The Azimut Yachts Grande 35M 2016 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 35M 2016 measures 114,1 feet overall (2016), giving it roughly 28,1 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 35M 2016 tips the scales at 339 512 lbs — 202 862 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 35M 2016 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 Grande 35M 2016 carries 4 755 gallons versus 1 585 gallons in the Azimut Yachts S86 2004. 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 35M 2016 is rated for 34 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 35M 2016 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Azimut Yachts Grande 35M 2016 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 34 passengers and at 114,1 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.