Maritimo M60

When prolific Australian boat builder Bill Barry- Cotter decided he wanted to launch a new company in 2004 dedicated to the cruising owner, he did so with the company’s first Maritimo 60.

That debut 60-foot enclosed bridge, with the lines of a sportfisher, went on to win Australia’s Cruiser of the Year and forge the company’s reputation for quality, bluewater adventure boats.

Fast forward to May 2022 and the Gold Coast’s major boat show, Sanctuary Cove, where the latest Maritimo M60 glistens in the Queensland sun while I talk with Bill’s son Tom Barry-Cotter, who is now managing director. “What we’ve tried to do on this boat is elevate all the great features of the original boat — shaft drives, long-range capabilities, flybridge wings and offshore performance capabilities shore — to a new level.”

The newly arrived sibling is in the middle of the company’s bridge range that has the M51, M55, M64 and later this year the M75. The M60 is all about lifestyle, both at anchor and at sea — important characteristics for boats designed to cruise the often harsh 36,000 miles of the Australian island continent.

The challenge when designing towering enclosed flybridge cruisers is avoiding making them ungainly and top-heavy for offshore passages. This is a test which Maritimo’s design team conquered by putting slightly more beam into their hulls and using lighter weight laminates and a patented structure system within the flybridge to optimize weight. Finished off with some stylish aesthetics, including molded bridge wings which are a legacy from that very first 60, it creates a timeless profile on top of a stout hull that should give no unpleasant surprises as the years pass.

Cruising Version

Hull No.1 that I board is a cruising-focused, luxurious yacht with a vast “adventure deck.” The area provides an expansive teak swim platform with hydraulic aft section to float a tender and includes a full beam wet bar. Handily, the entire transom deck hinges open on electric actuators to reveal a tender garage, enclosed by a deep gutter and double sealed rubber flange. Inside is enough space for a large PWC, hoisted by a folding davit.

A step above this area is the aft cockpit completely shaded by the flybridge overhang, ideal for dinners around the transom settee with removable stools and swivel table. Underfoot, a teak clad hatch gives easy access to the spacious engine room. Tall side rails guide me safely to the bow where this first hull sports a double sunbed; a dinghy and davit can also be installed here if required.

Dedicated saloon

The new M60 saloon is dedicated to relaxation, with lounge forward and galley aft, ideally placed to serve outdoor diners via the triple bifold doors. The galley has an island bench which allows several people to work here and is extensively equipped for usability with large upright Miele appliances including fridge, freezer drawers, microwave and separate oven with three plate electric cook-top. Other appliances include a small dishwasher and downstairs, the option for a combination or split washer/dryer.

Just slide the folding doors shut when the rain comes and it becomes cozy yet airy thanks to vast side windows adjoining from the saloon. A step-up on the paneled vinyl floor to the lounge area gives the ambience of a much larger vessel, thanks to that generous beam and tall windows placed ideally at eye height when resting on the couches that surround the area. A folding dining table on port and elevating 55-inch television hidden nearby complete the luxurious space. The satin walnut finish is understated and contrasts nicely with the light-colored leather furnishings.

Access to the enclosed bridge and helm area on the M60 is by the wide internal stairs where the starboard helm shares a large lounge space with the sofa bed. Behind this mini-saloon is a spacious upper deck area. This M60 flybridge is the largest in the company’s current range of boats and can probably seat a dozen people — an ideal sundowner space at anchor. The uncluttered helm console belies a highly equipped bridge with Twin Disc EJS joystick and throttles starboard of the helm. Given the windage, controlling the shaft drives and thrusters with a simply operated joystick system delivers comfort to shorthanded owners.

Full beam owner’s stateroom

Located deep in the hull, using the entire 17-foot beam, the king-sized owner’s suite is outstanding with several furniture options including vanity table and benches. Elongated hull windows give light with two opening portholes to increase natural airflow at anchor. The ensuite head is spacious and easily wiped down, with natural ventilation and a generous shower cubicle.

Another creative use of space is the forward stateroom, where the queen berth is offset to starboard, creating a complete walkaround berth with a similar head to the master. The third stateroom with its movable bunks and large portlight finishes off this practical layout, making for a very versatile family boat.

Heading Offshore

The key characteristics of the M60’s deep-V hull, long keel, modest deadrise and flat aft sections for planing all deliver good offshore performance. Interestingly, this first M60 is destined for shoal waters so molded tunnels are used to reduce draft. Additional directional stability comes from molded spray rails. “The hull is where you need the strength and weight so why compromise it,” says Tom.

This M60 is powered by upgraded twin Scania 900-hp single turbo units instead of the standard Volvo Penta D13 800-mhps. The fuel system is designed to further increase stability, and indicative of Maritimo’s keep it simple approach, traditional breaker switching is used throughout the M60, allowing for simple troubleshooting by the owner should faults occur. Taking a tall flybridge cruiser offshore is usually not my idea of fun because the pendulum effect can make steering onerous. However, Australians have some good reasons for liking flybridges offshore: The great vision afforded when navigating our coral strewn waters and that third level of living space when at anchor.

Sitting comfortably in the leather bucket seat at the helm of the M60 as we motor out of the narrow seaway to the Pacific Ocean, I realize the lack of pendulum sensation; albeit aided by only a small swell. It allows me to enjoy the light touch of the hydraulic helm and feel the thrust as I push the throttles down to stir the twin Scanias into full-ahead. The hull rises seamlessly out of its shallow hole to plane easily and without any tabs as the SOG numbers pass the 20-knot cruising speed before ceasing to rise at a tad over 30 knots.

Nearing the shore it’s time for some slow handling with help from the silky smooth gearbox and joystick system. The intuitive movement of pointing the joystick in the direction of travel backs up the M60 straight as an arrow and its adjustable power is useful as the wind gusts. Done with aplomb, as befits every part of this immaculate M60 that certainly does Maritimo and its illustrious heritage proud.