Review: Maritimo M70

Life’s greatest journeys are best shared with friends and family, and Maritimo’s M70 is designed with this in mind.

Spontaneity, adventure and exploration require a foundation of comfort, self-sufficiency and reliability. The Maritimo M70 delivers dependability and comfort with a familiar generosity and applies principles found in nature and business that define success.

It's not surprising that in a nation of water lovers, our focus has shifted to equipping and preparing ourselves for domestic exploration, living the life to which we've aspired. The timeline to achieving goals has accelerated while the pace of life has decelerated a little. Self-determined itineraries rely less and less on others, and the multi-faceted marine industry is particularly buoyant as a result. 

Maritimo's approach to the design of propulsion and electrical systems has always leaned heavily towards uncomplicated and proven simplicity to meet their mantra of reliability. The M70 is a culmination of this creed, simple straight shaft transfer of power through a standard transmission, powered by heavy-duty engines.

When it comes to horsepower and how it's delivered, Maritimo's options are very accommodating of preferences. Standard engines are the Volvo D13, an inline six-cylinder engine displacing 12.8L, they provide 1000 metric horsepower at a max rpm of 2400, weighing in at 1635kg a piece.

There are four other engine options from another two manufacturers, which will appeal to a lot of buyers from commercial machinery backgrounds. Both Scania and Caterpillar have a long history of transport in Australia, and both have workhorse reputations. Scania options include two from the Dl16 range; for the commercial sector, the Dl16 076M V8, a 16.4L displacement engine rated at 1150 metric horsepower and weighing 1660kg; or the  Di16 093M V8, rated for pleasure craft at 1200 metric horsepower with the same displacement and weight. 

The Caterpillar options include the C12.9, a 12.9L displacement engine, with an output of 1000 metric horsepower at max rpm of 2300, weighing in at 1672kg each.

Propelling the test boat is the larger optional Caterpillar C18 engines, their 18.1L displacement sees 1150 horses at the crankshaft at max rpm of 2300, and they weigh in at 1860kg. Maritimo's flexibility on engine choices gives it a broad appeal; the extra weight of these engines may contribute to optimising the VCG for the supple ride.

OFFSHORE ROAR

When we headed offshore in a 1.5m south-east swell, the engines responded well and propelled us to the high 20s with ease. The sky sprinkled a little, and despite the gloomy outlook, the ride was soft through the swell without stabilisation. The balance of weight was a notable feature of the ride.

The engine noise was minimal inside the fully enclosed temperature-controlled flybridge. If you prefer fresh ocean air, the side opening windows, large overhead sunroof and rear bi-fold bulkhead can be opened instead. This blends the large aft deck with the incredibly generous interior, creating a one level alfresco connection akin to main deck proportions of 50–60 foot boat. 

To port of the helm is a cruising contingent lounge, L-Shaped and capable of seating three or four with ease. Or when it's just the two of you plying the passage, there's a nice feature that encourages helm companionship for long periods. Next to the handy power and USB outlets along the lower edge of the lounge, there's a switch that converts the area into a forward-facing chaise lounge for stretched out cruising with a view, including excellent sightlines to the water. The aft seat cushion can be raised at the aft end by an electric actuator creating a forward-facing backrest to your desired angle, creating one of the best spots to watch the coastline change underway. Aft of the helm area, seating on the starboard side provides another five seats all facing the amenities bench to port that houses the plenty of refreshments and a pop-up tv for sports or movie night. 

On our return north up the Broadwater, we stopped, dropped the hook and went over the details. Externally the M70 looks a little more sophisticated with the black Targa arch that supports the black dome and open array radar.

THE REAR

The teak-laid hi-lo platform expands the connection to the water. The style lines of the platform carry forward as a minimal sponson with folding cleats for tying off the tender away from the swim platform. Refrigeration and cooking facilities complete the back deck functionality. The central door leads down to the lazarette of ample proportions. There are the additional two crew bunks fitted on this particular vessel, plus more refrigeration.

Three steps up, dual transom gates lead up to the cockpit on the same level as the galley. The simple, uncluttered layout lends itself to suit the function of desire, and the fully opening rear bulkhead connects and creates flow inside. 

INSIDE

With great size comes ample space, I am a fan of the Maritimo island bench open-ended galley. It gives a genuinely integrated feeling to the aft galley with the cockpit. The dimensions lean towards the open plan kitchen feel of an apartment, helped along by the full-size upright fridge, freezer and sizeable pantry. When it's time to entertain, the island bench is an ideal in-between space for laying out a banquet with equally good access to the saloon forward and the cockpit aft. 

A step up from the galley, the saloon is a notably bigger one than the M64, made for entertaining. The M70 gains extra space in this area. It enhances the connection to the galley over the M64 with space available at the breakfast bar extending to the windows. Capable of seating three or perfect as a bar-lean for a chat with the chef. 

Maritimo has introduced a mix of textures to their fabrics, and I like the effect. The leather lounge to port that surrounds the dining table on two sides utilises upholstery suited to dining. The sumptuous straight lounge to port features an inviting textured fabric that exudes comfort and introduces texture to the social-centric saloon. The size of this area is deceptive in the photographs, as the lounge to starboard has only three cushions but is big enough to seat four or five intimately. The other feature I like is the same opening windows on either side as with the flybridge allowing fresh air to fill the boat without the need for mechanical cooling.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The travel-centric focus on onboard entertaining means you can go places with a modest tribe on board if you choose; accommodation features two double cabins and two twin cabins. A great combo for families, but for a trip with friends you'll appreciate one of the twin cabins converting swiftly into a double berth making three double cabins when required. 

The centrally-located master cabin utilises the maximum beam, and is a place you can find solace in the practical layout. Immediately to starboard is the enormous desk/vanity area. Its L-shaped design expands storage options enabling it to function as an office or as a dressing table. Storage is a noteworthy feature of this cabin, port and starboard double door wardrobes span the full cabin height to fit plenty of clothes for everyday life aboard and swanky dinners ashore. The same textured fabric found on the saloon starboard lounge appears again on the plush lounge to port in this cabin. 

Behind the bulkhead of the master is a full-beam bathroom, with dual sinks and custom mixers that look like they could dispense a liquid tastier than water. Above and below the vanity has more impressive storage catering to extended periods onboard. The shower cubicle is of ample height and width with a remarkable volume with wide teak finished seat. The position of the bathroom also allows for an additional bulkhead and buffer zone from the engine room aft. 

Forward near the bow with its ensuite, the VIP cabin is a spacious cabin that continues the stateroom fit and finishes. Long-range, bluewater adventurers will appreciate there are no forward-facing hull windows in this cabin, but plenty of natural light fills the space from dual overhead hatches. The VIP cabin is spacious with ensuite. A second entry to the ensuite allows it to function as the day head with easy access from the accommodation atrium. 

Immediately to port is the twin/double cabin with its private ensuite, the optional slide together function of the beds is a bonus for a third couple onboard. The fourth cabin is big enough for adults or children. The over and under bunks berths bring the guest accommodations up to eight plus two crew, for a total of ten berths.

Our stop off in the Broadwater gave the sky a chance to clear a little, the sun hustled the clouds out of the way, providing an opportunity for the cameras to come out and capture this vessel looking beautiful, at anchor. Once the anchor was up we got underway again, the boat powered up with an excellent running attitude for a magic carpet ride up to the mouth of the Coomera River before heading back to home base at Hope Harbour.

CONCLUSION

Travel-centric and happy in its own company, Maritimo M70 is built to explore and share. The back deck, alfresco cockpit and galley, the social-centric saloon and impressive fly deck make it a realistic choice for entertainers, adventurers and independent-minded boaters. As with profitable businesses, system reliability and uptime are crucial to maximising the return on investment, and Maritimo delivers luxury with simplicity for maximum enjoyment and uptime. If you desire a boat that applies the same principals to operation and maintenance, this could be the ideal annex to your life. 

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FACTS & FIGURES

PRICED FROM

$ 3,652,000

OPTIONS FITTED

Aft Cabin Crew Cabin, Extended Swim Platform Deck, Hydraulic Swim Platform, Saloon Drawer Fridges, Mood Lighting Upgrade, Seakeeper 16 Gyro, Flybridge Awning, Flybridge Aft Deck Seating, 500kg Bow Davit, Hydraulic Bow+ Stern Thrusters, Yacht Controller Dual Band, Fwd Directional Sonar, Garmin Triple 8422 Displays, Cockpit Controls

GENERAL

LENGTH OVERALL 21.51m (70ft 7in)

BEAM 5.72m (18ft 9in)

DRAFT 1.5m (4ft 11in)

DRY WEIGHT 43t

GENERATOR Cummins Onan 22 KW 50 HZ

CAPACITIES

PEOPLE 8 + crew 

FUEL 6,300L

WATER 1,400L

ENGINE

MAKE/MODEL Volvo Penta D13-1000mhp (standard), Scania Di16 1200mhp, CAT C18 1150mhp

MANUFACTURED BY

Maritimo

15 Waterway Dr. 

Coomera, QLD

W maritimo.com.au