Maritimo 440 IPS Offshore

Aussie boat building legend Bill Barry-Cotter reckons he will knock the socks off visitors to this year's Sydney International Boat show with the release of his revolutionary new 440 Offshore Convertible -- that comes complete with an internal staircase, an enclosed flybridge and a three cabin layout.

He says the 440 Offshore Convertible offers an extraordinary level of space and comfort in a 44 foot vessel. It also features a revolutionary aft bulkhead design featuring bi-fold doors that tuck away to open the saloon out to the aft cockpit.

While larger boats from Maritimo have led the way with many luxury features, Barry-Cotter says the 440 has a range of features never before seen on a boat of this size. These include a three-sided enclosed flybridge, internal teak-tread staircase, aft galley, bi-fold doors on the saloon, three cabin, two bathroom accommodation and Volvo Penta IPS propulsion.

The 440 can be adapted for big game sportsfishing, a family weekend on the water or long-distance cruising. It will comfortably sleep five in its three separate cabins.

The aft galley includes a four-burner cooktop, convection microwave and a standing fridge-freezer tucked under the flybridge stairs. The spacious saloon welcomes guests with a L-shaped leather lounge to starboard and an L-shaped dinette to port.

Going forward, and down three steps, finds the master stateroom forward with a walk-around queen-sized bed and lots of hanging space. There is an en-suite bathroom to port, complete with a separate shower stall with a frameless glass door. A double cabin on the port side and a single to starboard complete the sleeping arrangements.

The two smaller cabins share a second bathroom that also doubles as a day head.

The flybridge seats the skipper in an aft helm position so he has uninterrupted visibility both fore and aft. Seating for guests is forward of the helm. The deck behind the skipper offers a perfect viewing platform for game fishing.

With a fuel capacity of 2000 litres, the 440 Offshore Convertible also has the range to be a comfortable cruising boat. The 440 will be priced at a very competitive $850,000. Check out the Maritimo.com.au website for more details.