Tomorrow's Adventure

The latest addition to Maritimo's flybridge range is the new benchmark for comfortable living and spacious cruising.

Different times require different measures, and on the 1 June 2020, Maritimo launched their latest addition to the M range with the new 55. I was lucky enough to be there in person and watch the slick delivery of this new model as a virtual press release. 

From concept to this full-sized mock-up, the M55 has been two years in the making and has the highest level of detail from the design program, which has resulted in refinements that may otherwise not have happened. In my opinion, this looks like Maritimo's best design yet in the flybridge range.

STYLE EVOLUTION

What struck me first was the evolution of the exterior styling. The full-sized mock-up incorporates the new lines and accents found in Maritimo's X-Series. Aesthetically it's fresh, crisper both in the lines and connections between the hull and the superstructure. It shares the hull window designs with the M64 and hull accents of the X50 giving it a modernised and more sporty appearance.

Before the virtual release, I stepped aboard with Tom Barry-Cotter for a quick tour. You barely get up the ladder to the platform before you stop and admire what they term the Adventure Deck, and it's remarkable. It's Bora Bora over the water living in a way that belies the length of this boat. The transom’s set up for casual outdoor cooking and refreshments, and the fixed platform ensures there's plenty of space to operate here independent of the hydraulic platform. Submerge the platform, semi-submerge it, or keep it dry, use it how you please — it is quite open to interpretation. I would go for a single post receptacle right in the middle for a removable table and stools, and maybe a sun umbrella. It's a backyard BBQ on the pool deck ... marinised. That's hard to beat! 

The Adventure Deck or lower cockpit is comprised of the fixed platform and the Hydraulic Platform. The fixed platform conceals a cavernous lazarette that has the option to open via an electric actuator to reveal a 3m tender with davit stored below. The Hi-Lo platform is an additional 1.4m long giving a total length of 3.75m and a width of 3.8m, a staggering amount of back deck.

If you’re serious about fishing, then the Maritimo One division can work with you. They have plans that remove the amenities station at the transom, allowing room for a game chair, plus other options to suit your transom preferences, including plans for a fish-specific cockpit.

To maximise the flow and connection between the Adventure Deck and the upper cockpit, height change is minimal — just a single step as you pass through the transom gate. The flybridge aft deck entirely protects the four sides of seating. The hardtop that overhangs the cockpit has crisp lines which Maritimo want to maintain even with clears or breezeways. A recessed channel is in the ceiling for tidy hiding away of the clears, and rolled up, the clears neatly fit in a zipped bag, taking away the curing sausage look of aftermarket rolled up clears.

Noticeable is the introduction of the motoryacht wings that overhang the side decks — the flowing curve tapers towards the front of the flybridge. The subtle flare enables a broader base to the flybridge footprint and results in a more significant internal space in the sky lounge.

INSIDE EXPLORING

Back on the main deck, Maritimo Bifold doors open up the inside in signature fashion with the island bench and full-sized refrigeration and food storage. The stairs to the flybridge have been reversed and ascend from forward to aft. This directional change enables more floor and seating space in the flybridge beside the helm, enough for an entire family. Both this cosy corner for four and the seating aft of the helm chairs on the starboard side can convert for additional sleeping options. 

The aft deck on the flybridge is a new design for Maritimo. The hardtop flows all the way aft, including the same recessed channel for the clears and the ability to make this an extended enclosed area for cruising in air conditioned comfort. The most significant change and benefit to this area is the aft moulded seat that spans the width of the flybridge. The new moulded backrest design tumbles down at the perfect angle for hanging the elbow over. An aft steering station option has good sightlines for manoeuvring and fishing coordination.

In the saloon, the seating and dining table enjoy good sightlines to the water, and the adaptability of Maritimo's ottomans expands dining and relaxing options.

Descending to the accommodations deck via the companionway the atrium allows natural light to open up this area. The forward cabin offset design has been introduced from the X-series, enabling a flat cabin floor and a no-step up and no-shimmy approach to getting in and out of bed. Angling the bed is a simple strategy to getting in and out of bed with ease. It achieves a full walk around cabin right up to the head of the bed on each side. The same-level bathroom has dual entry to work as a day head and shared with the twin cabin. 

Surprisingly spacious, the twin side by side berths are adult-sized and will have the option to slide together for a third double cabin. A few steps down aft, the master cabin is full beam and flat-floored too. Flanked by storage and lounging options, this cabin is adaptable and liveable in size. 

Technically, Maritimo has kicked a couple of goals in their engineering. The motoryacht wings have helped achieve an attractive flybridge with more space, and they've kept the weight down with their racing division developed lamination methods. Reduced weight aloft along with focused weight distribution point to improved blue water handling. To keep the VCG lower for a more stable ride, the built-in tanks are made up of two gravity fed wing tanks that fill the central tank midships below the master. It looks like it will achieve a nice, balanced feel when running, no matter the level of the tanks.

To sum up this new one from Maritimo is probably going to be their new golden egg. Going by the order books, there are six boats on the order books at the time of writing. It's not surprising — it looks good, is priced well and will compete with much longer three cabin options on space and usable living zones. Due to hit the water by the end of the year, keep an eye on for 2020/2021 releases. 

SPECS

Maritimo M55

Price POA

LENGTH 17.27m (56ft 8in)

BEAM 5.23m (17ft 2in)

Draft 1.40m (4ft 6in)

Displacement 27t

FUEL 4550L

WATER 750L

Engine 2 X VOLVO D11 – 670 MHP

Web maritimo.com.au