THE Maritimo M65 succeeded the M60 in the five model Maritimo Motor Yacht fleet and was designed to fit in between the M73 and M58. Developed off the previous M60, the hull was changed accordingly to allow for the new layout that now includes both full beam master cabin and ensuite. “In effect we offer much the same layout as the M73 but in a more compact package”, says Greg Haines, Marketing & Sales Manager for Maritimo. Stepping aboard the M65 I was impressed with not only the finish and appointments but also the intelligent design of the layout. This is a boat with a lot in it, yet it does not lack space anywhere. Right from the galley to the saloon, the bedrooms to the flybridge, every conceivable area has been designed for practicality and functionality as well as a high-quality presentation.
FLYBRIDGE
Being an enclosed bridge boat, the obvious area that everyone who comes aboard seems to radiate to is the upstair’s helm and lounge area. It is designed to be a comfortable and accommodating when underway, so the skipper doesn’t have to be left alone. Maritimo has really gone all out with the appointments and styling in not only the enclosed flybridge but the entire boat. Designer, David Stewart has brought together a furnishing package that is a perfectly balanced blend of soft light leather’s offset with dark timbers and well placed contrasting accents. However, while it has that super yacht look and finish, it is also very practical.
Space has been well utilised, so there’re plenty of open areas for entertaining, yet still retaining a generous lounger and table to starboard, with a full-length storage cabinet opposite. The Ottomans on the port lounge pull out to make an extra double berth and Icemakers, fridges and freezers are all options you can tick off when you order the M65. Twin Pompanette helm chairs grace the large and imposing helm. While the norm is usually a stitched vinyl finish, Barry- Cotter chose a two pack metallic charcoal paint. Triple 19” Simrad MFD screens run across the upper level, with all the necessary electronics and controls below. To help with ease of viewing in wet weather, the M65 is fitted with Vetus wipers with rain sensors. With one single rain sensor fitted, it is possible to activate max five wipers simultaneously. Overhead is a Websto sunroof. There is a massive aft deck or as they call it in the US, a Juliet deck – didn’t see Romeo below in the cockpit – accessed via full width opening glass doors from the flybridge. Together they transform the upper level into a huge entertainment and socialising space.
There’s a separate set of engine controls outside to help when docking or backing up on a fish “The flybridge on this vessel is really like the second story of an apartment, it is massive and can be used for additional sleeping quarters or entertaining. On M65 #4, the bridge will include a microwave oven, two-burner stove and dishwasher. “Some our buyers like the idea of having a separate area for their teenage children to have their own space,” adds Greg.
DOWNSTAIRS
This is a boat that is all about a warm and friendly atmosphere with high profile windows and loads of natural light. You have the choice of four timbers, Teak, Wenge, Beech or Myrtle and a variety of leathers, vinyl and soft furnishings. Maritimo have retained their single post staircase from the M58 and previous M60 which is about as unobtrusive as you can get and has minimal effect on your sightlines fore and aft.
Neatly mounted below is the entertainment centre complete with a 42” pop up TV wine fridge and ice- maker. The split level saloon is divided into two main areas. Aft is the galley with an island counter and bi-fold doors that open to bring the outside in. As you would expect the galley is penthouse quality with full size fridge/freezer, large Caesar stone bench tops, loads of storage, dishwasher, full height pantry and Meile speed oven with convection microwave and grill. There’s also a couple of plate warmers, Meile cook top, double sink with Zip tap, trash bins and a separate freezer. Just add the food and drinks! The sole of the galley and entrance area is finished in hard wearing Amtico flooring, with plush carpet for all areas forward and in the accommodation areas. Forward to starboard is a three seater settee, with a large L shape lounge/ dinette area opposite. Dining for 6-8 is provided with the addition of four loose chairs, around the gloss teak table, which includes a central plate rack and storage locker.
FULL BEAM MASTER
The M65 has four main cabins including a full beam master and full beam ensuite. The VIP cabin is the same size as the master cabin on the previously released M60. All three main cabins offer double berths, although there is the option of two or four singles in the forward cabin. Greg pointed out that the accommodation layouts are varied and they will customise to suit an owner’s requirements. There is even an optional crews cabin should you require it.
The full beam master stateroom, with king size berth is huge, and there are some optional layouts available. In Barry- Cotters boat the port side features a small settee with deep hanging lockers aft, with a vanity unit and more hanging lockers to starboard. Three port windows either side, of which two are opening, let in natural light while there are plenty of LEDs throughout to keep the cabin bathed in light. Storage shelves, lockers and drawers are plentiful. A massive full beam bathroom is complete with a separate ‘body’ shower, his and hers twin bench vanity, head /bidet and is also fully air-conditioned. The forward VIP cabin en-suite also doubles as the day head, while the port side VIP has its own. All are Grohe equipped, with bidets and large walk-in shower stalls. Both cabins are spacious and comfortable with plenty of drawer and locker storage, ventilation and light. Zoned air conditioning keeps each space at the temperature your require. IF you don’t feel the need for the starboard side guest cabin with twin single berths, you can turn this space into a small office or laundry area.
BIG POWER CHOICE
The power options ranged from twin 900 horsepower Volvo motors through to four The fact that the engines can be run continuously at maximum rpm 24/7 is also a bonus and their excellent fuel economy is also another factor that sold him on the Scania package. Running the aggressive looking M65 off Surfers Paradise in the open water, we achieving a maximum speed of around 27 knots. The boat ran effortlessly with a slippery transition onto the plane and a rapid acceleration to maximum rpm.
In the head, quartering and following seas the M65 was never challenged, despite a stiff 15 knots and lifting swells. Bringing the throttles back to 2200 rpm @ 85% load and 25 knots, the fuel consumption was close enough to 250 lph or 10 lpnm. If you are more into sedate speeds, then slow cruising around 10 knots @ 1150 rpm will see a fuel burn of around 45 lph and at 17.5 knots 150 lph. At 100% load @ 2300 rpm/27 knots, the maximum fuel burn is 344 lph. The M65 is a boat with serious cruising capabilities. Soon after my run in the M65 it was due to head to Sydney for the SIBS and then across the Tasman in time for the Auckland On Water Boat Show. Based on the fuel data, Maritimo expected the trans Tasman trip to take around three days. The plan is to do the crossing on the M65’s own fuel tanks (cruising around 9 knots), but they may add a couple of fuel bladders just in case. If you are after more power then you have the option of a pair of 1150 Cat ACERTS or MAN 1200s which will return speed of just over 30 knots.
While all previous M65s have been fitted with a Seakeeper gyro, Barry-Cotter has opted not fit one at this stage, although the footprint to retrofit one is already built into the lazarette space. An electric hatch lift and headroom help with engine access and an electrically operated stern step folds down into the water for ease of access when diving or swimming. A rise and fall platform is an option.
FURTHER SUCCESS
“We think that in the US the M65 will be a smash hit as even with the dollar at parity
we are still over $1 million cheaper than a similar sized US boat such as a Viking”, says Greg. “This is a serious motor yacht and the interest we have had in this new model has been tremendous. The five we have sold are going to Adelaide, Sydney, the Gold Coast and Brisbane owners and we feel confident that now prospective buyers can actually see the finished product there will be a wave of further sales.
“This is a go anywhere motor yacht that can accommodate a family in style, safety and comfort for some genuine blue water passage making,” adds Greg.
