The Azimut Yachts 42 Fly 2003 vs Azimut Yachts S7 2017 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Azimut Yachts S7 2017 measures 71,2 feet overall (2017), giving it roughly 29,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Azimut Yachts 42 Fly 2003 at 42,2 feet (2003). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Azimut Yachts 42 Fly 2003 tips the scales at 308 647 lbs — 207 235 lbs more than the Azimut Yachts S7 2017 at 101 412 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 800 hp, the Azimut Yachts S7 2017 has a 375-hp advantage over the Azimut Yachts 42 Fly 2003's 425-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Azimut Yachts S7 2017 carries 1 004 gallons versus 591 gallons in the Azimut Yachts 42 Fly 2003. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Azimut Yachts S7 2017 is rated for 21 passengers, while the Azimut Yachts 42 Fly 2003 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Azimut Yachts S7 2017 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Azimut Yachts S7 2017 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 21 passengers and at 71,2 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Azimut Yachts 42 Fly 2003 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.