Maritimo X-60

Maritimo X-60

The new Maritimo X-60 was inspired by adrenaline-fueled offshore racing, but zen-like spaces foster memorable moments.

You think you know Maritimo until you get to know the Maritimo X-60.

Maritimo, a premier Australian boat manufacturer, is owned by legendary boat builder Bill Barry-Cotter. He started Mariner Cruisers in 1966, founded Riviera Yachts in 1980, sold  Riviera in 2002, created Maritimo in 2003. The first Maritimos were enclosed flybridge cruisers—the M-Series—and the cruising motoryachts that feature signature floating internal stairways with enclosed skylounges and the helm aloft are still in production.

They also offer the S-Series, a line of stylish sedans, but Barry-Cotter and his family don’t just build pleasure boats. They also build world-renowned, international offshore powerboat racers, and it’s through the design, build and racing processes that keep them informed about new technology in engines, equipment, and materials that can transfer to recreational boats.

Maritimos are shaft driven with small shaft angles to provide fast, efficient performance. Barry-Cotter’s son, Tom, an accomplished offshore racer, boat builder and designer himself, is an integral part of the Maritimo team. He developed design ideas to showcase Maritimo’s strengths that differ enough from the M and S series boats that they designated a new X-Series. The first of these new models, the X60, debuted at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in Australia this past spring, and U.S. models appeared in the 2018 Newport and Annapolis boat shows as well as the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Welcome to the Beach Club

The X60 Maritimo might look like a highly stylized version of their S-Series sedans, but her sleek exterior belies the extraordinary versatility of her layout and design. I stepped aboard her swim platform with Tom Barry-Cotter, whose concepts and ideas were central to this project. The swim platform is wide with a seemingly standard transom, and twin staircases lead up to the cockpit. Then, with the touch of a button, the entire transom gently lifts and raises like the hatchback of a luxury car. One would expect this to lead to a tender garage (which is an option), but this X60 has an aft “Beach Club.” A stairwell leads down to port for easy access to this aft cabin. Inside along the swim platform is a finished bar area where one can sit and look out at the water with a cocktail.

A full-size head complete with a separate shower is to port, and a large flat-screen TV graces the forward bulkhead above another cabinet complete with a wet bar and fridge. An internal stairway leads up to the main salon with engine room access along the way. This beach club design is impressive and unlike anything I’ve seen previously on a vessel this size. The proximity to the water, access through the transom and the cabin and view astern create a different perspective in this unique social area. Details like pullout bar stools, ample storage, ambient lighting, and an actuator system that lifts and seals the transom doorway round off the cabin.

What makes this boat “Xtra” special is that the beach club is one of three aft cabin options that buyers have on the X60. It can alternatively configure as a stateroom with ensuite head, private internal stairway and the ability to open the hatchback for fresh air and direct access to the water. Picture lying in bed on a temperate night while the waves gently lap, and your view out the open transom is the moonlight’s reflection on the horizon. Spend sunny days in folding lounge chairs on the swim platform outside the stateroom. Lower the hydraulic swim platform slightly into the water to create a wading pool effect. Imagine setting a small table with chairs in the shallow water to have a cocktail, appetizers or a meal while your feet dangle in the water. The possibilities are endless.

Garage Space

Another option utilizes the aft cabin as a tender garage and water toy area. The stairwell and access to the transom remain. The head and shower stay to make a great day head and changing room. When wet guests return from swimming, they enter through the transom, take a warm shower and change privately, then ascend the internal stairway to the salon. A large RIB (3.2 meters) stows concealed to starboard. The remaining cabin area wraps around the tender garage with ample room for SCUBA tanks, compressors, inflatable water toys, bicycles, beach furniture, and more. There’s also room to cradle a PWC on the swim platform.

Maritimos have a reputation for large, uncluttered engine rooms, and the X60 is no exception. Headroom, easy access to both sides of the engines, and other critical functions will satisfy captains and owners. The space is so large, they could build in additional storage for deck furniture and not compromise functionality.

Comfortable Livability

Up the stairs, the main salon is decked out with comfortable seating on both sides and twin helm seats forward to starboard. The X60 has Maritimo’s signature aft galley with a large pop-out pantry, an island and folding doors that join the cockpit. Cockpit seating with a teak table creates an outdoor gathering area protected by an overhang. Additional cockpit amenities include an electric grill, sink, icemaker, and refrigerator. A second seating area with a table adjacent the galley is an option. There is excellent continuity between the salon, galley, and cockpit creating a large entertaining area or segmented gathering spaces.

Ahead of the galley to port is a slightly raised lounge area with dining table that offers excellent visibility underway. Dual opening skylights overhead create a light, airy feel that highlights the contemporary furnishings and finely finished wood. Visibility from the helm is good all-around whether seated on the twin adjustable helm seats or standing. On the foredeck, a cushioned seating area just ahead of the windshield makes it a useful congregating spot. A large sunpad further forward adds to the appeal.

A full-beam ensuite master centers the yacht below deck. A twin bunk cabin is forward to starboard with head to port. The bow cabin optimizes the space with an angled island berth and separate entrance to the port head. An alternate layout expands the master by replacing the bunk cabin with a larger master head; owners have the choice of four layouts down below. Customization and versatility are what makes the X60 unique—and X-citing.

Specifications

LOA: 63′ 9″
Beam: 17′ 1″
Draft: 5′ 1″
Dry Weight: 67,000 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 1,100/211 gals
Power: 2x Volvo Penta D13 800-hp
Cruise Speed: 20 knots
Top Speed: 33 knots
Range: 495 nm @ 20 knots
MSRP (base): US$2,232,000
Contact: Maritimo Sales America

Contact

2515 Marina Bay Dr. West, Unit 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(941) 735-1756
maritimo.com.au

By Arnie Hammerman, Southern Boating November 2018