U.S. couple enjoy Aussie odyessy

American apple producers Dan and Bri Plath were a long way from their Yakima, Washington, farm both mentally and physically as they snorkeled and sipped cold beers anchored on their new Maritimo M58 Cruising Motoryacht at the Tangalooma wrecks off North Stradbroke Island in Queensland.

"This is what we had dreamt of, it was absolutely perfect and as Aussie as we could get," said Dan as they couple rested on their new boat at Maritimo’s marina on Hope Island on the Gold Coast.

Dan and Bri had just finished a 10-day cruising odyssey where they lived the dream enjoying a pre-delivery ‘shake-down’ cruise package becoming increasingly popular with international Maritimo owners.

The Plath’s are the latest USA residents who have taken up the opportunity to travel to Australia and enjoy a Queensland cruise on their new vessels before the boats are transported from Australia to their home ports in the USA.

The couple purchased their M58 sight unseen and were accompanied to Australia to take delivery by Maritimo USA dealer Bill King before undertaking their cruise.

"Bill came out with us and assisted us get everything organised and I think he was relieved when we saw the boat for the first time and loved it," said Dan.

"We have had a Maritimo before, but decided to buy the M58 without actually setting foot on one so I think he was a bit apprehensive and then happy when we were so thrilled with the new boat.

"The Maritimo people have been brilliant and had everything done for us right down to bed linen, towels and provisions when we arrived.

"We had a skipper and things went like clockwork from the moment we left the dock until the moment we returned.”

Dan and Bri, proud parents of two young boys, Davis and Bennett, said the chance to travel to Australia and go cruising on their new boat was too good to pass up. "My mother Peggy was able to step in and look after the boys so it was a great chance for us to come to Australia and enjoy what has been like a second honeymoon," said Bri.

The couple cruised from the Gold Coast to Mooloolaba and spent a couple of nights moored in the Brisbane River and one night at the Southport Yacht Club.

"The trip across from Tangalooma to Mooloolaba was a bit lumpy so we got to see how the boat performed and it was great," said Dan.

"There is a big difference in the handling with this boat compared to our previous Maritimo so we cannot wait to get it home and start to cruise the waterways of Washington State’s Puget Sound."

Maritimo Australia sales and marketing director, Greg Haines, said the experience the Plath’s had enjoyed was becoming more popular with overseas Maritimo buyers.

"We make it seamless for them and it gives them a once in a lifetime experience and also a chance to have a look at where their boats have been made," he said.

“The Plaths have flown back home to the USA and their boat is now being readied to be shipped over to them. “ It will arrive in mid to late March.