Design and development update.
Globally Revealed at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, the M50 Flybridge and S50 Sedan Motor Yachts have undergone a thorough review process with loyal owners and the R&D team to further enhance the plethora of unique features these vessels will bring to market in 2025.
Maritimo has always been a brand of evolution. The new Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht and S50 Sedan Motor Yacht are no different in that regard, taking cues from Maritimo’s flagship 75s and the recent Black Editions of the 55s and 60s into their new forms, while once again adding their own unique elements to the formula. Collaboration with current and prospective Maritimo owners, following the global reveal of these new models at this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, has cultivated further refinements and enhancements, including:
The reworking of the accommodation area floorplan to deliver a truly class-leading Master Stateroom space, along with an even larger VIP Stateroom featuring a double bed that splits into two singles and an abundance of overhead storage lockers. The scale and grandeur of both bathrooms have also been increased significantly. A key focus has been reducing not only the number of steps but also their height; now, one deck level is maintained from the upper cockpit to the galley. Refinements that maximize the headroom available throughout the vessel (minimum 1.9m), benefiting the staterooms, galley, saloon, and bridge.
The addition of an integrated hydraulic lifting and hinging swim platform to minimize the overhang and vessel length when docked, aiming for a 15m berth length. Improved access when moving from the adventure deck to the side decks, along with the squaring off of the rear rope lockers to allow for the inclusion of side boarding gates as an option.
Neil McCabe, Maritimo Design Office Manager, along with Senior Designer Julian Villegas, explained the nuances of the new models and why these distinguish the vessels from everything around them while distinctly making them Maritimo. “The two-stateroom format frees up space for use by the primary occupants. In the case of the Master, the entire length of the space is filled with light from the huge through-hull window, which has two opening portholes on both sides to deliver ample fresh air when at anchor,” said McCabe.
“A single-level floor, two large hanging wardrobes, and a massive bathroom ensure the owner enjoys an elevated level of comfort and satisfaction that Maritimos are renowned for. We positioned the queen bed in the forward VIP stateroom on the opposite side of other Maritimo layouts, which allowed us to use the area normally associated with a third cabin for a very luxurious bathroom that also serves day guests. Both bathrooms have huge overhead hatches to deliver plenty of light and ventilation,” added McCabe.
“Best of all, the new format allows us to utilize a central strip skylight in the VIP, with a forward-opening hatch to maximize the delivery of light and air, delivering that all-important Maritimo feel. Features like the original vista windows and the atrium stairwell create that special ambiance in abundance, and we are always seeking to replicate that sensation in all our spaces on board,” said Villegas.
As with all Maritimos, a process of consultation and feedback was integral in the early stages of development. Owners and prospective members of the Maritimo family voiced their opinions on the two-stateroom format. All commented that providing owners and their VIP guests with more space was desirable, as often it is just the primary couple doing the cruising. To this end, the VIP converts cleverly from a queen to twin beds effortlessly, for instance, when two grandchildren step on board.
Equally, a conscientious effort was made to deliver additional convertible doubles in the main saloon and bridge deck (M50 only) to cater to those much rarer occasions when the number of passengers on board swells significantly.
Having discussed the interior features, let’s now describe some important features found on the exterior. Chief among these is the reverse chine that runs nearly the entire length of the hull. This is where the hull curves back over itself at the outer extremity of the running surface, delivering lift and stability—great outcomes.
“We have put a large radius into where the inside of the chine meets the hull proper, as this softens the ride by reducing the slapping impact inherent with a hard chine,” added Villegas. Additionally, the actual keel is more like a flat butter knife than the edge of a scalpel. The result is a softer re-entry into the water, such as when coming off a wave. Again, it’s Maritimo’s hallmarks of ride, comfort, stability, and surefootedness that benefit here.
“There is a slight angle visible at the transom, which is all about ensuring the quality of ride, but it is by no means a deep-V. In all, 24 knots cruising, with 30 knots at full pace, seems to be the order of the day from the twin 800hp inline sixes that fit so well into the engine room. We should be around 25 metric tonnes dry weight. This is very much part of our client expectations,” said McCabe.
“Good overall consumption from an easy-to-propel hull form, along with a 3700-litre tank, will really mean this has the typical Maritimo long-range credibility to match its looks,” added McCabe. “In this new 50, it will be positioned centrally along the keel line under the main bed and also run up the bulkhead between the engineering spaces and the Master Stateroom, allowing for refuelling from either side. Having the weight as low as possible and central is always a very positive aspect of a boat’s overall performance characteristics as the load changes.”
Moving to the main deck level now, McCabe stated, “It was important to keep the hull length under 51 feet to accommodate owners who might be restricted by pen (slip) size. We have several swim platform options as a result. There is the 700mm fixed version and a 1400mm version that is hydraulically actuated and folds up at the halfway point to stack against the transom. We are currently working with our race team on the mechanism for this, and we will utilize our recently installed CNC laser cutting technology for producing the stainless-steel components.”
“The engine room is accessed through a large hatch in the upper cockpit, which is at the same level as the galley, just inside the double sliding doors. The galley features a central island bench, plus plenty more benchtop space as it sweeps around the right-hand side in an L-shaped format. The lazarette can be accessed through a hatch in the back of the cockpit entertainment module or via the seat component at the forward end of this unit. In this way, you do not need huge actuators to lift up the deck, BBQ, and fridge, which helps reduce weight and makes access easier while underway. We can also offer gunwale doors on both sides, just in front of the rope lockers, which many North American customers love.”
“Height is critical to the overall aesthetic,” said Villegas, “so a lower profile is great, but you then have to ensure standing height inside. We have created long spaces in both the saloon and the bridge deck. Height also enhances the appreciation of space, and the new M50 and S50 have an impressive minimum standing height of 1.9m.”
For those who like to have the tender on the foredeck or prefer a smaller swim platform, a 250kg davit mounted on the starboard side is possible.
Maritimo buyers opting for the M50 Enclosed Flybridge Motor Yacht version are treated to a large bridge, with a cruising lounge opposing the twin Maritimo-built electric driving seats. There is ample storage and clear access to the electronics, refrigeration, and the fold-out accommodation when required. The bridge hardtop also features the same skylight strip as the VIP stateroom, with front and rear opening hatches for light and air.
The command module can accommodate either two or three screens and floats above the console, much like the central screen in modern vehicles. It is a style and command statement par excellence. Additional equipment adorns the binnacle section where the wheel is located.
Overall, functionality, storage, entertainment, dependability, safety, style, and quality are the guiding principles for the newest Maritimo. In either M or S version, it is about rewarding owners visually, tactilely, and with one of the rarest commodities at sea: peace.
The first of the new M50 and S50 pair from Maritimo is set to debut at the 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Look out for a full upcoming review in PowerBoat magazine!
