Maritimo has pulled the covers off an all-new member of its M-Series flybridge models, the Maritimo M55.
This 17-metre flybridge cruiser will hit a growing sweet spot in the performance cruising motor yacht market when it launches early next year, making its global debut initially on the US boat show circuit before touring Australia.
So, what has changed that sets it apart from the more traditional M-Series boats that range from the entry-level Maritimo M51 right up to the flagship Maritimo M70?
We go through what we like the most about the new Maritimo M55.
Maritimo says the Maritimo M55 has a different laminate schedule to the other M-Series models in the line-up.
What’s different is that the sheeting in the laminate doesn’t just run to the engine room bulkhead, but runs all the way to the transom, greatly increasing the structural rigidity of the hull.
Look at the overhead schematic of the new Maritimo M55 and you’ll notice that it doesn’t have as big a sidecut as other M-Series models.
This allows Maritimo to run more beam aft to help it a full-beam owner’s suite, a first in this series that has traditionally used offset suites in its design.
The Maritimo M55 was designed to minimise the split in the levels as you move through the motor yacht.
It’s a single step up from the adventure deck to the cockpit, a single step from the cockpit to the galley, and a single step from the galley to the saloon.
Moving forward, there’s still a step in the side deck but the boat carries this as far forward as the design allows to greatly improve the sense of security for anyone who needs to go forward.
Below in the accommodation space, everything is on the same level.
The lowest ceiling height in the Maritimo M55’s living space is in the forward VIP stateroom’s shower, which still has more than 2.0 metres of height.
Ceilings in the Maritimo M55 are flat, too, so you’re never robbed of headroom.
Both the cockpit and the aft section of the flybridge have concealed drop-down clears that completely enclose the spaces from the elements.
Having the ability to close out the weather means you can spend more time out on the water.
Don’t like being closed in? Options for the flybridge include a “moonroof” sunroof and the ability to convert the two lounges into two double beds for sleeping under the stars.
The Maritimo M55’s hull extends under the rear platform, providing extra buoyancy for all the water toys and other accessories that owners will want to carry with them.
Hydraulic arms lift the rear section of the Maritimo M55 to reveal a space large enough to take a 3.0-metre tender. If you prefer to store the tender forward, owners have the choice of either a 250kg or 550kg davit.
The Maritimo M55 will carry more than 4500 litres of fuel spread across three fuel tanks.
Fitted with twin Volvo Penta D11 sterndrive engines, the Maritimo M55 can carry 700 litres more fuel than the similar-sized Maritimo M54.
More fuel, combined with a more slippery hull design, equals much more cruising range – one of the strong selling points of the Maritimo badge.