BoatTest: Maritimo M51 – 2016
Brief Summary
The Maritimo M51 has three staterooms, including a full-beam master. The flying bridge is enclosed to provide a second smaller salon, adding to the functionality and comfortability of this boat. Because she’s built in Australia, she is designed to be comfortable in blue water and she has a remarkable 422 nmile range at 17.8 knots, with a 10% reserve. This boat was formerly called the M48.
Key Features
with teak dining table
Specifications
| Length Overal | 49′ 2″ 15.5 M |
| BeaM | 16′ 5″ 5.03 M |
| Dry Weight | 41,890 lbs. |
| Tested Weight | N/A |
| Draft | 3′ 9″ 1.20 M |
| – Draft Up | N/A |
| – Draft Down | N/A |
| – Air Draft | N/A |
| Deadrise/TransoM | N/A |
| Max HeadrooM | open |
| Bridge Clearance | N/A |
| Weight Capacity | N/A |
| Person Capacity | N/A |
| Fuel Capacity | 793 gal. |
| Water Capacity | 105 gal. |
| Length on Trailer | N/A |
| Height on Trailer | N/A |
| Trailer Weight | N/A |
| Total Weight(Trailer, Boat, & Engine) | N/A |
Engine Options
| Std. Power | 2 x 600-hp Cummins QSC |
| Tested Power | 2 x 670-hp Volvo Penta D11 |
| Opt. Power | Not Available |
BoatTest: Maritimo M51 – 2016
Captain’s Report
The new Maritimo M51 has a LOA of 49’2” (15.5 m), a beam of 16’5” (5.03 m) and a draft of 3’9” (1.20 m). Maritimo is well-known for its enclosed flying bridges.
Overview
The Maritimo M51 was around previously as a three stateroom yacht, but it ended up being replaced by the M45, a two stateroom yacht with the master forward that was slightly smaller. It was a popular model and showed that there is a strong interest in the two stateroom design. Customer feedback on the model revealed that customers still wanted the luxury and full features of larger yachts but preferred two staterooms instead of three.Enter the M51 Series II. She is a two stateroom yacht but this time the master is moved aft and it’s full-beam. A guest stateroom is located at the bow and both are en suite, offering private access to their respective heads. This boat was formerly called the M48.
Features Inspection
Flying Bridge
Looking at the overall picture of the M51, it’s easy to see that she retains the DNA that has come to define the brand. Maritimo is one of the few builders in the world that makes the enclosed flying bridge a standard feature, and with it provides much added functionality.
The M51’s flybridge layout.
The flying bridge is in all respects a second salon, albeit a smaller one. A set of internal stairs (another Maritimo signature design) provides a protected transition from the main deck to the flying bridge and a sofa that can be optioned as a fold out sofa bed, and teak dining table to the aft end allows a social atmosphere that includes the captain, and an observer if the optional second seat is chosen at the helm forward.
The flying bridge with its comfy sofas and pillows.
A 16,000 BTU air conditioner maintains the climate control of the glass-enclosed pilothouse/sky lounge. The side windows are fixed, but an optional sunroof is available that, in conjunction with the aft door, allows air flow ventilation.
The Balcony.
Out the aft door there’s a large balcony that simply begs for the addition of deck chairs and a small table. It can provide simply one of the best views the boat has to offer whether underway or at rest. Since backing into a slip may prove challenging for some owners, Maritimo makes optional controls available for the aft end of the balcony, or in the cockpit.
Options for the Enclosed Flying Bridge are Many.
Choose from teak decking on the aft balcony, a stainless steel bar refrigerator, an icemaker and a teak balcony table on a fixed base.
Main Deck
On the main deck there are separate social areas, both inside and out, and fully opening doors blur the line between the two. All of the exterior decking is finished in non-skid FRP, the cockpit comes standard with teak, with optional teak to the swim platform. There are accommodations for gathering both on the aft deck and the forward salon. A table and fold-up chairs can be added on the aft deck for entertaining, and the salon seats seven or eight. Between the two is the galley, right in the center of everything and handy to the stairs aloft for passing up sandwiches and snacks.
The main deck has a social area to either side of the galley, keeping the host always at the center of the guests. Shown is the salon.
Aft Deck
The cockpit can be accessed from the swim platform by steps to both sides. A large bench seat lies just behind a hatch to the engine room The square footage of the aft deck is significant and allows this space to be used for any number of purposes.
Teak decking
can be added running right out to the swim platform. Port and starboard there are concealed compartments for fenders and lines.
The M51’s large swim platform.
The hot and cold shower on the aft deck is standard.
Another social area on the main deck is the aft deck, which includes a bench seat.
Galley
Shown is the galley layout on the M51.
The galley is just inside and to port and quite well equipped as standard. It includes a 2-door refrigerator/freezer, 4-burner cooktop, microwave, a pull-out pantry with pull out shelves, a single basin stainless steel sink, Corian counters and an island with storage below. The deck is all Amtico flooring available in Rosewood with pale maple inserts or teak with ebony strips. (Amtico is now the preferred interior deck inside covering for many luxury yachts due to its durability and ease of repair.)Options include a dishwasher and an upgrade to all Miele appliances.
Shown is the M51’s galley with a sink, stove, and a cooktop. The owner can have a dishwasher or upgrade to Miele appliances as an option.
Salon
Moving forward, the salon represents what is sure to be the main gathering area on the boat. An L-shaped sofa lies across from a three-across sofa for opposing seating. There’s an entertainment unit that can accommodate an icemaker and a stainless bar refrigerator can also be added.
The M51’s salon with a L-shaped sofa, a table and a three-across sofa.
High-gloss polished teak can be seen throughout. The windows come standard in a fixed position and the 16,000 BTU air conditioning maintains the climate control. Sliding windows can be added in a package that also includes the windows in the flying bridge.
Accommodations Deck
The standard layout in the M51 with a third cabin.
The lower deck is accessed from a slightly offset companionway lined with high-gloss teak and stainless rails wrapped in leather. The M51 has a two stateroom/two head layout with the full beam master located aft. As with her larger sisters, the master is on two levels, giving it a feeling of a loft apartment.
The master berth is offset to provide a bit more room to the stateroom.
The guest quarters are in the bow of the M51.
The master
is laid out in keeping with the rest of the motoryachts from Maritimo in that there are really two levels. Upon entering, the head and a large closet are on the upper level. The sleeping and relaxing areas are on the lower level down a small set of stairs. In this manner, the master enjoys higher headroom without impeding on the usable space in the salon above.The berth is queen sized with an innerspring mattress. Air conditioning is 12,000 BTU but there are three large opening portlights for natural ventilation. A 32” (81 cm) TV is standard.
The master stateroom’s head, which also includes a shower as well.
VIP Stateroom.
This berth is not quite a queen size but still consists of an innerspring mattress. The headboard is upholstered. Another 12,000 BTU air conditioner adds climate control. There’s carpeting throughout and there is a private entrance to the ensuite head that also serves as the day head.Both heads are air conditioned.
The M51’s interior accommodations with the optional utility room.
Some Construction Details
The M51’s hull sides and superstructure are cored but below the water line the hull is all glass. She has watertight “collision bulkheads”. Fuel tanks are made of integral fiberglass, which we prefer to aluminum tanks, and have sight gauges. The engine room has a fiberglass liner which is quite unusual in this size vessel.
Ground Tackle is Covered
The fact that the M51 is intended for serious cruising can be found in the builder’s attention to detail when it comes to ground tackle. The 66-lb. stainless steel anchor is standard along with nearly 200″ of CE-compliant chain. The bow anchor locker is divided and has a horizontal windlass which can be operated from the bow or the helm. There are both fresh and saltwater bibs located in the locker for a washdown.
The M51’s engine room, which can be accessed by the stairs.
Main Engines and Thrusters
Power is provided by twin Cummins 600-hp engines turning straight shafts. Bow and stern thrusters are standard and our tests of Maritimo yachts have shown that this combination provides excellent maneuverability around the dock and through close-quarters situations.
The Maritimo M51 could accommodate more than a few guests overnight with her two stateroom, two head arrangement and can take them on a long range cruising trip if that’s their goal.
Performance
With the twin 670-hp Volvo Penta D11s doing the heavy work, we reached a top speed of 30.7 knots at 2500 rpm. At that speed, the fuel burn came in at 69 gph, giving us a range of nearly 339 nm. Best cruise came in at 1750 rpm and 17.8 knots. That speed reduced the fuel burn to 32 gph and brought the range up to over 422 nm, all while still holding back a 10% reserve. She’ll reach planing speed in 8.6 seconds and accelerate to 20 mph in 11.5.
Handling
She’s a comfortable boat to handle with everything happening at a calm pace, regardless of how aggressive we tried to get. She exhibits an 8-degree roll into the turns and comes around in roughly 4 boat lengths, which far outpaces any pod driven yacht. She seems to have a stately feel both inside and outwardly, something that her guests will certainly appreciate. Of course we had calm conditions on our test, but crossing wakes showed how well she transitions through the waves rather than oppose them and that speaks well of her bluewater heritage. Her narrow entry and generous flare serve her well in this regard. As does her high 5’5” (1.65 m) freeboard aft and 6’8” (2.03 m) forward.
Docking
As expected, when returning to the dock, the combination of the cockpit engine controls and the handheld thruster remote made short work of making our approach to the slip and indeed, backing her right into position with the precision that owners of a boat in this class demand. Certainly it’s a task that will not be beyond even novice boaters, so don’t let concern over being able to handle the M51 be reflected in the purchase decision.
Observations and Pricing
The base MRSP for the Maritimo M51 is $1,361,000. That keeps her inline with a premium level boat and her attention to detail speaks of nothing less than that. So far, we’ve been quite impressed with the brand and with each consecutive model we’ve tested. After testing her, the M51 is as equally impressive.
Test Result Highlights
- Top speed for the Maritimo M51 (2016-) is 35.4 mph (57 kph), burning 69.0 gallons per hour (gph) or 261.17 liters per hour (lph).
- Best cruise for the Maritimo M51 (2016-) is 20.5 mph (33 kph), and the boat gets 0.6 miles per gallon (mpg) or 0.26 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 486 miles (782.14 kilometers).
- Tested power is 2 x 670-hp Volvo Penta D11.
Standard and Optional Features
Marine Electronics
| Autopilot | Optional |
|---|---|
| GPS/Chart | Optional |
| Radar | Optional |
| VHF Radio | Optional |
Systems
| Air Cond./Heat | Standard |
|---|---|
| Battery Charger/Converter | Standard |
| CD Stereo | Optional |
| Head: Fixed | Standard |
| Power Steering | Standard |
| Shore Power | Standard |
| Trim Tabs | Standard |
| TV/DVD | Standard |
| Water Heater | Standard |
Galley
| Icemaker | Optional |
|---|---|
| Microwave | Standard |
| Refrigerator | Standard |
| Stove | Standard |
Exterior Features
| Hardtop | Standard |
|---|---|
| Transom Shower | Standard |
| Wet bar | Standard |
Boats More Than 30 Feet
| Bow Thruster | Standard |
|---|---|
| Freezer | Standard |
| Generator | Standard |
| Glendinning Cablemaster | Standard |
| Washer/Dryer | Optional |
| Washer/Dryer | Optional |
Price
Pricing Range: $1,361,000.00
Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder’s website for the latest information available on this boat model.
BoatTest: Maritimo M51 – 2016
Test Results
| RPM | MPH | Knots | GPH | MPG | NMPG | Stat. Mile | NM | dBa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600 | 7.3 | 6.3 | 2.1 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2644 | 2298.8 | 68 |
| 1000 | 10.8 | 9.3 | 7.5 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 1090 | 947.9 | 71 |
| 1250 | 12.3 | 10.7 | 14.5 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 642 | 558.7 | 73 |
| 1500 | 14.4 | 12.5 | 24.0 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 455 | 395.4 | 72 |
| 1750 | 20.5 | 17.8 | 32.0 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 486 | 422.6 | 74 |
| 2000 | 25.5 | 22.1 | 43.0 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 450 | 391.4 | 76 |
| 2250 | 31.2 | 27.1 | 53.0 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 447 | 388.7 | 79 |
| 2500 | 35.4 | 30.7 | 69.0 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 390 | 338.8 | 81 |
| RPM | NM | KM | KPH | LPH | KPL | dBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600 | 2298.8 | 4255 | 11.70 | 7.95 | 1.49 | 68 |
| 1000 | 947.9 | 1754 | 17.40 | 28.39 | 0.60 | 71 |
| 1250 | 558.7 | 1033 | 19.80 | 54.89 | 0.34 | 73 |
| 1500 | 395.4 | 732 | 23.20 | 90.85 | 0.26 | 72 |
| 1750 | 422.6 | 782 | 33.00 | 121.13 | 0.26 | 74 |
| 2000 | 391.4 | 724 | 41.00 | 162.77 | 0.26 | 76 |
| 2250 | 388.7 | 719 | 50.20 | 200.63 | 0.26 | 79 |
| 2500 | 338.8 | 628 | 57.00 | 261.19 | 0.21 | 81 |
All fuel consumption numbers are the total for all engines in the boat. Speeds are measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun or GPS. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter or by on-board factory-installed diagnostic instruments. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation. Time to plane is measured from start of acceleration to formation of rooster tail behind boat.
Performance Chart
Acceleration Times & Test Conditions
| Time To Plane | 8.6 sec. |
|---|---|
| 0 to 30 | 11.5 sec. (0to20) |
| Ratio | 2.037:1 |
| Props | N/A |
| Load | 2 persons, 3/4 fuel, 1/2 water, 50 lbs. of gear |
| Climate | 68 deg., 75 humid.; wind: 5-10 mph; seas: calm |