Maritimo X60 taking shape

Tom Barry-Cotter (29) finally appears to have found a solid foundation on which to launch his boat-building aspirations. As the heir to the Maritimo throne revealed via the unveiling at the 50th Sydney International Boat Show of a new set of renderings, the X60 is set to make a statement.

Although based on the Elandra 53 that Tom formerly built, and IP that Maritimo acquired after Elandra shut its doors in 2016, the X60 introduces a host of design modifications and mould changes to usher in a new era of high-end boat manufacturing for the Gold Coast yard.

The son of the company's founder Bill Barry-Cotter, Tom said the X-Series stems from what is now the largest design and development project ever undertaken in the company’s history.

While the new X60 production boat will share plenty of design ‘modules’ and existing Maritimo DNA to ensure it's a viable and repeatable build, the first new X model appears to have taken on a life of its own.

Following reporting on the initial plans for the new X Series back in November 2016, the latest drawings certainly paint the outline of a contemporary styled boat.

There artistic impressions show sharper lines than the Maritimo S Series sedans and an overall smarter look befitting of a generational change.

Now known as the X60 (rather than previous X6 as it was initially), the first new X Series offering is shaft driven using a variable deadrise hull — without prop tunnels — and 800hp Volvo Penta D13 engines, though 825hp and 900hp Scania engines and 900hp Volvo upgrades are available.

As with all Maritimo motor yachts, generous fuel capacity (4200lt), low shaft angles and an efficient hull design are said to propel the X60 into the long-range cruising class for accessing places like Hamilton Island... if not Ibiza... or Nassau.

AFT CABIN OPTIONS
But it’s the layout and aft cabin/garage/cabana options that Tom says will make his X60 stand out in the Australian production-boat world.

Besides modern and clean design lines, the big point of difference on the X60 is the large aft cabin with en-suite accessible from both the swim platform via a watertight boot and door, and a private companionway tailing off the saloon.

As such, the Maritimo X60’s aft cabin is said to extend the X60’s living space to that of 70ft vessels. It also enables customers to opt between Beach Club, Queen Stateroom, Euro Galley or Service Cabin, with optional 3.20m tender garage and laundry (no-one has expressed interest in this latter layout to date).

The innovative Beach Club aft cabin option forms a cabana-style twin-level entertaining and relaxation space that connects to the vast swim platform area. An in-built mini galley and bar allow for a wide range of refrigeration and storage options.

Tom said throughout the design process he has been focussed on the way owners use their boats for entertaining and that they are continually seeking versatile indoor/outdoor spaces to enjoy being close to the water but in a sheltered environment.

"While entertaining in the cockpit, the aft en suite provides a secondary dayhead where guests aren’t required to walk forward to the lower companionway,” he said, adding that this dayhead is also accessible from the swim platform.

ACCOMMODATION CHOICES
The X60 offers an optional four-cabin configuration option, with the aforesaid aft cabin fitted out as a separate large private VIP that enjoys views and connectivity with the outside via a large hull window and opening rear boot. This is the layout that appears to be arousing the most advancd interest.

Yet the European market may well prefer a commercial-style Euro galley occupying the aft cabin, which would free-up space for extra lounging and dining back in the saloon.

In that main saloon, there are options for twin sun roofs located above the helm and aft galley, in addition to innovative three-stage sliding side windows that create 3.0m-long opening port and starboard saloon apertures.

The large island bench aft galley and its Miele appliances are derived from Maritimo’s M70, new S70 and M64 designs. Two large opposing lounges are located forward, which integrate with central TV Unit and bar. Finish options will help provide separation with the Maritimo’s existing line-up.

An atrium-style companionway directs plenty of light and ventilation from the saloon to the lower decks. The X60 forward accommodation features a full beam master stateroom, a large bow VIP cabin with offset berth (as per Elandra) in the bow, and a twin bunk cabin located centre to starboard.

RELEASE DATE NOW 2018
Due for release in February 2018, the first new X60 is based on the foundation of the Elandra 53 and you can see a bit of that in the deck lines. But the hull tunnels have been removed, the stem and entry have gained more rake, and 1.4m of hull length or running surface has been added to the boat. The X Series has taken on its own life now.

"It's an entertaining boat, maximising space, with a usable foredeck and saloon that measures 7.50m long. But the specific feature is the aft utility cabin with headroom," Tom said, adding that there’s interest from NZ and North America.

"The shaft drives allow for a unique layout and we think this aft cabin can really rev up this segment of the market," Tom enthused at the 50th Sydney International Boat Show.

Maritimo sells some 30-odd boats a year, but they are bigger ticket bespoke builds from 50-70ft created at its Gold Coast yard. Plans for a public float have been scrapped.

Specifications: Maritimo X60
LOA: 19.39m
Length (ISO): 18.16m
Beam: 5.20m
Draft: 1.45m
Weight: 29,000kg
Fuel: 4200lt
Water: 800lt
Black Water: 300lt
Sleeping: three/four cab options for 6/8
Engines: 800hp Volvo D13
Generator: Cummins 17.5kW
Read more about
Maritimo here.