DESIGNED FOR LIVING, BUILT FOR LUXURY
The latest in the Maritimo line is the M50… which could almost be described as a Journey through Innovation.
THE MARK OF THE MAN
The name Bill Barry-Cotter is one of the more prominent names in the Australian boat building industry, one could say an oracle of the industry without being hyperbolic. By the age of 19, Bill had constructed his first boat, taking over Mariner Cruisers when his employer retired. Mariner flourished under his leadership, becoming Australia’s largest boat manufacturer by 1978. Bill then successfully founded Riviera in 1980 and sold it in 2002. Not being content to stay home and water the roses, Bill created and still resides over Maritimo, a brand inspired by a lifelong passion for performance, build integrity and innovative design that stands the test of time. The latest in the Maritimo line is the M50. We take a walkthrough of the vessel, which could almost be described as a “Journey Through Innovation”.
THE REVOLUTIONARY “PATENT PENDING” SWIM PLATFORM
Our tour of the Maritimo M50 Flybridge begins at the stern, with mine host and tour guide General Manager Phil Candler, where the newest feature immediately catches the eye: the high-low platform. This isn’t just any swim platform – it’s a Maritimo-designed and manufactured innovation that represents years of engineering refinement. The platform possesses a unique dual functionality, obviously the ability to go up and down, but what sets it apart is the function to flip up. The engineering brilliance becomes clear as I watch the demonstration. When a tender is secured to the platform, it operates in its traditional horizontal position. But here’s where the genius lies – when no tender is present, the entire platform can flip vertically, reducing the boat’s overall length. This means that the hull goes from a hull ISO length of 16.82 metres down to 15.7 metres. And when deployed, it transforms the back area into a spacious entertainment zone perfect for water activities, integrated with a built-in barbecue, refrigerator and easy access to the lazarette. This seemingly simple innovation also solves a real- world problem that many boat owners face daily – marina berths are expensive, and every foot counts. The ability to take a shorter berth while maintaining full functionality when needed is the kind of practical thinking that defines the brand. It also works as a safety rail while out on the remaining flat piece of the platform, and I am sure, although not demonstrated on the day, would work well in breaking up a wave-pooping situation. But the platform isn’t a one- size-fits-all solution either, with some US customers preferring fixed platforms, while others choose to forgo the platform entirely.
STORAGE SHIFT
Moving toward the cockpit, we encounter another significant modernisation – the lazarette access. The similarity to Maritimo’s 55-footer is immediately apparent, with both hatch and door openings providing exceptional access to the storage compartment below. But the real trick in the trunk lies beneath our feet. The back floor has been raised substantially compared to previous models, creating a seamless transition into the galley area. Gone are the awkward steps that plague many boats this size. Instead, there are just two well-proportioned steps up to the cockpit level, a design choice that yields tremendous benefits in the huge lazarette storage compartment.
Descending into the lazarette reveals a space transformed. With nearly six feet of headroom at the highest point, this is far from a cramped, uncomfortable storage area. The additional height means stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and other bulky water toys can be stored with ease. And because there are dual access points, from both inside and outside the cockpit, you are ensured that retrieving gear never requires moving half the contents of the compartment. The engineering extends to water management as well, with every hatch featuring rubber sealing, and the design virtually eliminating the possibility of water ingress.
COCKPIT INNOVATION
A raised rubber seal, standing 150 millimetres high, creates a barrier that prevents water flowing down the side decks from entering the storage areas. The outdoor galley area features a lift-up barbecue with integrated lighting for evening cooking, a fixed sink and a flip-down stainless-steel tap with automatic shut-off. Everything is designed for serious offshore cooking, not just harbour entertaining.
THE THRUST
As Henry Ford famously said: “Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black.” Here, the same philosophy applies to the engine configuration and horsepower setup. I guess when you think about it, this is a company with decades of experience, millions of dollars invested in naval architecture and thousands of hours of customer feedback. According to Phil: “The decision reflects Maritimo’s philosophy of optimisation rather than endless choice. By standardising on proven, reliable power, they can focus their engineering efforts on integration and efficiency rather than accommodating multiple engine configurations.” You can’t argue with that. And this is where they landed on twin Volvo D13 800-horsepower engines – the standard and only powerplant option for the M50. The engine room access follows conventional Maritimo practice, but the layout incorporates lessons learned across their entire range. The engine room liner extends from the aft bulkhead all the way to the forward cabin, creating a unified structural approach that seems to significantly enhance the vessel’s integrity. This three- piece construction – hull, deck and liner – represents a structural philosophy throughout that reveals a boat that feels solid and substantial, with none of the flexing or creaking that characterises lesser vessels.
AIR INTAKE DESIGN
Another significant innovation lies in the quarter panel construction. Unlike traditional designs that require external grills and stainless-steel fittings, Maritimo has integrated the engine room air intake directly into the quarter panel structure. The multi-part panels create clean, flowing lines while ensuring optimal airflow to the engines. This design eliminates potential failure points while reducing maintenance requirements. There are no external grills to corrode, no stainless-steel trim to polish, and no complex routing to service. The air intake sits at the perfect height to avoid water ingestion while maintaining the aesthetic flow of the vessel’s profile.
GUNWALES
The deeper walk-around side decks extend further forward than on other Maritimo models, creating enhanced safety for children and older passengers. Two teak-topped steps lead up to the foredeck, providing easy access while offering secure handrails. They are well above my hip at some points, and although I didn’t break out the ruler, they are a good width, making it an easy trek to the bow.
FLOW THROUGH INNOVATION
Stepping into the main cabin reveals the benefit of the raised pocket floor design. The seamless transition from cockpit to cabin creates a true indoor-outdoor living experience. Built-in drains in the cabin floor handle any water intrusion, directing it through scuppers that exit aft without requiring through-hull fittings. This self-draining system eliminates potential failure points while maintaining the clean interior aesthetic. The twin sliding doors can remain open in most conditions, creating an expansive living space that extends from the cockpit seating to the forward cabin.
THE COOK’S TOUR
The galley island dominates the centre of the space, offering remarkable functionality in the compact footprint. Standard equipment includes a dishwasher, while options allow for stand-
up units or additional storage configurations. I have to say I am not a big fan of the island, for me it seems to interrupt the flow of what is trying to be achieved, but in terms of adding an extra bit of benchtop and a place for the dishwasher to call home, functionality wins over fashion. The refrigeration is comprehensive, with separate fridge and freezer drawers providing ample cold storage. The pull-out pantry replaces the traditional swing-out units with full- extension slides that provide complete access to stored provisions. Combined with the ice-maker and Fusion stereo system controlled via iPhone, the galley provides everything needed for serious cruising or entertaining.
THE SALOON
Stepping up from the galley is the saloon where the layout maximises every inch of available space while maintaining comfort. The main cabin features a dining area on the port side, and to the starboard is another lounge with a nifty slide-out bed system that transforms the social area into sleeping quarters when needed. Or perhaps simply a great space to curl up in the sun – a pop-up TV completes the afternoon soporific post-lunch sleeping station. The most surprising, and it must be said the best bit of innovation for me, was the seating design where lower covings provide exceptional visibility throughout the main cabin, so seated guests both in the saloon and in the flybridge have a clear view of their surroundings. (Many designs of vessels that have dispensed with the lower helm have just torn out the helm and left the saloon levels and design as is, leaving poor visibility.)
And despite the compact overall dimensions, the headroom remains generous – impressive for someone standing 6’1″.
GUEST ACCOMMODATION
The forward cabin offers flexible sleeping arrangements with twin beds up against the port side of the hull, maximising the space where a traditional island bed would have once been the answer. They can separate for individual use or slide together to create a double berth. Extensive storage includes both pigeonhole lockers and under-mattress compartments, with the en-suite doubling as a day head. The switchback separate washer and dryer, initially mounted high but relocated in response to customer feedback, provide the convenience of home laundry facilities.
THE MASTER STATEROOM
The stairs from the saloon switchback to the stateroom and with three steps down you find yourself under the main saloon, just after passing the full-sized washer and dryer that is hidden behind the panelling in the hallway. The king-size bed is above the fuel tank – very common in a vessel of this size – and boasts large walkaround spaces on both sides. The port space also includes a daybed with an option to mirror the starboard with an extra drawer unit. Through the portside door we find the ensuite featuring stone surfaces which are manufactured in-house. The walk- in shower requires no door, as the design ensures there are no splash issues.
THE FLYBRIDGE
The internal stairwell on the port side leads us up to the flybridge, a big space where they have squeaked around a foot extra each side on the wings. Plenty of large couches sprawl over either side and that view for the passengers is fabulous, all finished with the generous with doors leading out to a balcony. The starboard side is where I find two Garmin 22-inch screens dominating the dashboard, with standalone autopilot, a standalone engine display, and the controls all laid out under the steering. The Yacht Controller compatibility gives you everything you need for long range cruising with a perfect balance between fashion and functionality. The Vetus variable thrusters are all controlled through one control for both bow and stern. The grid can control all the screens, so you don’t need to reach forward. The captain’s seat is near the starboard wall and the solid diamond stitched helm seats are fully electric and adjustable, with a heating function as well.
THE RIDE AND OBSERVATIONS
With a fuel capacity of 3700 litres and 800 litres of drinking water fully pressed up, we were sans the almost 900-kilo gyro, which was to be fitted later, and hit the Broadwater. A consideration, or even a trap for not-so-young players, is that this thing steers like my Tesla. There are only two turns of the wheel from lock to lock. You don’t have to touch the helm much to upset the apple cart and have people yelling at you. This was made clear during my attempt at a Williamson Turn, a manoeuvre used to recover a person overboard, particularly in situations of reduced visibility. The idea is to turn your vessel hard to one side until your course has changed 60 degrees and hard down to the opposite side until your vessel is back on its reciprocal course.
Suffice to say, it was not appreciated by my fellow passengers, although the steering response was excellent. According to Phil: “On the 55 and the 50 we changed the chines and the strakes and angled them down a bit more, which throws the water further aft. We put a bigger radius so the flow of water is just a cleaner flow off the chine and the strakes, so it gives you a drier boat and the ability to trim it up or down. The cleaner trims do that and depending on the sea conditions, it works really well.” At cruise in its natural state (without trims), we seemed to be running around eight degrees bow up, but applying the trims to around 80 per cent, the bow altitude melted away to about four per cent.
CONCLUSION
The M50 represents the culmination of decades of Australian boat-building expertise. Every innovation, from the revolutionary swim platform to the integrated air intake system, reflects real-world experience and customer feedback. This isn’t a boat designed by committee or focused purely on specifications – it’s a vessel crafted by people who understand how boats are actually used. Standing on the flybridge as our tour concludes, the view encompasses not just the technical achievements but the philosophy behind them. Maritimo has created a 50-footer that punches well above its weight class in terms of what they have packed in. Offering the functionality and luxury of much larger vessels while maintaining the practicality and handling of a 50-footer.
The M50 doesn’t just represent the current state-of-the-art – it points toward the future of premium power cruising, where innovation serves practicality and luxury enhances, rather than complicates, the boating experience.
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA 15.88m
Beam 5.22m
Draft 1.39m
Dry Weight 26,500kg
Fuel Capacity 3500 litres
Water Capacity 750 litres
Cabins 2
Sleeping Capacity 4 + 2 fold out double beds
PERFORMANCE DATA
RPM KNOTS LPH
600 6.5 8.7
900 9.5 24.5
1300 10.7 75.5
1700 13.8 167.5
1900 18.7 209.5
2100 23.8 257.5
2345 27.8 312.5
