New Maritimo M50 – little sister is all grown up
I have been trying to get onboard the new Maritimo M50 for a while, so I was excited to finally catch up with this new enclosed flybridge cruiser at the Palm Beach International Boat Show. I just missed this boat on a recent trip to Australia where the M50 remained elusive because it was already on a ship headed for Florida when I was there. Unfortunately, no other finished M50 was available to test as the latest boat in Australia was in the final process of being delivered to her new owner. I was able to get a factory tour from Maritimo’s general manager Phil Candler and see some new models under construction including the sedan version, the S50, which will launch at Sanctuary Cove (SCIBS) in May. Luckily a few weeks after my return from Down Under, the new Maritimo M50 was dressed in her boat show best and ready for her US debut.
Enclosed Flybridge
Maritimo is known for several things which are showcased in the new M50, which despite being a formidable fifty-footer is the smallest new boat in their current line. The first is their distinctive enclosed flybridge complete with an internal staircase for access. I won’t go so far to say that Maritimo invented the enclosed flybridge, as there were boats before theirs that had them, but they certainly had a hand in popularizing them. Having this raised and fully enclosed flybridge provides an extra gathering area on the boat that has more privacy even when dockside, with the added benefit of an elevated ideal for both recreating and driving.
The enclosed flybridge on the new Maritimo M50 features L-shaped lounge seating opposite the helm station under the windshield. This allows multiple people to sit comfortably within conversation range of the driver and gaze at the panoramic views even while underway. The helm station itself has twin electrically adjustable bucket seats with armrests. Visibility is good forward with only thin mullions in the triple paned, wipered windshield. The side mullions are a bit thicker than I prefer, which is more important to starboard where you owe crossing boats right of way, but you can see around them as there are 360° windows throughout the upper lounge. Twin MFDs, throttles, and controls including the ZF Joystick Maneuvering System (JMS) are within easy reach of the helm. A second joystick below in the cockpit allows for easy docking especially when backing in.
Opening side windows, two hatches above, and aft sliding doors bring in fresh air when desired, but the whole flybridge is also fully climate controlled. Maritimo prefers to use manually opening marine hatches and fixed glass panels above instead of electric sun/moonroofs as they are more reliable and less prone to leaks. Behind the helm area is couchlike seating with an ottoman that can be configured as a pull-out bed to allow the enclosed bridge to be used as an additional cabin, albeit the nearest head is two stairwells down. Double sliding doors lead to an open aft deck under the cover of the hardtop. This is an ideal place to relax on loose/folding furniture or is equally suited for entertainment with an optional wetbar and the exceptional view aft over the cockpit.
Signature Open Aft Galley
Another thing that Maritimos are known for is their aft galley that directly connects to the cockpit. The M50 takes this one step further, or should I say one less step further, because unlike some other Maritimos, the galley and cockpit are on the exact same level. With double stainless and glass sliding doors, the galley completely opens and connects seamlessly to the cockpit, which is ideal especially when entertaining. Complete with Maritimo’s signature center island, the fully equipped galley includes an upright vertical fridge, additional freezer/fridge drawers, a microwave/convection oven, electric induction burners, a dishwasher, icemaker, and a double sink. Storage abounds with drawers, shelves, a vertical pull-out pantry, and a convenient hidden garbage bin in the aft of the island. The layout of the galley is perfect for meal prep, and serving as its position connected to both the salon and the cockpit keeps this vital area in the thick of the action.
Steps lead up to the salon which is set up as a comfortable conversation area complete with a flip top table and wrap-around windows. A flat screen TV that lifts from beneath the windshield is ideal for movie night or to watch the big game. The screen can be seen from the galley, so you won’t miss any of the action when you are making popcorn or saucing those wings. The internal staircase that leads up to the enclosed flybridge is accessed from the base where the salon and galley connect which is also convenient.
Outdoor Living
The cockpit features a comfortable forward-facing lounge with a teak dining table protected by the bridge deck above which is great for al-fresco dining. This table is unique as it hinges and tips to allow access to the lazarette that is beneath the lounge seating. This is perfect for pulling out folding chairs to set up the cockpit with additional seating. The lazarette storage area can also be accessed through a doorway from the swim platform. It is big enough for water toys, scuba tanks, compressors, crab/lobster pots, fishing gear, and a host of other equipment you might want easy access to. The same console that holds the lounge seat forward also has lifting lids aft that conceal a drop in beverage fridge, an electric grill, and sink.
A fixed part of the platform allows continuous access to the aft console. In addition to that, a larger aft section of the platform is designed as a tender lift. The lift allows you to carry a sizeable RIB aft or you can opt for a crane and chocks on the foredeck. I see keeping the tender aft when in protected areas and moving it forward for offshore or longer passages. A unique ability on the M50 is the way the moving aft platform can be stowed. It can fold up vertically when not in use, reducing the overall vessel length to allow the boat to fit into a smaller slip.
Proven Shaft Propulsion
The M50 is powered by twin Volvo Penta D13-800s and is engineered for and performance optimized around these motors, so other engine options are unnecessary. The M50 is driven by straight shafts with a low 8o shaft angle and no hull pockets. This set up that comes from Maritimo’s racing heritage, has engines mounted deep in the hull to lower the boat’s center of gravity and keep shaft angles low. Low shaft angles project more power aft instead of pushing upward. Racing offshore powerboats helped them establish this hallmark configuration on their recreational boats to maximize power and efficiency.
“The simplicity of straight shafts without the extra gearing required in V-drive and pod configurations helps our boat’s performance and also cuts down on maintenance costs and requirements surrounding other systems,” Maritimo GM Phil Candler explains. “An added benefit is that any competent boat yard in the world can work on the shafts and struts on a Maritimo which gives our owners more options for servicing their boats.”
According to manufacturer testing, the new Maritimo M50 has a top speed of approximately 30 knots and cruises easily at 24 knots. The first boat launched in Australia was run extensively along the coast from their factory in Queensland north to the Whitsunday Islands, and south to Sydney. The Maritimo team was able to verify the seakeeping capabilities of the M50 during these runs that covered over 1,000 nautical miles including rugged offshore conditions. With the M50 blocked in at the boat show I was unable to run her, but I hope to soon. At least I finally got aboard a finished boat.
As I made my way around the new M50 at the boat show, I was impressed with her thoughtful layout and fit and finish. Down in the engine room which is reached through a hatch in the cockpit there is ample access to the engines, generator, and other systems. The signature Maritimo finished engine room liner helps keep things clean and tidy as you can spot drips or leaks easily. After a tour forward where side decks and railings make for an easy and safe traverse, I returned inside for a look below decks.
Sleeping Cabins
The M50 has two cabins and two heads. The forward cabin hosts an island bed that is not set up in V-berth fashion. It is angled off the port side so that there is good access around both sides of the bed. This configuration also provides better headroom over the bed since you are not crunched up into the narrowing bow. This innovative layout is used on many Maritimos and I really like it. On the M50, the mattress is split and the bed, which is normally a double, can be separated by sliding the two sides apart to create twin beds when needed. This VIP cabin has a flat screen TV, hanging locker, storage, and ensuite access to a head with a separate shower that also doubles as the day head with a second door that adjoins the foyer.
The owner’s cabin runs the full 17’2” beam below the salon and features a king-sized bed with twin nightstands complete with drawers, light switches, and charging sockets. Hull windows and opening portholes bring in light, there is plenty of drawer storage, twin hanging lockers, and a large flatscreen TV. The private ensuite master head is a step up forward of the cabin and includes a large shower compartment with a bench and frosted skylight/hatch above. This cabin rivals those of larger boats and should be seen to be fully appreciated.
A full-size laundry machine and separate dryer is just outside the owner’s cabin door so it is easy to access from inside but can also be used by others aboard when the door is closed for privacy. Interior spaces throughout the cabin are finished with matte or gloss walnut, stone countertops, plush fabrics, and wall coverings. The M50 has a clean contemporary feel that is upscale but at the same time feels livable.
The Little Sister That Grew Up
I am glad that I finally caught up with the Maritimo M50. This model has a lot to offer in terms of space and features found in bigger boats, but in a 50’-length that is both more manageable and easier to find slips for. Signature Maritimo features like the enclosed flybridge with internal staircase, central galley with an island, and proven low angle straight shaft drive system for efficient performance will attract people to this, dare I say, entry level model. Suffice it to say the new M50 is a Maritimo through and through and from what I have seen can hold her own even when compared to her bigger siblings.
Maritimo M50 Specifications
Length Overall: 52’1″ (15.88 m)
Hull Length (ISO): 51’5″ (15.69 m)
Beam: 17’2″ (5.22 m)
Draft: 4’6″ (1.39 m)
Dry Weight: 55,115 lb. (25,000 kg)
Fuel Capacity (Diesel): 925 gal (3,500 l)
Freshwater Capacity: 198 gal. (750 L)
Holding Tank Capacity: 79 gal. (300 L)
Generator: Cummins 21.5kw 60Hz
Engines: 2X Volvo Penta D13-800 straight shafts
Gear: ZF 325
Price Upon Request
Maritimo Americas
