Maritimo X50

The X-series features unique styling and a signature aft cabin with an opening transom that connects the cabin to the swim platform. The X-series is designed by Tom Barry-Cotter — the son of Maritimo’s founder Bill Barry-Cotter. Tom’s modern touch can be seen throughout, from the sleek look of the curved cabin top to the Eurostyle interior that pairs stainless steel, varnished wood and high-end fabrics and wall coverings. 

The X-series is not just about aesthetics; in addition to being an accomplished designer, Tom is a top offshore powerboat racer and understands how to maximize performance in shaft-driven boats. He incorporated that knowledge into the X50, noting that the customizable aft accommodations increase the total living space while helping balance the hull, allowing for reduced shaft angles that enhance performance, fuel economy and ride comfort. All of this combines to create an efficient, stylish cruiser that is fun to drive. 

I caught up with Tom and the new Maritimo X50 at the Sydney International Boat Show in order to examine and test the boat before she arrives in the U.S. Tom explained to me that performance is imperative in all Maritimos, and the X50 needed to maintain the speed, handling and efficiency of her larger siblings. Next, he packed as much comfort and usable cabin space as possible into this mid-size cruiser. Finally, he had to do all this without ruining the lines of the boat. X-series boats must have the contoured styling and soft lines that keep the boat looking sporty and modern.

The profile of the X50 is sleek and inviting. The hull has substantial freeboard with angular hull windows and above-deck gunnels raked back, creating a tapered bow. Stainless railings with angled stanchions jutting forward create a purposeful look and keep the side decks safe. The blackened windshield slants back, flowing into the curved cabin top, which transitions into a wedge-shaped cockpit overhang with radars and sat domes inked out in black above.

The swim platform can be equipped as a tender lift. Twin stairwells lead to the cockpit above, concealing storage for fenders and lines. The transom has a blackened window and hatch that looks deceptively normal. A button’s touch then raises the entire transom on actuators revealing the cabin below and connecting it to the swim platform. This signature X-series feature provides buyers with usable space few other boats this size have and allows for some appealing options. 

The aft cabin can be used as a tender garage, a twin berth cabin, or a “Beach Club.” The most versatile option, the Beach Club, features access stairs from the transom, adjacent to a counter that looks aft, facing toward the swim platform. The opposite bulkhead has a wetbar, storage and a wide-screen TV. To port is a full-size head with separate shower compartment. Beneath the aft counter, a double bed conveniently folds out, converting this into a sleeping cabin. This arrangement allows owners and guests to relax in comfort and style while getting close to the water. Ideal when anchored, this cabin provides bathers a respite from the sun and access to the head and shower without bringing water through the cockpit and salon. On a temperate night with the transom open, the beach club offers a unique view of the water, creating a romantic spot to stargaze while relaxing at the counter or lounging in bed.

The aft cabin connects to the salon by an internal staircase with an engine room access door. The X50 has a simple, uncluttered engine room with standing headroom and easy access to engines and equipment. Shaft drives allow for this unique aft cabin and engine room set up, which would be difficult to accomplish with pods. Maritimo specializes in shaft-driven boats because of their efficiency, simplicity and performance, but the aft cabin layout and sizable engine room are added benefits.

When entering the X50 from the swim platform, there is access down into the aft cabin with the transom open or up to the cockpit on either side. The cockpit has seating aft with stainless drink holders and a wetbar with electric barbecue forward to starboard. Black paneled glass doors to the salon fold completely, opening the galley directly to the cockpit. As a Maritimo hallmark, this layout works well for entertaining. 

A slight step leads into the galley/salon and the entire area becomes one big connected space when the doors are opened wide. Other X50 features are a full-height refrigerator/freezer, a tall pull-out pantry with convenient fold-out shelves and a center island, which houses an ice maker. Corian counters contrast the satin-varnished walnut interior. A deep stainless sink, four-burner Miele cooktop, microwave/convection oven and dishwasher complete the galley. A large opening sunroof overhead provides light and fresh air, and transitions from the galley to the salon. Seating in the salon is on both sides with a larger U-shaped settee and flip-top dining table to port.

The helm to starboard has twin, adjustable bucket seats. Compass, engine monitors, controls and twin MFDs are all within close proximity. Throttles adjacent to the opening side window can be reached easily from the helm, as can an optional Yacht Controller joystick. The joystick controls the engines and bow and stern thrusters, making for easy, close hand maneuvering — even with shafts. Visibility aft from the helm is good, looking across the cockpit. The Yacht Controller works well and its remote acts as a wing station, providing control with views of either side and the swim platform. Three window panels provide good visibility forward, whether standing or seated, that is only impeded slightly by the wider corner mullions. The space between the seat and tilt wheel is a bit tight when standing but is better when seated.

The X50 performed admirably running up the coast of Australia. Maritimo’s hydraulic steering tracks straight with no effort on the wheel even in a swell and is responsive when maneuvering. The boat leaned naturally into a high-speed 37 mph hard turn and only slowed to 33 mph, regaining speed quickly once centered. Between 1500 and 2500 RPM range only dropped slightly from 431-369 miles, allowing the boat to run at any speed from 16-36 mph without paying much of a penalty for speed. With no tabs cruising offshore at 26.5 mph in a slight rolling swell, the fuel burn was 43 gph at 77% load and felt like you could run all day. The speed, range and efficiency of the X50 make her an excellent Great Lakes cruiser that is equally suited for any ocean. Her bridge clearance of 16 feet, 4 inches prohibits Erie Canal travel but allows passage on much of the Great Loop. 

Below-deck accommodations include a full-beam master suite with a centerline queen bed, 6-foot, 2-inch or better headroom, and lots of storage. Amenities include a flat-screen TV, side windows with opening portholes, a vanity with a cushioned cube seat, a hanging locker with mirror and a lounge seat. The master head constricts to 13 inches between the wall and toilet but opens up at the sink, and the shower is spacious with a bench and basketball-player-capable headroom of 7 feet, 8 inches under an opening hatch. Guest accommodations include a VIP forward queen that is angled for walk-around access, an opening hatch and a hanging locker. The head opens into the VIP and the corridor. With the Beach Club bed in use, there are three cabins and three heads all on a 50-footer!

The new Maritimo X50 is a sporty cruiser that performs well, is packed with features, and is worth a serious look. Maritimo delivers quality construction, ease of maintenance and performance in a stylish, fun to drive package. Maximizing space throughout, including the versatility of the aft cabin, provides additional benefits not seen in other boats this size. 

DEALERS
B&E Marine
Michigan City, IN
bemarine.com 
219-879-8301

Colony Marine
Algonac, MI; St. Clair Shores, MI;
Oakland County, MI
colonymarine.com 

Maritimo Sales America
Holland, MI
941-735-1756