The Azimut Yachts Grande 30M 2018 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 Grande 30M 2018 measures 95,6 feet overall (2018), giving it roughly 9,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Azimut Yachts S86 2004 at 86,0 feet (2004). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Azimut Yachts Grande 30M 2018 tips the scales at 244 713 lbs — 108 063 lbs more than the Azimut Yachts S86 2004 at 136 650 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 2 400 hp, the Azimut Yachts Grande 30M 2018 has a 400-hp advantage over the Azimut Yachts S86 2004's 2 000-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 317 gallons in the Azimut Yachts Grande 30M 2018. 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 Grande 30M 2018 is rated for 29 passengers, while the Azimut Yachts S86 2004 caps at 26. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Azimut Yachts Grande 30M 2018 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Azimut Yachts Grande 30M 2018 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 29 passengers and at 95,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Azimut Yachts S86 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 26 that costs less to run day-to-day.