When conjuring the Maritimo M50 Flybridge, designers plumbed the breadth of experience of Maritimo owners worldwide, covering all regions the proudly Australian-made brand has a presence in.

“One of the main strengths of Maritimo is its owner base, and how they’ve contributed to the evolution of the product range,” states Phil Candler, General Manager, Operations. “Over our 20-year history, owners have had a special role in refining and enhancing our model range, improving on each generation, meeting the needs of seasoned owners and those new to Maritimo – both those stepping up into a larger motor yacht and those downsizing.”

The M50 Flybridge is the latest iteration of this phenomenon – a product of founder Bill Barry-Cotter’s 60-plus years in the boating business, his talented pool of designers and engineers, and owners with their inventory of personal preferences.

And the unique and compelling features aboard this exceptional vessel read like a veritable checklist of wants and must-haves.

Reviewing the M50 Flybridge from Maritimo’s home base of Sanctuary Cove out into the Broadwater gave the ideal circuit to test its systems and savour its appeal. From the dock, it’s instantly recognisable as a Maritimo, given Barry-Cotter is the flybridge maestro. Its hull ports, panoramic saloon windows and enclosed flybridge glazing add a dynamic flourish to the sleek profile. The hull itself is the product of insight and evolution from decades of offshore racing, with a reverse chine that runs nearly the length of the hull and a rounded keel that ensures a soft re-entry in all sea states.

Stepping on board, the first piece of technological ingenuity is the integrated hydraulic lifting and hinging swim platform, designed to reduce vessel length by 75 centimetres when docked – a practical feature in regions where 15-metre berths are prevalent. When deployed, it becomes a versatile platform, topped with an entertainment module featuring built-in barbecue, sink and cooler, plus hatch for lazarette access – ideal for water toys, fenders and any other essential gear.

Two steps up is the cockpit, which has been raised to be flush with the galley, creating single-level flow from the aft deck through to the interior for seamless entertaining and safety for guests of all ages and abilities, and their pets. A drain plate is installed for any splash. The cockpit itself comprises bench seating and a table with flip top to allow the seating to be raised for secondary access to lazarette storage.

Guaranteeing guests the soundtrack for convivial days on the water, this model boasts a Fusion sound system and prominent speakers in the cockpit, galley and in the flybridge. Comfort in any weather is assured with clears that roll down to enclose this prime social space.

The engine room is accessed through a hatch between the table and the sliding doors into the galley. By removing the wing tanks and having one central tank down low, Maritimo has created more space in the engine room as well as a lower centre of gravity for seakeeping and stability. There’s ample space in the engine room for a gyro, watermaker and other options, and the entire space has been lined with a new material for improved soundproofing.

Large walkaround decks – a Maritimo hallmark – lead to the foredeck, which is as equally suited to sunpads and relaxation as it is for tender storage.

Inside, the galley is impressive, being as big as – or slightly bigger than – the one found on the M55. Equipped with Miele appliances and a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher, the galley is decked out with stone benchtops and gloss walnut cabinetry, replete with storage, plus a central island for extra preparation area.

Moving into the saloon, a new window system that slides open from a central pillar creates a gazebo effect, filling the heart of the vessel with natural light and views from every vantage point. The generous head height of 1.9 metres enhances this tremendous feeling of space. Every inch of the interior has been optimised. Lounges grace each side of the boat, there’s an extendable dining table on portside, the 55-inch TV is concealed in cabinetry, and the starboard-side sofa converts to a double bed.

Upstairs, more surprises await in the flybridge. The closed-tread staircase represents the next generation in design for the brand that pioneered the internal staircase, and is characterised by the impeccable joinery that Maritimo craftspeople take so much pride in. Its dimensions also add valuable centimetres to the galley.

Like the flagship M75 that launched in 2023, the M50 benefits from exterior wings incorporated into the contours of the flybridge.

With a beam of 5.22 metres, the M50 lays claim to being the largest four-sided enclosed flybridge in its class – and the volume is palpable!

Our skipper for the day is Leigh Bradshaw, Maritimo Warranty Manager and a captain of 30 years’ experience. This is his first foray aboard this model, and he praises the fantastic visibility from the helm through the reverse-rake windscreen, which reduces glare and heat and aids water run-off. Bow and stern thrusters, and the added asset of the Yacht Controller wireless control system, make berthing and manoeuvring a breeze – perfect for a cruising couple or newcomers to boating.

Twin heated helm chairs with diamond stitching face the dash with two Garmin screens above a console that has been pared back for aesthetics and practicality. Cruising on an unusually quiet Broadwater, we’re planing at 16 knots with the same fuel efficiency Maritimo’s shaft drive and hull design technology deliver across the fleet. Fuel capacity is 3,700 litres, ensuring the M50’s long-range capabilities. Powered by twin Volvo Penta D13-800s, the M50 comfortably cruises at 22 knots, with a top speed of 30 knots.

Making best use of the extra volume, there’s sofa seating forward, and behind the helm is a lounge that converts to another double bed. A skylight overhead delivers natural light, complementing subtle LED lighting. Through sliding doors, the covered aft deck is an expansive sheltered area with a multitude of uses, from dining to angling.

The accommodation, accessed via a forward companionway, is the pièce de résistance in comfort, enhanced by an abundance of light filtering down from the atrium above. The layout and style were a hit with show visitors.

With a large skylight and hatch rather than side windows, the VIP stateroom has reimagined adaptable, luxurious guest accommodation. The port-oriented queen bed can be split into twin beds, and there’s plenty of storage in the form of drawers, hanging robe and bedside table, plus a flatscreen TV.

Where many brands locate a third cabin, the spacious ensuite doubles as a day head and comprises full-height shower, basin and loo, with skylight and mirrors amplifying its proportions. In the lobby, a separate washer and dryer is tucked away behind cabinetry.

But it’s the full-beam master stateroom that defines the M50 as truly class-leading. A serene retreat, it boasts a king-size bed, chaise longue to port and cabinets to starboard, plus overhead storage and cedar-lined wardrobes.

Long through-hull windows with opening portholes provide fresh air and water views, and concertina blinds drop down to ensure privacy. The ensuite, with its spa-like ambience, includes a huge shower with skylight overhead.

“All the new features, such as the larger master stateroom, more storage and slide-out beds for extra guests, are customer-driven,” explains Candler. “People are looking for the benefits of a smaller boat with all the features of a larger boat,” he concludes, “and we’ve wrapped them all up in one package.”

maritimo.com.au