Indicative of the high-quality boats made in Australia these days, the Azzura Commuter 33 looked as pretty as a postcard against the backdrop of old boatsheds, endless sandbanks, tall gums and well-to-do waterfronts on Hindmarsh Island.

The boat has classic lines and an exquisite finish that includes a high-gloss teak transom, lots of lovely brightwork, posh portholes, and a work-of-art windscreen like that on a classic Jag racer. The foredeck 'mast' with nav lights is a nice nautical touch.

Finishes throughout are first class. There is cool canvas-like upholstery outdoors, perfect teak joinery, black-ice Corian counters, soft burgundy leather lounges and a traditional teak-lined cabin below.
Engineering is a strong point, with labels on everything that is important underfloor. I couldn't get over the serious stainless plumbing gear, which is akin to what you would expect on a custom-made superyacht.

All the seacocks are bronze, the dual water tanks, fuel tank and hot-water tank are stainless steel, while the steering is Hydrive hydraulic. The boat has a wet exhaust system and sound insulation, which Azzura needs to improve to reduce engine noise on future models.

The engine, a single 240hp Yanmar that hides beneath the cockpit sole almost amidships to keep weight out of the boat's ends.

For servicing and pre-cruising checks, press a button and watch in wonder as the entire cockpit sole lifts on a hydraulic ram. Fully elevated, there is only room to crawl around the motor because back aft the hull is so flat and narrow-draft.

Before you baulk at the thought of a single motor, note that this boat has 3hp bow thrusters and stern thrusters that make docking child's play. And underway she is a darling to drive.

While the hull is not a conventional deep-vee, it is darn smooth riding. The super-sharp rounded stem sluices the waves like the good ol' destroyers of the 'Fifties. The flat run aft and hard chines give lift and efficiency.

General
Material: Vacuum-bagged composite construction
Type: Moderate-vee hard-chine hull
Length (overall): 10.30m
Beam: 3.29m
Draft: 0.83m
Deadrise: n/a
Weight: 4400kg (dry)

Capacities
Berths: Two
Fuel: 333lt
Water: 125lt

Engine
Make/Model: Yanmar 4LHA-STP
240 HP

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