Twin Volvo Penta D13/1000 give the M64 nearly 30 knot top speed.
Evolution Boats are continually evolving and none more so than the Maritimo M64. While the M64 is not a new model, it is the evolution of the proven M61, which was first launched in 2015. Now with over 20 boats and five years later the upgraded 2020 model M64 comprises both established and new ideas, encompassing some very significant changes.
he first and most noticeable is the much larger integral hull side windows and hull contours which have been reshaped. With the change in the hull windows came a complete redesign of the master stateroom. The side hanging lockers have been relocated, with the forward ulkhead now home to all the hanging locker and drawer storage. This has given the full-width master stateroom a more spacious atmosphere, with the deep side windows radiating plenty of light. There is now an overhead translucent skylight bringing even more light into the master. Low profile drawer units have been designed into the port side of the stateroom with a large lounger starboard and king-size berth in the centre. However, there are variations available. The owner’s ensuite is impressive with an extra-large atrium feature shower cubicle and vanity area
As well as the sumptuous master, the M64 has two more cabins and bathrooms. To port is the VIP cabin, with a pair of sliding single berths that can be pulled together to form one large double, plus an optional foldaway Pullman upper berth. You have the option of manually moving the beds together, or you can choose an electrically operated system. The VIP also has its own ensuite head and shower. Forward is the guest cabin, which also boasts plenty of hanging locker space, twin overhead hatches and, again, its private ensuite. This also doubles as a day head.
SAME DNA
Tom points out that the ‘new’ M64 shares all the same technica Maritimo DNA such as the hull shape and construction which has been developed in conjunction with Maritimo Racing. “Every aspect of the hull from the way it handles, trims and balances are heavily influenced by what we learn from our racing programme”.
Maritimo hallmarks are very evident in the M64. Safe and secure walk-around side decks give a sense of comfort and peace of mind when moving around the vessel. With deep walk-around side decks from
bow to stern, there is no need for cabin handrails.
Like all Maritimos, power is transmitted via a conventional shaft drive. “Our latest low-profile driveline has been tuned to be more efficient than
ever while reducing noise, vibration and required maintenance”, adds Tom.
Standard power is a pair of Volvo Penta D13 900, with our boat up-speced to a couple of Volvo Penta D13 1000. Max speed is just shy of 30 knots, with the best cruise around 25 knots. Based on 90% of the 5600-litre fuel capacity you have approx. 420nm cruise range @ 2200rpm. You also have the choice of Scania D16 1150 or Caterpillar C18 1150, which will both push the M64 to well over 30 knots.
During our morning run on The Broad water and off the Gold Coast, we encountered no more than a low swell with relatively smooth seas. Effortless for the M64 and made for an extremely pleasurable boat to drive. Fortunately, having run the original generation hull in moderately rough water some years ago when in the M61 guise, I can vouch for the
boats restful and smooth ride.
Tom points out that by developing a collaboration of weight distribution, shaft angle, gear ratios, propeller choice and hull design, the M64 performs exceptionally at cruise and even when fully loaded it maintains excellent efficiencies. I certainly noticed how smoothly the new generation M64 got up onto the plane and the low bow attitude during the transition. No big hump to climb over! I was impressed by how quiet it was in the flybridge of the M64, Something that Maritimo have been focused on with all their latest premiere models. Another hallmark of the Maritimo M Series is the fully enclosed climate controlled flybridge with internal staircase. Makes you feel you can cruise all day in any weather conditions.
Being a one station boat, the flybridge is always going to be another very social area, and in the M64, Maritimo has made sure that space is warm and inviting. Passagemaking or day trips on the harbour, it’s a perfect place to enjoy the journey.
The flybridge is the only helm aboard, and it is imposing with a triple bank of 19” Garmin screens surrounded by the necessary navigation and equipment controls. Sitting alongside Maritimo’s Rosco Willaton,-who along with Tom had arrived back only a few days prior from Dubai where they picked up the X-Cat world title– I felt I was in business class or the gold lounge at the movies. Twin helm seats provide the comfort you need for long passages and high profile fore and side windows offer exceptional visibility from the helm. There is an aft-facing lounge to port and a queen size bed that pulls out from the starboard lounge, providing some overflow accommodation or a skipper’s berth. The flybridge is an extension of the social spaces in the M64 with a port side wet bar and Juliet aft deck with optional fixed or loose loungers.
SOCIAL COCKPIT
The M64 comes standard with a fixed aft platform, or you can add on an additional 1.4m hydraulic rise and fall platform, which gives you a assive aft deck or an area to launch tenders. The central island transom comes complete with a bbq area as well as access to the lazarette. But this is more than a simple lazarette, and it is spacious enough to stow a tender. A large section of the cockpit sole can be raised on electric actuators should you need more significant access to the lazarette. While the review boat employed the Euro transom option, owners can also opt for either an island or fishing transom layout.
Bi-fold doors completely open up the cockpit from the main saloon area to a large galley with Caesar stone surfaces and an island bench that houses the F&P dish drawer plus loads of storage. There is also a full-size fridge/freezer, large pantry and Miele oven. If you are going to spend a lot of time aboard then, you need a substantial yet practical galley, and the M64 certainly has that. The galley has been designed as an integral part of the social design of the M64, and like the rest of the boat, there are a lot of owner options, especially when it comes to the Miele packages.
Opposite, under the open tread internal staircase, is the entertainment
centre complete with pop-up TV, plus with another freezer and icemaker. There is a sumptuous lounger forward and access to the accommodation spaces.
The M64 is very much an Australian designed motor yacht and is the second largest in the Maritimo M Series. Shortly after my sea trials on the Gold Coast, the M64 was due to be shipped to Canada to its new owner. Along with New Zealand, the North American market has been proving extremely popular for the Maritimo brand and the M Series especially, with the two markets accounting for half of the brand’s international exports.
