The Azimut Yachts Atlantis 38 2012 vs Azimut Yachts S86 2004 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 S86 2004 measures 86,0 feet overall (2004), giving it roughly 47,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Azimut Yachts Atlantis 38 2012 at 38,2 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Azimut Yachts S86 2004 tips the scales at 136 650 lbs — 113 061 lbs less than the Azimut Yachts Atlantis 38 2012 at 23 589 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 2 000 hp, the Azimut Yachts S86 2004 has a 1 700-hp advantage over the Azimut Yachts Atlantis 38 2012's 300-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 S86 2004 carries 1 585 gallons versus 201 gallons in the Azimut Yachts Atlantis 38 2012. 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 S86 2004 is rated for 26 passengers, while the Azimut Yachts Atlantis 38 2012 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Azimut Yachts S86 2004 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Azimut Yachts S86 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 26 passengers and at 86,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Azimut Yachts Atlantis 38 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.