Should I buy an Azimut 86S? Questions!

Like everyone has said, you will increase the depreciation run by essentially expensing any work you put into it. If you do a $1M refit, your going to see most of that going down the drain. It’s probably only worth it if you plan to keep it for some time and if that incremental expense is worth it for your enjoyment versus the effect on resell at the end.

Does anyone fine this an odd post??

Yes. Not saying it's not legitimate. However, it follows the pattern of first time boaters and Azimut and loving them in spite of any other comments. Clearly, Marine Max's success with the line depends on a lot of sales to persons lacking experience. Now, that's not to say they don't get any repeat customers. Just easy to fall in love with the sales pitch and styling without too much questioning.

Unfortunately, LukeBrick is talking about financing rehab of one and headed down a path that can lead to major financial loss. There's not an Azimut in the world I would spend a million dollars on renovating. There's been mention of recovering 50% but I'd put it more like a 15-20% payback and that done simply because of aesthetic preference less than that.

Worst thing in the world for a used boat buyer is falling deeply in love with a boat before having all the information.

Falling in love simply based on looks is extremely dangerous.

I don't dislike the Azimut boats as much as some here.

The main reason I would never buy a new Azimut in the US is their warranty program which is completely handled by Marine Max.

As to used, they sell for less and they're resell for less. Many never got all the issues remedied and so still carry them. The lack of quality control in manufacturing and in dealer service still plagues the older boats. As to the issues people here report, it's just workmanship, things like plumbing, wiring, engine room layout. Quality of build throughout. Perhaps, if you find one that passes a survey with flying colors, you'll be the exception. However, you're dismissing every other boat based simply on how they're decorated. My wife and I are as much enthralled by appearance of things we're buying too, but appearance has been well down the line in our priorities on boats.

We own two Riva's, purchased new. Not crazy about the interior colors of either, but love the boats. Bought them off the shelf.

I ran a two hour leg in 4-6' averaging 35 knots in an 86S. It topped out near 45 knots. That's flying in an 86' boat! One of the best riding offshore hulls I've been on, but that's to be expected in a near 90-foot boat with hullform derived from offshore racing. The boat ran solid and tight so I can't say anything negative about the laminate or build integrity, although YF has a couple of threads showcasing some lamination issues a few years ago. The real problems seem to be access to systems, a lack of continuity between builds and sourcing components. Still, the 86S is a lot of boat for 1M.

Have you looked at the Cheoy Lee? They make a 76' and an 87' express. Here's a review of the 76" Alpha with a flybridge...

https://www.yachtforums.com/review/cheoy-lee-76-alpha-flybridge.20284/

Below are pics of the CL Alpha 76' and the 87' express...

I think going brand specific in this statement is very wrong.
Why would I spend the same money say on a Sunseeker. Squeekers all need repainting after few years for both hull and deck thanks to gelcoat crazing and hairline cracks in so called delicate areas as the beam of the hardtops, something which for example most Azimut's do not get. A painting in this size is always around 100k.
Also the big Azimut tend to have shipsides of Awlgrip or similar paint, while Sunseeker tend to be gelcoated which would make repainting also more costly.
Equipment on both is more or less the same. The refit of the interior in a boat this size will be all money in the sea whatever the make and it will be very much subject to taste.
Even when you change engines your boat does not become more expensive or newer, it just is the most desired of the curve but do not expect to get your engine money back.
It will never happen. Boats are not like classic cars. You can get some money back with charter but even that is a difficult fish and very much subject to location.

I went brand specific only because he was speaking of a specific brand. For the record, not a Sunseeker I'd spend that on either.