SANCTUARY COVE BOAT SHOW: Maritimo M59 heads up $25m display

Maritimo is poised to stage the Australasian premier of its new M59 at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show from May 25 to 28. The late mail says the S59, a Sedan variant without the flying bridge, will makes its world debut.

The new three-cabin M59 cruising motor yacht has already made its world premier at the 2017 Miami International Boat Show in February and has since accounted for five sales internationally, the yard says.

Three of those M59s were docked at Maritimo's waterfront facilities on the Gold Coast during our recent visit, when we got to test drive boat number #4 offshore in some decent conditions generated by a 15-20 knot southerly. Full review to come.

Like all the sisterships, M59 #4 was powered by twin 800hp Volvo Penta D13 engines running through a Twin Disc 2.04:1 gearbox with shaft drives spinning five-blade Teignbridge 30 x 37.5in props. Top speed is 28-30 knots. Thanks to shallow shaft angles, the draft is about 1.22m.

IT'S A BEAMY M59
Maritimo International Sales and Marketing Manager, Greg Haines, said the M59 is a lot of boat — it's priced from about $2.8m — thanks to a wide 5.36m beam for more accommodation and a large opening lazerette or stern garage similar to that on the company's M64.

"The back of the boat opens up to a large storage space which is perfect
for a tender and all the water toys you could want," Haines said.

"Cockpit access is via port or starboard opening transom doors and there is the option of a hydraulic swim platform."

The broad beam on the M59 is almost a foot wider than the Maritimo M62 (nee M58) and, with a high bow and freeboard, it feels like a mini ship.

The cabins are especially spacious with the third cabin with twin singles sliding together to create the boat's third double bed.

It's also nice to score a mezzanine-level dressing area and desk in the master cabin much like the bigger Maritimo models.

LONG-RANGE CRUISING
"The versatility and clever use of space is highlighted with the addition of an optional fold-out bed on the flybridge which creates a separate private cabin with stunning views day and night," said Haines.

"The full beam master cabin, which is a hallmark of the Maritimo range, is both luxurious and expansive providing optimal comfort," he says.

Standard engines are twin 725hp Volvo D11s, however, the 800hp D13s have been more popular for that top speed up to 30 knots.

With a fuel capacity of 4400lt, 700lt water capacity, and sleeping for
six to eight people, the M59 is a true long-range motor yacht.

The S59 has everything but the flying bridge and is well suited to seasoned boaters who struggle with staircases and just want a single-level entertaining and cruising platform. We'll have more on the S59 in due course and will expand on our M59 test soon.

BIG BOAT SHOW
All told, Maritimo will display some $25m of boats at the 2017 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, including up to eight new motor yachts from 51-70ft, plus four brokerage boats.

Along with its new on-site sales and marketing office at Sanctuary Cove, this is being touted as Maritimo's largest ever presence at a boat show.

More at www.maritimo.com.au.