Maritimo M65

The M65 is Maritimo’s most successful new-boat launch in its 12-year history. Five of the $3.5 million-dollar luxe private liners were sold off the plan before the first one even hit the water. The stunning motoryacht encapsulates everything this Australian boatbuilder does best. The big, bold and beautiful motoryacht is a true home-away-from-home with great comfort, efficiency and seaworthiness.

OVERVIEW
- A new standard for long-range motoryacht cruising
Maritimo has hit its straps and happened on a winner with the new M65. Not that the boat actually just happened along, mind you. The mini-ship is the product of a wealth of experience from the seasoned boatbuilder and existing salty boatowners.

The second biggest motoryacht (but the biggest new design) in the range, the M65 is immense, homelike and voluminous. There are certainly luxury comfort levels beyond those offered by the popular M60 it replaces and overshadows. You really can’t compare the old Martimos with this new sophisticated breed.

Of course, just about anything is possible with $3.5 million to spend. In this realm of semi-custom boatbuilding, the options are many. The first five boats have sold to existing brand-loyal owners looking to create a personalised 65-footer for coastal cruising anywhere from Port Douglas to Port Lincoln.

The M65 #2 we rode aboard for this review was bought by a Maritimo M48 owner heading back to SA waters to cruise and fish. With outriggers and some finishing details to be installed, the boat wasn’t quite ready for its red-carpet photo-shoot. So we are running shots of M65 #1, which we jumped aboard for the official champagne owners’ launch a month earlier. The interiors are the #2 with the wenge timber. Wow!

Externally, the main point of difference between M65 #1 and #2 are the bigger triple hull windows on the latter. But however you view it, this is a very pretty Maritimo. The lengthened hull has put the ‘house’ structure in proportion and the flush sides create a cleaner and more aerodynamic look compared with the old boats with moulded ‘wings’. Running for the horizon, the M65 paints a powerfully evocative image that awakes your dreams.

Indeed, this is a dreamboat. The M65 answers a lot of experienced boater’s wishes, with long cruising legs, shaft-driven economy and reliability from 900hp-1200hp engine options.

Although seven tonnes heavier than the M60 she supplants, the boat retains the same efficiency. The hull has been lengthened to 18.70m or 62ft and the increased waterline length and aft buoyancy are a boon.

“We’re chasing the customers of the M52 and M60, but we’ve kept the efficiency. This is powered by Caterpillar C18 ACERTs, the next option is 1200hp MANs, the base boat has 900hp Volvo D13s, but another option is the 16-litre 900hp Scanias that are commercially [and continuously] rated,” Maritimo’s founder Bill Barry-Cotter explains from the M65’s helm.

Bill’s own boat, M65 (#3), will have the Scanias that boast amazingly low maintenance schedules, with the first service at 500 hours and requiring $46 in parts, he says. The intention is to campaign #3 along the eastern seaboard to all the big boat shows, with some cruising in between. The interior will have some special touches from wife Lesley.

It’s for all these reasons and more that we consider the M65 to be the Gold Coast yard’s new magnum opus.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
Semi-custom $3-million-plus luxury cruiser with gyro, joystick and more
Of all the new-generation Maritimos to come through the yard, the new M65 seems to offer the most scope to stamp your style and spin on things. We’re told no two M65s sold to date are the same and most builds include five to seven pages of options to create those truly individual cruisers.

Number #2 had full the Miele appliance package in the galley placed to the owner’s specifications. The austere high-gloss Wenge timber joinery, which is extensive on this boat and twice as labour intensive as the joinery in the M58, created a special showboat (the high-gloss teak fitout on 65 #1 also looked stunning).

There were more comforts in the plush soft-furnishing package from designer David Stewart, the big lounges in the saloon and the flybridge seating, but also the abundant floor space throughout this 65-footer. It’s this latter detail that allows bar stools to be fitted in the saloon if you don’t want to just enjoy all that legroom that creates saloon living space akin to a home lounge room.

All five of the M65s sold to date (more in the pipeline) have been fitted a SeaKeeper gyro for cruising and at-anchor stability and reducing rolling motion by 70 per cent or so. This is a $200K-plus upgrade, but no-one is batting an eyelid.

All boats are also being equipped with the EJS hydraulic joystick docking system coupled with additional aft docking stations and the EPS (GPS) station-hold feature. This is a $100K-plus upgrade.

Together, these two $300K options make the big M65 easy to manoeuvre and manage and, once you’ve experienced a gyro and hydraulic thrusters, there’s no turning back, we’re told. You’ve been warned…

The list of 140 key options and upgrades of M65 #2 also included twin 17kW Onan generators for redundant autonomy, a second hydraulic pump on the port engine for back-up steering, rope-cutters on the shafts, rope capstans in the cockpit corners for easier stern-to docking, 130l/h Indromar watermaker, hydraulic windlass, hydraulic swim steps, underwater lights, pressure-cleaner (Karcher), liferaft and, well, pages more.

Naturally, the electronics are a highlight. There was a Bose Lifestyle A/V system, 32in to 40in TVs everywhere, IR cameras, FLIR night vision, underwater lights, ducted vacuum, Simrad glass-screen navigation suite, electric blinds and deck hatch actuators, WiFi and Telstra 3G network, and yet more pages of special kit.

Certainly this M65 #2 reflected its owner’s way of boating. For fishing, there were outriggers, rocket launcher, a live-bait tank and Eskimo icemaker in the portside coaming bin, combo rod-and-drink holders, and a Reelax light-tackle cockpit station for quick rod storage and bait rigging.

Great white sharks are a very real issue in SA waters so the boat’s tender was on the bow with a 500kg slewing hydraulic davit that can also lift the second anchor from the locker if you need it.

The tender was a Nautilus DLX 12 with 40hp Suzuki outboard. Instead of the usual hydraulic swim platform with tender lift, M65 #2 had a smart custom hydraulic swim step that would be just brilliant for water access with the dive gear. We reckon it will become another must-have Maritimo option when not carrying a tender on the tail.

With those options and upgraded and the big Caterpillar C18 ACERT 1150hp engines, the M65 was a $3.599 million boat. Starting price is a bit over $3 million, but no-one is talking base boats in this league. It’s all about build dreams and dreamboats.

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src="//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));

LAYOUT AND ACCOMMODATION
- Living in the lap of luxury with a fishing spin
As with all Maritimo motoryachts, the M65 has walkaround decks, a fully-enclosed flying bridge with internal stairs (the bridge is the size of a 40ft sportscruiser), an aft galley ready to serve, plus the mandatory five-star full-beam owner’s stateroom and, a first for Maritimo, a full-beam bathroom. Outdoors, there’s a lot to like, too.

From the transom, the swim platform with new central swim stairs has plenty of waterfront space, while the standard Euro transom layout includes a barbecue, top-loading fridge/freezer and a companionway down to the lazarette. All this is accessed from the boarding platform.

The external walk-in access to the cavernous lazarette means you can fetch and stow all your watertoys, fishing and dive gear, warps and fenders and such with ease. Our M65 also had its separate Miele washer and dryer mounted down here, along with the 2800 SeaKeeper, air-con units, Indromar watermaker and a bit more engineering kit.

There was likely to be a custom storage fitout added to the lazarette, which borrows a few ideas from Maritimo’s marketing man’s, Greg Haines’ M58. He’s certainly come-up with a lot of great ideas after 250 hours of engine time and many more of boating use from Sydney to Lady Musgrave Island and in between.

As touched on, crew quarters are another possible option. So, too, the more conventional transom layout with internal cockpit barbecue. Maritimo will also build a bluewater game fishing transom with just one gate. Either way, an additional hatch leads to the lazarette from the cockpit, with infloor storage tubs and a second hatch (with electric actuator on #2) forward to the engine room.

With the Eskimo 250kg/day icemaker and live-bait tank, the outriggers and spread of rod holders, and the rod storage up top, you can easily fish this M65. The cockpit control station to port with EJS joystick docking and EPS position hold will let the owner do some deep dropping and maybe find a broadbill. The electric capstans in the cockpit corners are intended for mooring but might come in handy for boating that 100kg-plus Port Lincoln bluefin tuna.

Otherwise, it’s lunch at 10 paces in the vast cockpit. The in-built transom lounge, custom wenge table and top-shelf aftermarket Italian folding deck chairs create a setting for a dozen, with the inbuilt transom barbecue and aft galley handy alongside. A Euro awning is an option we’d add. Putt the champagne on the Eskimo ice.

The M65 feels like a mini-ship when you head forward around the deep walkaround decks with bulwarks. There’s plenty of flat foredeck space for impromptu drinks, especially when the big tender is launched, plus we spotted a liferaft and upgraded Muir anchoring set-up. CCT cameras cover the bow, cockpit, engine room and saloon.

INDOOR LIVING
- Living spaces that rival a home
With the saloon bifold doors swung open, you are lured inside and wowed by the fittingly five-star finish with the wenge joinery especially. Ventilation is enhanced by a starboard side-opening door to the walkaround, plus opening windows. Maritimo is also working on cool saloon glass options. Meantime, run the air-con.

The main control panel for genset(s), air-con, with BEP breakers and multifunction tank gauge is immediately to port as you step inside. The wetbar alongside, under the portside stairs to the flybridge, included a dedicated wine fridge, top-shelf icemaker, leather-topped servery and plenty of handy storage.

Opposite, the galley is the heart and soul of this boat, with a long island servery and surrounding solid white stone counters ready to display the gourmand’s repast. With all the trick Miele appliances, there’s nothing you can’t do and we’re told owners are sitting the Miele cooking classes and returning as Michelin chefs.

From four-burner cooktop and range-hood to the latest two-speed convection microwave oven, two-door fridge with another icemaker, and a plate warmer, you have the lot. There’s even a Zip tap with hot (generator needed)/cold/sparkling water and, of course, a dishwasher.

For formal and/or winter dining, the portside wenge folding table and loose folding chairs will seat eight and six comfortably. The lounge opposite, which can be optioned as a sofa bed, seats another three. It’s the top-dog spot for kicking back and watching the television that rises on a swivel bracket from the wet-bar cabinetry.

There’s room left over for stools fronting the galley, but in some ways it’s what you don’t get that highlights the M65’s impressive volume. There’s as much room as a home living or television room, and you can imagine spending weeks away even with the kids and their box of Lego.

Up top, there’s a saloon in the sky. Barry-Cotter went to some lengths to conceal the stairs so when you’re riding or relaxing the bridge you feel like you’re in a whole different room. With the bi-fold rear doors leading to a big balcony with casual table and chairs you get a perfect possie for doing breakfast, sundowners, sitting on beanbags and casual drinks at a calm anchorage.

On M65 #4, the bridge will include a microwave oven, two-burner stove and dishwasher to create a penthouse. Our boat had its own fridge, sink, TV and AV system. The lounge and dinette can seat four comfortably and the separate forward lounge had a flip-up backrest to create and inclined chaise alongside the helm seats. Driving this boat is something special and we’ll get to that.

The ‘down below’ accommodation goes to the next level. In addition to the salubrious full-beam owner’s digs, there are three wonderful guests’ cabins and as many bathrooms in the flowing layout. As tested, the M65 can sleep eight and up to 10 (or more) in comfort. You can certainly cater for an extended family or two. The lazarette, the flying bridge and the saloon can all be fitted with additional crew beds for other markets and needs.

With the washer/dryer back in the lazarette, each of the M65’s cabins and bathrooms was optimised and they all have hatches and air-con. The fourth cabin immediately to starboard had twin adult-length bunks and a hanging locker.

The midships portside cabin is a guest VIP with en suite that would rate as a master stateroom on many boats this size. Again, it shows the volume of this model. Under-bed storage is cavernous. There’s a large hatch into the plumbing and hot-water service back in towards the keel. Your champagne and wine will sure like it down here.

That leaves then VIP in the bow with island berth and access door to its en suite, which doubles as the communal dayhead. This private forward cabin has a good amount of dressing space and his and her hanging lockers. Then you arrive…

Take the flight of four or five stairs back aft of the companionway and you’ll find a full-beam stateroom that wouldn’t be out of sorts in a European motoryacht with an extra million on the ticket. Not only is there a king-sized bed with feature wall, you also score a chaise lounge, homelike storage including cedar-lined hanging space, and a bureau with writing desk, vanity and more.

On M65 #2, the larger triple oval windows opened for fresh air and ventilation. With insect screens on all the boat’s hatches, bugs won’t be able to do their thing. The owner’s en suite runs full-beam behind the bedhead, with scope for multi-jet shower heads and even, as will happen on a future build, a bath. You can also shorten the bathroom and build walk-in wardrobe instead.

HULL AND ENGINEERING
- KISS principle on a mini ship
Maritimo touts the KISS principle and the M65 has a beautifully simple set-up. The electrical, fuel, plumbing and management systems have been kept simple and are really just an extension of what’s found in small sister ships built over many years. If it ain’t broke, Barry-Cotter doesn’t fix it. You can jump from a 40 or 50 footer across to this M65 and soon have it running out through the Gold Coast Seaway or Sydney Heads.

An electric hatch-lift and headroom helps with engine access, which also exists around all sides of the big six-pot CATs. They come with heavy-duty 3in shafts and PTOs for the EJS system and hydraulic windlass. A fully-moulded liner assists with spotting leaks and adds to the boat’s feeling of quality throughout.

The M65 has a new type of electric fuel shutoff, washable membranes on the vents, fuel forward (boat #4 has an extra optional 1800 litres further forward again), twin gensets back aft, and everything else for your pre-departure checks at arm’s reach. We welcome the 1400 litres of standard water and new boosted twin 200 litre holding tanks for black water.

With the extended 60 hull, there’s plenty of buoyancy and lift to carry weight in this slippery boat. The variable deadrise hull with a flat run aft and a shallow angle of attack for the five-blade props add to the efficiency. There wasn’t a huge wash astern, not any labouring to get up and running, and the big boat seemed to run nice and flat through the rev range even carrying full fuel.

Maritimo’s race-boat heritage is carried through to the heavy-duty, hydraulic, power steering system that delivers snappy off-the-wheel handling. With plenty of sister ships making extended coastal voyages in our testing waters, we have no hesitation backing the M65, its engineering and solid hand-laid glass hull.

ON THE WATER
- It’s all about efficiency in this moveable waterfront home
We didn’t venture offshore for our drive of the M65 #2 some weeks after the official Gold Coast launch of #1 with the teak fitout. Not that the boat couldn’t handle the remnants of Cyclone Marcia. It was more a case of being mindful that this was someone’s dream $3.5-million dreamboat.

Still, there was a lot to glean from our inshore run. The ease with which this 40-tonne plus big boat, with full 6500 litres-plus of fuel, slides onto the plane and the tremendous torque of the 18-litre CAT engines are impressive. The 900hp Scania engine combo should be the economy-winning combo, though.

Given the displacement of CAT engines, this was a wonderfully quiet boat to drive from the fully enclosed helm station. Vibration levels were low and running noise has been reduced compared with earlier models thanks to a concerted effort by Maritimo.

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src="//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));

According to the official supplied data, there’s really good efficiency anywhere between 1400rpm-2000rpm, which are your practical cruising speeds at sea. The two standout figures are 12.47 l/nm at 2000rpm for 24.70 knots fast cruise and a 570nm range, and 10.94 l/nm at 1600rpm for 17 knots and a 650nm range.

Around the comfortable cruise speed of 21 knots, which is achieved at 1800rpm, you’re using 12.86 l/nm for a 562nm range, which is still very much in the cruising groove. With the full fuel, gyro, tender and davit and all your kit, this will be a heavy ship, probably approaching 45-50t, by the time you are ready to actually cruise somewhere.

The M65 has most definitely been designed with long-range helming in mind. The Simrad glass screens, throttles, trim tabs, intermittent wipers and EJS joystick could all be controlled from remotes, switches and levers located thoughtfully off your right armrest. So there’s no need to continually leave and lean forward from the seat.

VERDICT
- A magnum opus for this 12-year-young Australian boatbuilder
Now in its 12th year of manufacturing mainly motoryachts, but with some sedan iterations without the flybridge, Maritimo has lifted its game and the M65 is a world-class boat.

Adopting the tenet of “more effective utilisation of space,” it is immense in respect of its living areas, accommodation and storage. There’s smart fit and finishes, a better and cleaner line, and boosted international appeal. But there’s also the famous Australian build, with tried-and-tested engineering and a hull shape that creates shaft-driven efficiency.

With the big 1015hp CAT ACERTs on 65 #1 and #2, the M65 certainly leaves an indelible impression in its wake. When you gaze back from the helm you realise just how much boat you are bringing with you. It’s a home-away-from-home with a bluewater address. Actually, it’s a Maritimo mansion.

LIKES
>> Ease of handling thanks to EJS and EPS docking stations
>> Lifted fit and finish and smarter external lines
>> Incredible liveaboard volume and luxury accommodation
>> Big decks, cockpit, walkarounds and upper balcony areas
>> Proven engineering, shaft-driven efficiency and reliability
>> Australian-build quality and support 
>> Customisations in a dreamboat designed for serious coastal cruising

NOT SO MUCH
>> The big C18 CATs aren’t the most frugal engines
>> Finding a 20m marina berth can be a challenge these days
>> You will be green with envy after going for a ride

Specifications:
Price as tested: With the gyro, EJS and EPS, tender davit and some 140 options and upgrades, plus the big Caterpillar C18 ACERT 1150hp engines, the M65 was a $3.599 million boat. Starting price is a bit over $3 million, but no-one is talking base boats in this league.

LOA and Overall Length ISO: 20.85m
Beam: 5.71m
Draft: 1.50m (max)
Weight: Around 36,000kg dry with standard Volvo D13-900mhp engines
Sleeping: 8+2+2
Fuel capacity: 6300+ litres
Water capacity: 1400 litres
Holding tank: 2 x 200 litres
Engines: Twin Caterpillar C18 1150hp ACERT common-rail diesel inboard six-cylinder engines with shaft drives spinning five-blade props

Supplied by:
Maritimo Offshore,
15 Waterway Drive,
Coomera, Qld, 4209
Phone: (07) 5588 6000
Website: www.maritimo.com.au