Azure Boats: Worth The Hype?

Azure boats are a line of sport boats manufactured by Bennington, a company known for its top-notch pontoon boats. Azure boats are designed with sleek profiles, stainless-steel trim, and graceful curves. They offer comfortable seating and ample space, making them ideal for day cruising and hanging out with friends and family. Azure boats come in various sizes, ranging from 18 to 29 feet in length, and are equipped with different propulsion systems, including inboard/outboard and gas fuel options. While some Azure boat owners have reported issues such as speedometer problems, water leakage, and challenges with getting on plane, others have praised the boat's performance, handling, and unique design. Overall, Azure boats present a mix of reviews, with some considering them good boats and others facing challenges with specific models.

Azure boats' design and performance

Azure boats are designed by Bennington Marine, a company known for its top-notch pontoon boats. Azure boats are available in a range of sizes, with the smallest boat measuring 18 feet in length and the largest stretching to 29 feet. The boats are designed for a variety of purposes, including day cruising, watersports, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, and overnight cruising.

The design of Azure boats has been described as quirky by some, but the level of quirkiness depends on the model year. The boats have a moderate draft and average beam, making them suitable for small lakes but perhaps less ideal for navigating big water. One owner commented that the ride can become "miserable" in rough conditions on the Chesapeake, but the boat performs well on lakes.

The Azure 298, a 2024 model, is a bowrider with sleek styling and impressive performance. It features a Volvo Penta 8.1-liter engine and a dual-prop drive system, which provides smooth shifting and positive tracking. The dual-prop setup also improves slow-speed and midrange handling and enhances the boat's ability to hold its bite in hard turns. During test rides, the boat exhibited minimal bow rise and quick acceleration, taking only 3.9 seconds to plane.

The Azure 298 also offers a spacious and comfortable interior. The bow area features wraparound lounge seating with angles that invite passengers to sprawl out and relax. The cockpit provides ample space for socialising, with a bucket helm seat and a rear seat that can be flipped down to create a sun pad or a reclining lounge.

Overall, Azure boats offer a combination of style and functionality, making them well-suited for day cruising and watersports activities. While some owners have reported issues with gel coat crazing and minor stress cracks, others have praised the boats' performance, comfort, and unique design.

Azure boats' manufacturer and reputation

Azure boats are manufactured by Bennington Marine, a company highly acclaimed for its top-notch pontoon boats. Azure boats are available in a range of sizes, with the smallest boat measuring 18 feet in length and the largest stretching to 29 feet. The average length of their boats is 23.65 feet. Azure boats are popular for their bowrider, deck, runabout, and cruiser designs, making them ideal for day cruising, watersports, and fishing.

The Azure boat line was first introduced in 2002-2003 and has since undergone several design changes. The brand was acquired by KCS International, the parent company of Cruisers Yachts and Rampage Sport Fishing Yachts, in February 2024. KCS International has since rebranded the Azure Sport Boats line as the Cruisers Sport Series, reflecting their commitment to quality and performance.

The reputation of Azure boats has been mixed. Some owners and dealers have praised Azure boats for their quality, performance, comfort, and unique design, comparing them favourably to other boat brands such as Chapparal, SeaRay, and Crownline. They are described as solid boats with many features and good resale value. However, others have noted that they are not well-known in certain regions, which can make resale challenging. Some owners have also experienced issues with the gel coat cracking, particularly in older models, and minor cosmetic flaws. Overall, Azure boats are considered to be upper-mid-tier in quality.

Azure boats' common problems

Azure boats are manufactured by Bennington Marine, a company known for its top-notch pontoon boats. Azure boats are generally well-regarded, with some reviews praising their design, performance, and luxury features. However, there have been some common problems reported by Azure boat owners over the years. Here are some of the issues that have been mentioned:

• Water leakage: Some owners have reported significant amounts of water getting into the bilge, even on calm days with no rain or waves. This could be due to various factors such as hull cracks, issues with the speedometer hose, or other unspecified causes.
• Speedometer issues: Several owners have experienced problems with their speedometers, with some boats being delivered with non-functional speedometers, and replacement speedometers also malfunctioning.
• Engine problems: There have been reports of engines dying when the throttle is pulled back too quickly, which should not happen with a fuel-injected engine. This issue has been attributed by some to be related to the speed at which the throttle is reduced.
• Planing difficulties: Azure boats, especially the AZ220 model, have been known to struggle to get on plane, particularly when carrying multiple passengers. This issue may be due to a lack of power relative to the boat's weight, and can sometimes be mitigated by changing the propeller or installing trim tabs.
• Gel coat cracking: Azure boats, especially the 188 model, have been reported to have issues with gel coat cracking. This problem was more prevalent in boats manufactured between 2005 and 2007.
• Quality and fit and finish concerns: Some owners and reviewers have expressed concerns about the quality and fit and finish of Azure boats, noting issues such as ill-fitted windshield gaskets, misaligned vent grilles, and unfinished edges in engine compartments. These issues may have been more common in earlier models or in specific years, as some reviewers have not encountered these problems.

Azure boats' price range

Azure boats are available in a variety of price ranges, with some second-hand models retailing for as little as $8,500, while others can cost up to $70,597 for newer, more luxurious vessels. Azure boats are built by Bennington, a company known for its top-notch pontoon boats. Azure boats are considered to be in the mid-tier range, with some users praising their quality and design, while others have criticised their performance in rough waters.

The price of an Azure boat depends on various factors, including the model, age, condition, and included features. The AZ238, AZ298, and 258 Bow Rider are some of the most sought-after models, with prices varying depending on the specific boat. For example, a 2013 Azure 258 Bow Rider can be found for sale at $49,900, while a 2006 Azure AZ 200 Deck Boat is listed at $9,495.

The Azure line offers a range of boats suited for different purposes, including day cruising, watersports, fishing, and overnight cruising. The boats come with different engine configurations, with some models having up to 430 horsepower. The size of Azure boats varies, with lengths ranging from 18 to 29 feet, catering to different needs and preferences.

When considering purchasing an Azure boat, it is essential to research the specific model and its features, as well as seek out reviews and opinions from current and previous owners. While some owners have reported issues with resale value and performance in rough waters, others have praised the boat's design, comfort, and handling on lakes. It is also recommended to test drive the boat and have it inspected by a professional before making a purchase decision.

Azure boats' engine power

Azure boats are available in a range of sizes, from 18 feet to 29 feet in length, with an average length of 23.65 feet. The boats are equipped with engines that offer different levels of horsepower, ranging from 135 horsepower in smaller, more affordable models to 430 horsepower in higher-performance variants.

One of the more powerful Azure boats, the Azure 298, is a sleek and stylish bowrider that offers both function and luxury. This boat is powered by a Volvo Penta 8.1-liter engine and a dual-prop drive system, providing smooth shifting and precise tracking. The dual-prop setup also improves slow-speed and midrange handling, making it easier to steer the boat in reverse and enhancing its manoeuvrability in hard turns.

Another notable Azure boat is the AZ240, which has been described as a well-designed and built boat, comparable to brands like Crownline, SeaRay, and others. This particular model has a "modified V" hull design, which some consider ideal for handling big water, while others express concerns about its ability to handle large waves.

The Azure AZ200 is a deck boat with a 5.0-liter Mercruiser engine, which delivers impressive speed and handling, according to one owner. This model is also available with a 270 horsepower 5.0-liter engine, although some owners have noted that it feels a bit sluggish when pulling a skier.

Overall, Azure boats offer a range of engine power and performance options, catering to various boating activities and preferences. While some models have been praised for their speed and handling, others might feel underpowered for specific activities like waterskiing. It's important to consider the intended use and desired performance when selecting an Azure boat to ensure it aligns with your expectations and requirements.

Frequently asked questions