Need for speed: 2020 Maritimo X50R takes to the water

The Maritimo X50R creates a “superfast” version of the two-level cruiser that dips into Maritimo’s international racing pedigree to craft a sports yacht featuring upgraded 800hp Tier 3 Scania D13 engines driving specially tuned propellers via ZF gearboxes.

The upgraded engines give a top-end performance of “over 36 knots”, with the Gold Coast-based luxury motor yacht maker describing the driving experience as “nautical F1-like” in a boat that was both thrilling and game-changing for the sector.

"The X series sport yacht range has been one of our most successful ever models and now with the R Performance Edition, symbolising our powerboat racing heritage and advanced technological advantages gained from our in-house race division learnings, we have truly gone next level," Maritimo lead designer Tom Barry-Cotter said.

"The R Edition models are all about speed, performance, agility and bespoke luxury.

"They will turn heads in any bay or marina anywhere around the world and are designed specifically for those owners who expect and want the very best."

The first Maritimo X50R coming out of the R Performance Edition program features a distinctive hull finished in gunmetal grey, and is being launched internationally this month.

The boat features Maritimo's trademark straight-shaft technology with a “custom balanced and high-tuned performance propeller package” optimised for efficiency and converting all that extra performance into propulsion.

"The combination of the twin 13.0-litre engines with a nimble 19,000kg vessel provides the ultimate driving experience with powerful performance for any sea conditions," Barry-Cotter said.

"The power-to-weight ratio and highly efficient propeller setup provide an effortless cruising experience with sensational cruising efficiency for long-range hauls."

Maritimo said an overall length of 16.0 metres and beam of 4.55 metres meant the “sleek lines of the X50R are stunning”.

“Accommodations provide two sleeping cabins standard and another floor plan to provide three as an option,” it said.

“The large galley is consistent with Maritimo's domestic size and style layouts including a two-door, full-height refrigerator/freezer, four-burner cooktop, Corian benchtop, dishwasher and icemarker.

“The R Edition package includes a Maritimo custom-made dual-width sport helm seat. There is also a Yacht Controller joystick system and twin joysticks plus a remote.

“In a first, there are also GRP ceiling-mounted moulded storage racks in the engine room.”

Maritimo has used the X50R to launch a new hydraulic swim platform that comes with an optional U-shaped seat on stainless steel supports.

The seating allows people to sit and relax semi-submerged while looking into the X50’s signature aft beach club bar and entertainment area.

The Maritimo X50R is not the only vessel to come out of the R Performance skunkworks. The Maritimo X60R is also available, featuring engines upgraded to 1200hp Scania D16s. All other inclusions of the X50R package are available in the larger model.