer networks, parts availability, and the range of options available to you as a buyer.
Ferretti Group — Italy’s Largest Luxury Yacht Manufacturer
The Ferretti Group is Italy’s largest luxury yacht manufacturer and one of the most recognized names in the global superyacht industry. Beyond the Ferretti Yachts brand itself, the group owns:
- Riva — Italy’s most iconic heritage brand, the Rolls-Royce of Italian yachting. Charles Leclerc took delivery of his Riva 102′ Corsaro Super in 2026 — a high-profile example of Riva’s enduring appeal among UHNW buyers worldwide.
- Pershing — The performance-focused arm of Ferretti Group. Pershing GTX116 and GTX70 models are the most powerful production yachts in the group’s portfolio, with top speeds exceeding 45 knots on select models.
- CRN — The group’s superyacht division, producing fully custom vessels above 30 meters in steel and aluminum.
- Custom Line — Semi-custom superyachts in the Navetta (displacement/full-displacement) and Planing series, targeting buyers between production and full-custom.
- Wally — Acquired by Ferretti Group in 2022. Known for groundbreaking design and minimalist aesthetic in both power and sail.
For buyers in Miami, this group structure matters: Ferretti Group Americas maintains dealer and service infrastructure across South Florida, meaning warranty service, parts, and technical expertise for all Ferretti Group brands — Riva, Pershing, Ferretti, Custom Line — can be accessed through a single network.
Azimut|Benetti Group — Italy’s Largest by Volume
The Azimut|Benetti Group is the world’s largest yacht manufacturing group by annual volume, combining two complementary brands:
- Azimut Yachts — Production and semi-custom motor yachts from 34 to 116 feet, covering the widest price range of any Italian builder.
- Benetti — One of the world’s most awarded custom and semi-custom superyacht builders, producing vessels from 30 meters to 90 meters+. Benetti has won Boat International’s Shipyard of the Year six consecutive times. See our guide to the top yacht brands in 2026 for a full assessment of Benetti’s market position.
The group’s scale — over 4,000 employees and multiple production facilities across Italy — gives Azimut advantages in parts availability, warranty response, and continuous model development that smaller Italian yards cannot match.
Azimut vs Ferretti for Miami and South Florida Buyers
The Miami and South Florida market has specific characteristics that affect which brand performs better as an ownership experience:
The Bahamas Run — Azimut vs Ferretti in Practice
The most common route for Miami-based yacht owners is the Gulf Stream crossing to Bimini or Nassau — roughly 55 nautical miles in water that can range from flat calm to 4–6 foot short-period chop depending on Gulf Stream conditions and wind direction. In this specific operating context:
- Azimut — Gets you there faster (typically 30–45 minutes quicker on the crossing at max cruise), but the planing hull pounds more in a 4-foot chop with a northwest wind. Guests who are not regular boaters sometimes find this uncomfortable. The cockpit layout is ideal for entertaining on arrival.
- Ferretti — Takes slightly longer at comparable throttle settings, but delivers a quieter, more stable ride. Senior guests and families with children consistently prefer the Ferretti experience in modest sea states. Overnight passages from Miami to Nassau or the Exumas favor Ferretti’s seakeeping decisively.
Charter Use in Miami
Both Azimut and Ferretti are well-established in the Miami charter market. Azimut’s cockpit and deck layouts are particularly well-suited to day charter — the social flow from cockpit to salon and the open upper deck work naturally for entertaining groups. Ferretti models are preferred by charter clients seeking overnight or multi-day programs where cabin comfort and onboard noise levels matter.
Florida Sales Tax Implications
Florida’s 6% sales tax, capped at $18,000 for any yacht acquisition regardless of purchase price, applies equally to Azimut and Ferretti purchases made in Florida. For vessels purchased internationally and imported, federal import duty of 1.5% (uncapped) applies. At a $3 million Ferretti purchase, this adds $45,000 in import duty — a meaningful consideration for buyers evaluating European listings. See our complete cost of ownership guide for a full breakdown of acquisition costs in Miami.
Yacht vs Superyacht vs Mega Yacht — Which Category Do These Brands Cover?
Buyers new to the segment sometimes ask where Azimut and Ferretti fit in the broader yacht size hierarchy. The definitions used in the US market:
| Classification | Length | Azimut Coverage | Ferretti Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Yacht | 40–79 ft | ✅ Full range | ✅ Full range |
| Superyacht | 80–150 ft | ✅ Azimut Grande series | ✅ Ferretti 960–1000 |
| Mega Yacht | 150 ft+ | ✅ Benetti (sister brand) | ✅ CRN (sister brand) |
Both groups extend their reach into the superyacht and mega yacht segments through their sister brands — Benetti for Azimut and CRN/Custom Line for Ferretti. For buyers scaling up from a production yacht to a first superyacht, both groups offer a natural transition path within a familiar brand family. For the world’s largest superyachts by length, see our largest yachts in the world 2026 rankings.
Which Italian Yacht Brand Should You Choose?
After 14 years of selling both brands in Miami, here is how I frame the decision for buyers:
Choose Azimut if:
- You entertain large groups frequently and the boat is primarily a social platform
- You cruise mostly in protected Florida waters and the Bahamas in calm conditions
- You plan to hold the vessel 3–5 years and want maximum buyer interest when selling
- Design freshness matters to you — you want the boat to look current throughout your ownership
- Budget is a priority at equivalent size — Azimut typically costs 10–20% less than Ferretti
Choose Ferretti if:
- Offshore passages in variable conditions are part of your regular use pattern
- You have senior guests, family members, or non-boaters onboard frequently
- You plan to hold the vessel 7–10+ years and want maximum value retention
- Cabin quiet and interior finish longevity matter more than deck space
- You are considering moving into a Riva or Pershing (Ferretti Group) after this vessel
Explore our current inventory of Ferretti yachts for sale and all Italian yacht listings currently available through our Miami brokerage.
Frequently Asked Questions — Azimut vs Ferretti
Which is better — Azimut or Ferretti?
Neither brand is universally better. Azimut leads on design freshness, deck space, speed, and resale liquidity. Ferretti leads on seakeeping, cabin quiet, long-term value retention, and offshore comfort. The right choice depends on your usage pattern: social day cruising favors Azimut; offshore passages and overnight use favor Ferretti. Both are world-class Italian motor yacht builders with strong South Florida dealer support.
Are Ferretti yachts more expensive than Azimut?
Yes — typically 10–20% more expensive at equivalent size. A new 70-foot Ferretti starts around $2.2–$3.5M USD versus $1.8–$2.8M for a comparable Azimut. On the pre-owned market, Ferretti also holds slightly higher resale values, with 5-year value retention of 55–65% vs Azimut’s 50–60%.
What brands does the Ferretti Group own?
The Ferretti Group owns Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, CRN, Custom Line, Itama, and Wally. This makes it Italy’s most comprehensive luxury yacht group, covering heritage runabouts (Riva), production flybridge yachts (Ferretti), performance sportscruisers (Pershing), semi-custom superyachts (Custom Line), fully custom superyachts (CRN), and design-forward sail/power hybrids (Wally).
What brands does Azimut|Benetti Group own?
The Azimut|Benetti Group owns Azimut Yachts (production motor yachts, 34–116 feet) and Benetti (semi-custom and fully custom superyachts, 30–90 meters+). Benetti is one of the world’s most awarded superyacht builders and has won Boat International’s Shipyard of the Year six consecutive times.
Which Italian yacht brand has the best resale value?
Ferretti holds slightly better value over longer holding periods (5–10 years), while Azimut sells faster in the pre-owned market due to broader buyer recognition. At 5 years post-purchase, a well-maintained Ferretti typically retains 55–65% of its new price versus 50–60% for an equivalent Azimut. For maximum long-term value retention in Italian production yachts, Ferretti and Sanlorenzo both outperform Azimut.
Are Azimut yachts good for the Miami to Bahamas crossing?
Azimuts are capable on the Miami–Bahamas crossing, particularly in moderate sea states. Their planing hulls deliver fast crossing times in calm water. In 4–6 foot Gulf Stream chop — common in winter with northwest winds — Ferretti’s semi-displacement hull delivers a more comfortable ride, particularly for guests who are not experienced boaters. For frequent Bahamas crossings in variable conditions, Ferretti is the more comfortable platform.
What is the difference between a yacht and a superyacht?
A yacht is generally defined as any leisure vessel over 24 meters (79 feet) with professional crew. A superyacht typically refers to vessels exceeding 24 meters in the luxury, custom-built category — though in common US usage, “superyacht” is often applied to vessels above 80 feet. A mega yacht refers to vessels exceeding 60 meters (200 feet). Azimut and Ferretti both produce vessels in the yacht and lower superyacht range; their sister brands (Benetti, CRN) handle true mega yacht construction.
Can I buy Azimut or Ferretti yachts in Miami?
Yes. Both Azimut and Ferretti maintain authorized dealer and service infrastructure in South Florida. Miami International Yacht Sales provides independent brokerage representation for buyers and sellers of both brands — without dealer alignment, meaning our advice is based entirely on your requirements rather than inventory we need to move. Contact Robert Lama at +1-305-857-8939 for a private consultation on current availability.
Which Italian yacht brand is most popular in Miami?
In the Miami and Fort Lauderdale market, Azimut has broader name recognition and higher transaction volume across the 50–80 foot class — driven largely by pricing accessibility and the social dock culture that fits Azimut’s layout philosophy well. Ferretti commands a strong following among experienced repeat buyers who have typically owned two or more yachts previously and now prioritize sea manners over styling. Riva (Ferretti Group) is the most visible heritage brand on Miami’s waterfront, with several examples typically visible at top Coconut Grove and South Beach marinas.
Talk to Robert Lama About Azimut or Ferretti
Miami International Yacht Sales handles both Azimut and Ferretti transactions regularly — acquisitions, sales, and private buyer briefs for specific models currently off-market. If you are evaluating both brands and want an honest, experienced broker’s opinion on the specific models and price points that make sense for your situation, call Robert Lama directly.
All consultations are private, obligation-free, and based on 14+ years of active brokerage in the 50’–250′ class from Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
- 📞 Phone: +1-305-857-8939
- 📧 Email: bob@miamiys.com
- 📍 Location: 953 Harbor View N, Hollywood, FL 33019 (By Appointment)
Browse our current mega yacht and superyacht listings or explore our broader luxury yacht search to see what is currently available across both brands in the Miami market.
