Maritimo S50 2026 Review

Basing the new S50 on the established M50 hull while substantially changing some basic hull structures – such as tankage and modernising the topside layout – has created a highly functional luxury motorboat. This became clear after a morning aboard that included an offshore blast along the Gold Coast. The S50 is the entry model in the sedan series that includes the S55, S60 and S75. 

Standing out from the crowd in the busy market for sedan motorboats is no mean feat, as I witnessed while attending the 2026 Sanctuary Cove International Boat show, where the S50 made its debut. Around us were both local and international brands with similar concepts. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder of course, so picking your preference is a personal thing. But, forgive another cliché, the devil is indeed in the detail; and this is where the latest Maritimo S50 has some market differentiators.

The S50 overall shape shows a curvaceous profile with raked windows forward and an elongated saloon top that shades the entire aft cockpit. An elongated and hydraulic swim platform adds to usable space while inboard of it is a large lazarette sunken into the hull for tender storage. The S50 has a standard layout of saloon with galley aft on the main deck while below are two large cabins with equally large ensuite bathrooms.

Boarding hull number one showed a sophisticated motorboat that should have wide appeal for this with a budget for the luxury end of the market. The model may attract brand owners downsizing from flybridge models and new buyers seeking a sporty and versatile coastal cruiser boasting two spacious cabins. As mentioned, versatility is a feature of this model. That includes the hydraulic swim platform because it not only elevates but tilts up to reduce the S50 length. “This ensures it fits into 50-foot marina berths while it can also be tilted when offshore,” explains my host for the day, Operations Manager Phil Candler.

On the main deck, the transom is dominated by the dinghy lazarette, or boot as the company calls it. It has an electrically actuated lifting mechanism to reveal a space that can house a large dinghy plus key systems, including freshwater tankage and waste capacities, while also giving easy access to the steering linkages. The boot also includes an electric barbecue and sink with fridge. Inside of this is a bench seat with table. The table and the decking are all thick teak, giving a comfortable feel for bare feet as I move around. Underfoot here in the cockpit is also a large hatch to the engine room.

Moving to the bow, the tall railings guide me here, where there's space for two sunbeds. I note the seamanlike protruding hatches (that remain watertight unlike flush ones) and the functional pulpit arrangement. There's an oversized Australian made horizontal Muir windlass/capstan combined with an equally large 45kg Ultra anchor, which should give peace of mind. The other mooring essentials are sturdy cleats all round and mid-ships. Locker space was yet another plus point on the foredeck, for fenders and other accoutrements, along with a deep chain locker.

The single level between aft cockpit and saloon gives smooth access inside, via solid sliding doors. I see the difference from other Maritimo sedans, with the remodelled galley. It is now positioned on the port side and is L-Shaped (instead of an island), while a single step takes me to the lounge. Here the vertical side bulkheads give vast window space and the U-shaped lounge on port faces the helm with its twin bucket seats. Again, there's versatility here because of the of pull-out day bed and movable table that also elevates. The understated stylish finish throughout is contemporary – oak veneers (with walnut and teak options) with oatmeal coloured Sunbrella fabrics and sumptuous wool carpet. Looking aft, the galley's well equipped with large upright fridge, freezer drawers, microwave and separate oven with three-plate electric hob. All by quality Miele. Other white goods are a small dishwasher and downstairs, separate washer and dryer in the corridor. Usability is apparent in the galley with Maritimo's signature custom pantry racks and plentiful cupboard space. Top-notch fixtures and fittings include locks on large cupboards, yet another offshore feature on the S50.

The starboard-side helm station has a well-equipped navigation layout with throttles on the right plus joystick that controls fore and aft thrusters. These are electric powered Vetus models, but a much more expensive option is full joystick control of all systems via ZF transmission. On hull one, other essentials include automatic Volvo Interceptor Active Trim tabs, the hydraulic wheel, and Garmin smarts (twin 22-inch glass screens, radar and autopilot) were all ergonomically laid out, plus Flir cameras outside and in the engine room. The other necessities are the twin Volvo engine screens for temperature, oil pressure and all other key data.

On the accommodation level, the two-stateroom layout is the same as the M50, which gives a spacious layout for both the ensuite cabins. Wide steps are naturally lit from the raked forward saloon window before I reach the large corridor below. Moving aft brings me to the owner's suite which is dominated by the king-sized bed and naturally lit by the elongated portlights and opening portholes. Around it are drawers to port and settee on the other side. Headroom will suit a basketball player. This is also the case in the enormous bathroom which uses the space previously used as a third cabin in other models. Here, the shower has large opening skylight and spacious vanity area with cupboards beneath. Moving to the bow, guest suite shows me another comfortable berth with offset queen bed, giving access on both sides. There's generous natural light from the triple skylight, while surrounding cupboard space should suit even the most demanding sartorialist. Just lie back on the comfy bed, switch on the large wall mounted television and enjoy the tranquillity. Ablutions are equally comfy with sizeable bathroom, which has dual doors for its other role as day head.

The hull build is solid GRP throughout with cored decks for insulation and lightness. A no-fuss build that's easily maintained. Rigidity comes from a solid GRP liner that is moulded longitudinally all the way to the forward cabin – a Maritimo patented technique to enhance hull integrity. Accessing the engine room from the stern cockpit showed me a spacious area, especially so because of the lack of wing fuel tanks. The review boat came with the standard turbocharged 800HP Volvos D13s, running straight shafts to five bladed Nimbral Veem propellers.

Extracting ourselves from the tight marina berth at Sanctuary Cove was done without drama, as skipper Rosco used the joystick in combination with the throttles to ease us into the Coomera River. Reaching its estuary, we motored south along the Broadwater and then the Seaway to reach the ocean. A low but sturdy swell smashed into the bows but no groans came from any part of the S50; in fact, not even a murmur. Here, I took the helm for a blast offshore. 

Pulling out of the hole and onto the plane was done at about 17 knots, with only a faint roar from the turbocharged Volvos – thanks to the double insulation layer above them. This allowed me to concentrate on powering-up to cruising speed – 25 knots – which was done smoothly. Sitting in the bucket seat, the views were superb all round, even as I accelerated, because the automatic Active Trim tabs did a good job in keeping us level. After a glance behind, I put the S50 wheel down for a series of figure-of-eights, going over our wash without dramas and noting only a few degrees heel on each turn. 

Going flatchat in a straight line put us into sportsboat territory – beyond the 30-knot barrier – so plenty of oomph for outrunning bad weather when required. With the skyscrapers of Surfers Paradise on my portside it was time to run for home, playing the throttles to stay on the southerly swells. I noted the ultra-responsive helm, demonstrating enough rudder size to prevent the S50 from yawing, as I began to thread the needle – the sandbar entrance of the Seaway. Beyond here, I slowed to experience some slow handling. Using the single joystick for the thrusters, its graduated power delivery allowing me to move sideways in a controlled manner; while going astern I engaged the throttles for what turned out to be a smooth session of boat handling. Confirming to me that indeed the S50 is a smooth operator in all categories, so well done Maritimo.

Price: POA
Length Overall: 15.36 M, 50' 5" Ft
Hull Length (ISO): 15.69 M, 51' 5" Ft
Beam: 5.22 M, 17' 2" Ft
Draft: 1.39 M
Dry Weight: 28,000 Kg 
Fuel Capacity: 3,500 L,
Water Capacity: 750 L
Holding Tank Capacity: 300 L
Sleeping Cabins: 2  
Sleeping Capacity: 4 Standard
Engines: 2 X Volvo D13 – 800 HP (with option1,000 HP option)
Generator: 17.5kw 50hz

Official factory supplied fuel figures for review hull: