We’ve all been to boat shows where all the usual suspects have their latest offerings on display. They come in all sizes, prices and levels of quality. The new Maritimo X50 is a welcome offering in a sea of mediocrity that is filled with surprises.
So what do you want to do today? Entertain at the dock? Go for a nice day cruise? Take some friends for an over-nighter? Or put on your super-hero costume and tear up some wicked waves? Sure, why not. The X50 can it all.
Let me remind you that I’m not in any manufacturers pocket. The X50 can really do all that stuff. And it does all of them equally well. (I would, however, like to go on record that every person has their price. This is mine Maratimo … are you listening?)
The new Maritimo X50 is a welcome offering in a sea of mediocrity that is filled with surprises.
The X50 is so unique and inventive that it truly stands out on its own. Designed in-house by Maritimo’s own Tom Barry – Cotter, it’s clear that they don’t limit this guys imagination. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why.
Competition
I’m not sure there is any competition. I’ve written about the Sunseeker Predator which I like a lot, but it’s a different animal. Princess has their V Class but the closest comparison is their 60-footer. But even then, it’s not an apples-to-apples match.
If you wanted to truly compare the X50 with other boats in class, you would have to morph a few of any manufacturers models together to make it fair. None combines in one boat what Maritimo has achieved with their X Class – and certainly not in this size.
As I stated, this boat combines performance, luxury, form and function all in one package. And the price is really something of a bargain when you take all that into consideration – but more on that later.
Quality
We all have benchmarks for quality. So let me use some of them for reference points in describing the X50. While there are others, these are pretty universal.
When it comes to fit and finish, it’s hard to deny that Princess Yachts sets a pretty high bar for a production boat. Throughout their entire product line, they bring a level of craftsmanship that few can match at any price.
The X50 is every bit their equal. The tolerances are exacting. The quality of materials is exceptional. The execution from design to production is spot-on. But there’s more to it.
We are leading the industry into new design territory of what is possible in sport yacht and motor yacht design.
Tom Barry-Cotter, Maritimo Designer
One example of quality you can see is in the woodwork. The satin teak on the X50 is the equal to yachts in the $3MM plus range. The matching bookend grains aren’t expected in a boat of this size, class or price. So why is this important? Because they literally do everything this way – whether you can see it or not.
(A bit about wood finishes. I was at a boat show where a manufacturer was showing off their gloss-finish interiors. There were two people walking around with polishing gloves removing fingerprints non-stop. Think about that when you choose your interior finish.)
Most people will be wowed when they see the X50. Experienced boaters, however, will take things to the next level. If you want to terrify a sales or factory rep – lay on your back and look up in a locker or cabinet. Does the boat still look well made? Not often. Here it does.
But let’s just jump past that because the Maritimo proves that it has nothing to hide. But still, certain things can be hidden. This is where the experienced buyer knows what they are looking for.
Maritimo has fiberglass fuel tanks molded into the hull. (Hatteras does this.) The have an engine room liner that is glassed in. (Hatteras doesn’t do this.) This creates a low center of gravity and a rigid structure. And, it’s easy to clean. Any anomaly is visible and that’s important. Certainly nothing to hide here.
Performance
Maritimo has an extensive history of building offshore racing boats. Why they have learned about hull design, low center of gravity and ‘location’ of weight distribution have created incredible handling characteristics. But they have a bit of an edge.
The oceans of Australia are brutal and their boats handle it with grace. So normal cruising will be a delight and a lot of fun. And if you run into weather you’re going to be in a position to get home safely.
Livable
There are so many features that it would be hard to go into detail without writing a book. Maritimo combines some well-executed features we have seen, with those we have not, into space that defies that they should fit.
The aft, side and foredecks are as would be expected. The spaces are well-designed and executed. The BBQ station on the aft deck is designed to be used and not an after-thought. The foredeck sunpad is practical and doesn’t cover the hatch. (I still don’t know why most manufacturers cover theirs.)
I’m not sure how they got this much salon into a 50-foot boat. (Well, 52’ 7”) Even at that it doesn’t seem possible.
The galley is large and usable with the highest quality Miele appliances. The corner cabinet has shelving that when opened reveals immense storage. But more than that, the wire shelving is a mechanical and aesthetic marvel. This is just further evidence of the quality Maritimo designs into their boats.
Across from the galley is a staircase that goes below. We’ll get back to that later. This, along with the surprises the swim platform holds are worth the wait.
Forward of the galley is a large “U”-shaped sofa with expandable table for coffee-style living or full dining. If I have one issue, it’s the location of the standard TV. It’s small and in a spot not conducive for viewing. I didn’t check, but I believe the rear sunroof space can be fitted with a large-screen TV. If that rotated it would be ideal for aft deck or salon viewing of a movie or sporting event. I wonder if Maritimo offers this on request.
Across is another sofa and the helm station. When you tour this boat, save this for last as you won’t want to get up.
The helm features a pair of serious seats with arm rests and bolsters. Given the boats capabilities they will be appreciated. The layout of the dash is well executed with large displays and all controls in just the right places.
Now, I have to imagine that someone with their hand in the design is tall. I’m 6’2” and I could stand or sit at the helm with nothing getting in the way of my view. The view over the bow is exceptional. The brow didn’t even remotely get in the way. Most boats don’t offer this kind of view even with a flybridge!
And that brings up a point. What if you like a flybridge? I like them. But for a boat like this, you want to keep the center-of-gravity low. So are you missing something? Not really, but why?
Well, as I mentioned the view is exceptional. Even with the mullions, the view is virtually unobstructed. And you won’t miss the open-air feel with optional dual sunroofs .
But this is just another place where Maritimo engineering shines. The side windows open 9’ on both sides literally opening up the entire boat. You have to get on board to ‘feel’ what I’m talking about. And this is a big deal for a number of reasons.
First, if you consider a 50’ boat at speed in a challenging ocean, it’s a huge feat to make this structure work. And it does. The entire boat feels like it’s been carved from aluminum billet. In demanding conditions, you don’t feel like it’s going to fall apart.
Forward, stairs go below beneath the windshield to an atrium that is bathed in light. They to two comfortable en-suite staterooms.
The forward VIP has a queen bed at an angle. This works well as you can walk around all sides of the bed with ease. (Absolute Yachts uses this design on a few of their boats.) The en-suite bath is larger than most master baths on a 50’ yacht.
Amidships is the is a full-width master with dresser and settee. The floor is fully flat and the headroom is exceptional. The standard bed is a queen and you can opt for a true residential king! I can tell you personally that means there’s room for a significant other and a bunch of dogs. Okay, maybe kids or grand kids!
Now that same guy who designed the helm and the king bed option also designed the master bath. Just one step up forward and you’re in a nicely sized bath. Step in the shower though, and I kid you not, there is 8 feet of headroom. No, that’s not a typo, EIGHT FEET! I measured it.
Now in case you’ve forgotten this is a 52’ 7” boat, and we’ve saved the best for last.
Back into the salon, those aft stairs go below to reveal what some would feel is impossible on a boat of this size. It’s pretty clear that this boat is pretty amazing without any additional features.
So what else is waiting to be discovered? At the bottom of the stairs is an entry to the engine room and to an aft space that can be configured in several ways. Let’s chat about the engine room first.
I’m pretty sure it’s an option but the boat I boarded had a mirror-polished stainless water-tight door to the engine room. (Can a have a private moment please? I don’t need much time!)
Form and function, that door. And why not! But when you enter the engine room, it’s full-height – even for me. There’s easy access for daily maintenance, and for bigger jobs as well.
If you remember, I mentioned the hull liner before. When you are in the engine room you can see it in all its glory with every surface being finished and shining as nicely as the hulls’ exterior. This engine room can compete with a custom boat at twice the price!
Now just aft of the engine room is another surprise. Welcome to the beach club.
The aft section of the hull opens to connect the hydraulic swim platform to this space. If you can imagine yourself swinging around the hook, and you should, you’ll see this as the icing on the cake for this boat.
In beach club configuration, there is a bar top and stools with ocean view, counter with sink, fridge and large flat screen HDTV, and a full en-suite bath with shower. The bar area reconfigures to a double bed. This versatile space expands the boats entertaining capabilities as well as sleeping capacity.
Optionally, this area can be a dedicated stateroom with twin beds or a tender garage. Now the headroom is just about 6’. (I had to tilt my head a bit.) But if that bothers you then you’re not sitting on a bar stool with a drink in your hand looking at the sunset – go see a therapist.
Wrapping It Up
Certain boats look really good. I mean really good, well-decorated. But you’re afraid to use them or ruffle a pillow for fear of getting it dirty or making it look messy.
The X50 looks good. Really good. But it’s not off-putting. It says, “use me”. Whether in a slip, en route, anchored off an island, or caught up in unexpected weather, nothing is going to wipe the smile off your face. And its classic looks will last years past choices that are ‘trendier’.
The X50 is very unique. It offers extraordinary quality for a production price. If you are in the market for a boat with some or all of these features, buy a plane ticket and fly wherever you have to and take this boat for a sea trial.”
I have a feeling I’ve forgotten something. I’m pretty sure I have. Oh, did we forget that this is a 52’ 7” boat? Hmmm. And I think I mentioned something about the price.
A number of well-known 50 foot-ish boats price at about $1.5MM and you can get maybe you can get 10% discount or more at a boat show. Well, the X50 ranges from $1.5MM to about $1.9MM with every option imaginable.
About that price. I have unapologetically compared the Maritimo to other boats that range from $2.5MM and up. This is where the Maritimo seems like a deal.
I have to end by adding that I’m pretty sure the team at Maritimo is crazy. If so, I hope they don’t seek counseling. I look forward to seeing what they come up with next.
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