Ocean Magazine Boat Review: Maritimo X60

The Next generation of boatbuilding talent at Maritimo was on display at the 2018 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show where the X60 made its debut, exceeding sales expectations.

Hailed as revolutionary for the sports yacht sector for the two years since first sketches were released, the X60 is a category-busting sports yacht that defies demographics to occupy an echelon of its own.

“We started with the concept of the aft cabin, and basically built the boat around that” says Tom Barry-Cotter.

“Our race boats are so sensitive to weight distribution. We applied a design balance concept taken from our experience in racing technology into the X-Series. All fuel tanks, water tanks, gyros and other optional engineering equipment are located over the hull’s centre of gravity so the boat’s balance remains the same, even under different loads.”

One glance at the X60 is enough to prove she is entirely new. The saloon windows, custom designed and built for Maritimo locally, are immense. Waist to ceiling, they comprise three-stage sliding windows that create a near three-metre opening each side.

Add to that two sunroofs, one above the helm, the other above the galley, and you have the most emancipated sports motor yacht in the market. I give in to the urge and step out of the window just to experience the rush!

To accommodate the windows, designers added extra strength in the hard-top structure. Barry-Cotter explains, “Like the aft cabin, we started with the concept of the extra-large windows and built the hard top, saloon and deck around them.”

The windows are tinted for UV protection and rated for cyclonic conditions. But the X60’s standout feature, a world first for its size, is the addition of the aft cabin, a feature more familiar in 100-foot superyachts.

Accessed by stairs from the saloon that would suit the most full-bodied guests, this novel use of space offers owners the flexibility to opt for a fourth cabin with queen bed and ensuite; a Beach Club configuration with bar and day head; a professional galley; or a garage for a 3.2-metre [10.5ft] tender and toys with a day head.

There’s also a laundry and plenty of space to walk around and access your gear.

This boat has the Beach Club configuration complete with bar, three barchairs, TV, refrigeration, wine fridge, ice maker and ample storage. The ceiling height is generous and panels beneath the bar conceal access to the steering gear.

The Beach Club is effectively a second socialising space. Fully open, there are steps up to the hydraulic swim platform, which is the ideal place for lounges, to launch the tender or to cast a line.

With timber flooring, there is some engine noise as we cruise at 30 knots, but Barry-Cotter assures me that once carpet is installed, it will be significantly reduced.

At anchor, the aft cabin door can be opened via hydraulic arms covered in impeccably stitched leather, so sculptural they resemble oars. Surely waking up to a water view is every boatie’s idea of bliss?

“It’s so versatile, it will appeal to families, couples, people who love to entertain. Plus, people can access the day head from the swim platform. No more wet, sandy feet through the boat.”

When asked why nobody has previously introduced the concept in motor yachts this size, Barry-Cotter says, “Many people ask that same question, which only confirms that our idea is right.”

“We focused on looking for something really new that would give us a competitive edge. We questioned every convention and stripped the boat right back.

“We drew on our racing pedigree for the hull shape, designing a convex, variable deadrise hull. We changed the rocker and bow profile while retaining all the Maritimo hallmarks such as long-range, offshore capabilities, performance and fuel economy.”

The X-Series stems from the largest design and development project ever undertaken in the company’s history, setting the groundwork for the brand’s long-term future plan. Maritimo delved into owner surveys and market research to underpin the design of the X60.

“Owners told us they wanted more space, and a more versatile space for living and entertaining. The ability to add extra accommodation space, similar in volume to an additional master cabin, is special.”

According to Barry-Cotter, working with his father, boating luminary Bill Barry- Cotter, was “the best experience”.

“He has been doing this for 50 or so years. He has designed and built around 5,000 boats and has a huge depth of knowledge. His enthusiasm hasn’t waned either; he wants to see the company evolve and grow. The X60 is a big step in terms of attention to detail, build quality and performance.”

Thirty-year-old Barry-Cotter graduated in Industrial Design from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2012.

“I’ve been drawing boats since I was eight years old and travelling to races with Dad. It’s a natural fit; I love what I do.”

Adjacent to the aft cabin is the engine room, accessible via a full-sized door. Barry-Cotter reports that during the boat show up to 14 people were inside inspecting the Scania and Twin Disc setups.

On this model there is no Seakeeper gyro, but there’s a gyro bed moulded centrally in the engine room.

“The engines and machinery are placed exactly where they need to go,” says Barry- Cotter. “This has resulted in really good performance and trim attitude through all speeds in the rpm range. We have added around an extra four metres of living space, made possible by straight shaft engineering.”

A veteran of three decades of racing and sea trials, Ross Willaton says he just loves the way it runs: “It’s smooth, quiet and moves effortlessly onto the plane. And I couldn’t believe the fuel figures.”

“At 10 knots against the tide we were using 58 litres [15.3 gal] and the engine noise was at 70 decibels. At 19 knots, we’re using 150 litres [39.6 gal] and there’s just a gentle rise, no hump, no tabs. At 26.5 knots, 208 litres [54.9 gal] per hour in a two-metre following sea.”

Fuel capacity of 4,200 litres [1,109.5 gal], economic consumption and efficient hull design mean the X60’s range is class-leading.

With a completely new efficient shaft- driven hull and driveline design, the X60 has been tested at speeds around 34 knots with twin 925hp Scania engines. There is a Volvo 1000hp power option that raises the top speed to 40 knots. The X60 is also being prepared for a Scania D16 1200 power option, expected to exceed 40 knots.

Hull efficiency within the cruising speed range was a major focus of the state-of-the-art hull and driveline design. The X60’s class-leading economy and subsequent extended range is attained courtesy of a fuel consumption rate of less than 100 litres [26.4 gal] per hour (per engine) at a 27-knot cruise speed.

The new era variable deadrise hull design with deep-v bow entry also offers a soft dry ride, while weight distribution within the hull design allows for effortless transition to the plane and running attitude through the rpm range. Willaton’s input is evident in the layout of the two-tiered helm dash.

“When you’re racing, you don’t want to take your eyes off the water for too long. We’ve clustered the display so you can see your GPS and navigation easily,” says Barry-Cotter.

The twin Pompanette helm chairs can be raised and lowered to suit the driver’s preference. From the helm, the large windows allow unobstructed vision. On the starboard side is the Twin Disc EJS control system, storage compartment and USB for charging devices.

Maritimo worked closely with Twin Disc Pacific in the development of the Express Joystick System (EJS) which, along with the Express Positioning System (EPS), gives the skipper fingertip control in docking and maneuvering situations.

Perfectly designed for single-level living and entertaining, the X60 abounds in clever design. At the transom, the dual stairs are hinged and open to reveal storage space for fenders, rods and other gear.

The cockpit boasts Euro seating for up to eight and under-seat storage, bar fridge and barbecue. The engine room can also be accessed from here.

More seating in the cockpit can be added by opting to install a sliding door, which allows space for an L-shaped seat and table. The foredeck has sun pads and additional seating.

Inside, the saloon is a study in optimized space. The sensational windows allow for unimpeded views, and window mouldings are enhanced by recessed lighting that adds a pleasant glow.

To port, the galley comprises an island bench with dishdrawer, cupboards and bin opposite the convection oven, stove, sink and massive pull-out pantry. Appliances are all Miele and can be arranged to suit owner preference.

On the starboard side, a bench conceals the 43-inch pop-up TV that swivels, the Fusion hi-fi, bar and ice maker. The electrical systems are in the stair panelling.

The forward and aft sunroofs are another instance of Barry-Cotter and his team challenging conventions. Both have blinds and flyscreens for those infernal Aussie blights; bugs and blistering sun.

Adjacent to the helm, leading below decks to the accommodation, the cut-away companionway features glass sides and leather-clad rail.

The VIP stateroom in the bow takes advantage of what is normally unusable space with an offset bed oriented on the starboard side: “It’s much easier to make and you don’t have to slide in and out from the foot of the bed,” says six-foot-two Barry-Cotter, who has swags of headroom in this space.

A vanity, seat, wardrobes and storage beneath the bed ensure plenty of space for belongings. Elliptical windows allow ventilation, and feature a halo of recessed lighting to lift the room subtly. Crossover beds in the guest/twin room equal more headroom. The washer and dryer are concealed beneath the stairs to the Master cabin.

The full beam Master has a generously sized ensuite with separate toilet and shower. A desk and daybed are adjacent to the queen bed. There is also a walk-in robe area and 40-inch TV. Opening hull windows enhance the connection with the water.

Further extending owner customization, the X60 is available with a Regency Suite option. Accessed by two steps, a larger ensuite and walk-in robe occupy the section where the guest/twin room is located in this model. Two X60s with the Regency Suite configuration have already been sold.

Heading back to Coomera, the X60 attracts admiring glances from passing boats. Barry-Cotter says, “It does make me and the rest of the team very proud to see it finally finished and on water.

“A lot of thought and hard work went into this boat. The guys on the floor did a great job bringing it all together and on time.”
Barry-Cotter doesn’t have time to rest on his laurels, however. Development is well underway on the next model in the X-Series range, a Maritimo X50, which
is under wraps until its official announcement at the Sydney International Boat Show in August 2018. Its world premiere is scheduled for SCIBS 2019.

“It is exciting. Our US and European dealers can’t wait to get the X60 over there. They expect it to go very well. So much innovation in a 60-foot boat!”

The retail base price of the Maritimo X60 is AU$2.24 million, plus AU$40,000 for either the Beach Club or aft queen cabin layout.