The Azimut Yachts 56 Fly 2017 vs Azimut Yachts S8 2019 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 S8 2019 measures 80,1 feet overall (2019), giving it roughly 23,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Azimut Yachts 56 Fly 2017 at 56,4 feet (2017). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Azimut Yachts S8 2019 tips the scales at 127 161 lbs — 68 298 lbs less than the Azimut Yachts 56 Fly 2017 at 58 863 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 1 000 hp, the Azimut Yachts S8 2019 has a 275-hp advantage over the Azimut Yachts 56 Fly 2017's 725-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 S8 2019 carries 1 057 gallons versus 581 gallons in the Azimut Yachts 56 Fly 2017. 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 S8 2019 is rated for 24 passengers, while the Azimut Yachts 56 Fly 2017 caps at 17. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Azimut Yachts S8 2019 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Azimut Yachts S8 2019 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 24 passengers and at 80,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Azimut Yachts 56 Fly 2017 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 17 that costs less to run day-to-day.