Azimut vs Prestige: Which Motor Yacht Brand for Your Croatia Charter?

Azimut and Prestige are the two largest motor yacht brands in Croatia's charter fleet, with 34 boats between them. Choosing Azimut vs Prestige charter comes down to what matters most: Italian sport-luxury and a wider model range, or French design elegance and better value in the mid-range. This comparison breaks down both brands across fleet size, pricing, design, specs, and the specific scenarios where each one wins.

Key Takeaways

• Azimut: 21 boats, 43–78 ft, €6,000–€25,000/week. Wider range, larger flagships, Italian sport-luxury DNA
• Prestige: 13 boats, 36–62 ft, €4,000–€18,000/week. Better mid-range value, more interior volume per foot, plus a unique power catamaran
• Overlap zone: 46–60 feet. Both brands compete directly here — Prestige typically 15–25% cheaper at comparable sizes
• Azimut wins above 62 ft — Prestige has no boats in the 68–78 foot flagship tier
• Prestige wins on entry price — the 36 Fly starts at ~€4,000/week vs Azimut's ~€6,000 entry

Azimut Overview: Italian Performance and Range

Azimut Yachts, founded in 1969 near Turin, is one of the world's largest private yacht manufacturers. The brand's design language is distinctly Italian: bold lines, sport-influenced profiles, and a focus on flybridge living. In Croatia, the fleet spans three collections — Flybridge (comfort), S-Series (sport), and Magellano (long-range) — covering virtually every motor yacht need from couples to corporate groups of 10.

Azimut's strongest card is range. No other motor yacht brand in Croatia offers boats from 43 to 78 feet under one design philosophy. The flagship 78 Fly and the sport-oriented S7 represent categories where Prestige simply has no competitor. If you need a crewed superyacht experience or a 36-knot sport cruiser, Azimut is your only branded option.

For a complete model-by-model breakdown, see our Azimut charter guide.

Prestige Overview: French Elegance and Value

Prestige Yachts is part of Groupe Beneteau — the French marine conglomerate that also builds Beneteau and Jeanneau sailing yachts. This heritage shows in Prestige's design priorities: maximise interior volume, flood the saloon with natural light, and create open-plan living spaces that feel larger than the hull length suggests. The signature sliding glass doors between cockpit and saloon effectively turn the entire main deck into one continuous room.

Prestige's strongest card is value in the 46–50 foot sweet spot. The 460 and 500 deliver comparable or superior interior space to Azimut models at the same length, typically at 15–25% lower charter rates. The Prestige M48 power catamaran adds a category-of-one option that no competitor matches — motor yacht convenience with catamaran stability.

For full details on every model, see our Prestige charter guide.

Fleet Comparison: Size, Range, and Availability

Factor	Azimut	Prestige
Total Boats in Croatia	21	13
Size Range	43–78 ft	36–62 ft
Entry Price (weekly)	~€6,000	~€4,000
Top Price (weekly)	~€25,000+	~€18,000
Most Popular Tier	53–58 ft (5 boats)	46–50 ft (4 boats)
Flagship	78 Fly (3 boats)	620 (1 boat)
Unique Offering	S7 sport yacht, Magellano long-range	M48 power catamaran
Country of Origin	Italy	France (Groupe Beneteau)
Max Guest Capacity	10 (S7)	8 (M48)

Design Philosophy: Italian Sport vs French Elegance

This is where the brands diverge most — and where personal taste matters more than objective specs.

Azimut designs from the outside in. The hull shape, profile, and flybridge silhouette drive the overall aesthetic, and interiors are fitted within that sporty envelope. The result is boats that look dramatic at anchor and underway, with aggressive bow angles and taut surfaces. Italian leather, high-gloss woods, and bold colour accents define the interior mood. Azimut boats photograph beautifully — they're designed to make a statement.

Prestige designs from the inside out. Interior volume, light, and flow take priority, and the hull shape accommodates those living-space goals. The result is boats that may look more conservative from the dock but feel noticeably more spacious once aboard. French oak, matte finishes, and neutral palettes create a calmer, more residential atmosphere. Guests who've experienced both brands consistently report that Prestige interiors feel "bigger" at the same hull length.

Neither approach is better. If you want your yacht to turn heads at the marina and deliver Italian flair, choose Azimut. If you want the saloon to feel like a Parisian apartment and maximise comfortable living space, choose Prestige.

Price Comparison: Same Size, Different Cost

Where both brands overlap (roughly 46–60 feet), Prestige consistently offers lower charter rates. Here's how comparable models stack up:

Size Class	Azimut Model	Azimut Rate	Prestige Model	Prestige Rate	Difference
~46 ft	Azimut 47	€7,000–€11,000	Prestige 460	€7,000–€10,000	Prestige ~10% less
~50 ft	Azimut 50	€8,000–€12,000	Prestige 500	€8,000–€12,000	Similar
~55 ft	Azimut 55	€11,000–€15,000	Prestige 590 Fly	€14,000–€18,000	Azimut ~20% less*
~60 ft	Azimut 60	€15,000–€20,000	Prestige 620	€16,000–€20,000	Similar

The price comparison reverses above 62 feet because Prestige doesn't compete there. Azimut's 68E, 72, and 78 Fly occupy a premium tier with no Prestige equivalent — if you need a 70+ footer, Azimut is the only branded option.

Below 43 feet, Prestige wins by default: the 36 Fly and 420 Fly start at ~€4,000–€8,000/week, while Azimut's smallest model (43S) starts around €6,000.

Specs Comparison: Performance and Layout

Spec	Azimut (typical)	Prestige (typical)	What It Means
Top Speed	27–34 kn	28–30 kn	Azimut is slightly faster, especially in sport models (S7: 36 kn)
Cruising Speed	18–22 kn	18–24 kn	Very similar in real-world cruising
Draft Range	0.9–1.8m	1.0–1.4m	Both access shallow bays; Azimut 78 Fly's 1.2m draft is exceptionally low for its size
Beam (50 ft class)	4.5–4.9m	4.3–4.5m	Azimut slightly wider, but Prestige uses space more efficiently
Interior Volume	Generous	Class-leading	Prestige consistently feels larger inside at the same length
Natural Light	Good	Excellent	Prestige's floor-to-ceiling windows and open-plan design admit more light
Flybridge Size	Large	Large	Both brands prioritise flybridge living — a draw
Build Quality	Premium Italian	Premium French	Both are high-quality; Azimut uses more carbon fibre on larger models

Decision Guide: Choose Azimut If… / Choose Prestige If…

Choose Azimut if:

• You want a crewed yacht above 62 feet — Prestige doesn't go that large in Croatia
• Sport performance matters — the S7 (36 knots, 10 guests) has no Prestige equivalent
• Long-range cruising appeals — the Magellano 66's 300 nm range is unmatched
• You prefer Italian design with bold, sporty aesthetics
• You need capacity for 8–10 guests (72, 78 Fly, or S7)
• Marina presence matters — Azimut yachts tend to draw more attention at dock

Choose Prestige if:

• Budget is a priority — lower entry prices and better value in the 46–50 ft range
• Interior space and natural light matter most — Prestige leads here
• You want a power catamaran — the M48 is unique in Croatia's fleet
• Seasickness is a concern — the M48's catamaran hull eliminates rolling
• You prefer understated French elegance over Italian showmanship
• Reliability and parts availability matter — Groupe Beneteau's service network is strong

The Overlap Zone: 46–60 Feet Head-to-Head

For most charterers comparing Azimut vs Prestige, the real decision happens between 46 and 60 feet — where both brands have multiple options. Here's how to think about it:

At ~46 feet: The Prestige 460 edges ahead on value. Its 3-cabin option accommodates up to 9 people (with convertible saloon), and the updated hull design is more efficient than the Azimut 47. But the Azimut 47 offers sportier handling and a more dramatic profile. If budget matters, Prestige. If style matters, Azimut.

At ~50 feet: Nearly a toss-up. The Prestige 500 is widely regarded as one of the best motor yachts in its class, with an exceptionally well-designed saloon. The Azimut 50 is less common in Croatia's fleet and sits between generations. Advantage: Prestige, slightly.

At ~55–60 feet: Both brands deliver excellent crewed charter experiences. The Azimut 55 and 60 offer Italian luxury with proven flybridge designs. The Prestige 590 Fly counters with arguably the best natural-light interior in the class. The Azimut 58 sits nicely in between. At this tier, board both if possible — the difference is one of taste, not quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brand holds its value better?

For charter purposes, resale value isn't your concern — but it does affect fleet age and condition. Both brands hold value well in the Mediterranean market. Azimut tends to retain slightly higher resale percentages due to Italian brand cachet, but Prestige's lower initial cost means the total ownership economics are similar. In Croatia's charter fleet, both brands are well-maintained by professional operators.

Can I bareboat charter either brand?

Models under ~55 feet from both brands are available as bareboat or skipper-only charters, provided you hold a valid motor boat licence (ICC or equivalent). Above 55–60 feet, most charters are crewed by default. The Prestige M48 catamaran is available bareboat with a motor licence — no sailing certification needed.

Are there other motor yacht brands to consider in Croatia?

Yes. Princess (9 boats), Fairline (7), Galeon (5), and Sunseeker (3) all have charter presence in Croatia, though with smaller fleets. Princess and Sunseeker target the ultra-premium segment, while Galeon and Fairline occupy a similar price tier to Prestige. Azimut and Prestige together represent roughly 40% of all motor yachts available — by far the widest selection.

What about fuel costs — does one brand use less?

At comparable sizes and speeds, fuel consumption is similar between both brands. The exception is the Azimut Magellano 66, which uses a Dual Mode hull for ~20% better fuel efficiency than standard flybridge models, and the Prestige M48, whose catamaran design is inherently more fuel-efficient at lower speeds. For standard flybridge models, budget €150–€400/day for fuel depending on size and cruising speed.

Bottom Line

Both Azimut and Prestige deliver premium motor yacht experiences in Croatia. The choice isn't about quality — both brands build excellent boats. It's about priorities.

Azimut wins on range and flagships: if you want a 70+ foot crewed luxury yacht, a sport performer, or a long-range cruiser, there's no Prestige alternative. Prestige wins on mid-range value and interior design: if you want maximum space and light for your budget at 46–50 feet, or need the stability of a power catamaran, Prestige delivers.

For most first-time motor yacht charterers booking in the 46–55 foot range, Prestige offers slightly better value. For experienced charterers seeking larger flagships or specific performance characteristics, Azimut provides the wider selection. Both are excellent choices for Croatia's Adriatic coast.

Browse both fleets to compare availability and pricing: Azimut on Yachtaris | Prestige on Yachtaris

Related Reading

• Azimut Motor Yachts in Croatia: Models, Specs, and Charter Guide
• Prestige Yachts in Croatia: Complete Charter Guide
• Sailing Yacht vs Motor Yacht in Croatia
• Sunreef 50 Charter Review