Captain's Report

Overview

Being founded in Australia, the Maritimo models have the benefit of three oceans, the Indian, Southern, and Pacific to serve as the proving grounds and they’re designed to take on them all. These yachts also have premium features and an exemplary level of fit-and-finish that is augmented by their most recognizable feature -- the enclosed flying bridge. With the enclosed flying bridge feature, the elevated helm becomes the primary operational station with no lower. The flying bridge also becomes a second salon in every respect, with the notable exception of size. We’ll start our features inspection there.

Features Inspection

Pilothouse/Sky Lounge

The flying bridge includes a spacious elevated salon which some builders have been calling a sky lounge for years. Certainly the M70's enclosed flying bridge fits the definition because it has so much comfortable seating as well as a cocktail table and cabinet for a wet bar. This is where guests will want to be when underway not only for the view but also to be able to interact with the owner/operator. To starboard is the helm which has two seats, full instrumentation, and a commanding view forward and to both sides.

As social areas go

, the enclosed flying bridge is as welcoming a sight as the rest of the yacht, perhaps even more so. For it is here that all can experience the astounding views enjoyed by the captain. Being fully enclosed, inclement weather is no longer a factor and operations from this elevated position are now all-weather. Of course with a large amount of glass we will need either opening windows or serious air conditioning. Maritimo allows for both. Standard is a set of dual 24,000 BTU air conditioning units. The hardtop has a standard electrically opening sunroof that will allow flow through ventilation right out through the opening back doors to the balcony. Additionally, optional opening side windows will further allow natural ventilation.

Additional options

to consider for the flying bridge include a stainless gate at the top of the stairs that includes a fiddle rail to the helm station, a stainless bar refrigerator and a natural teak balcony table.

From a gathering point of view

the flying bridge is one of the most welcoming that we’ve seen, even when compared to larger yachts. A pair of sofas to either side of the helm provide for dual gathering areas. Both are luxuriously upholstered in leather. Two stainless steel pedestals at the aft sofa support a teak dining table. High-gloss teak can be seen throughout. An entertainment unit is to port, along the stairwell. It includes six storage drawers, two cupboards, a vinyl inlay top and a handrail. Provisions are included for an LED television.There is a glass rear bulkhead with bi-fold doors leading to the balcony. This entire area is surrounded by stainless steel rails. There is a wet bar with a stainless steel sink and Corian top. LED lights make the area accessible after the sun sets.

Sky Lounge Extraordinaire.

Without question, this is the best executed sky lounge we have ever seen in this size of sedan or convertible. In our opinion, the builder has done a superb job of squeezing a lot into this space. We would definitely opt for all of the amenities available for this salon as it adds mightily to the utility and entertainment possibilities of this yacht.

Main Deck

Aft Deck

The main deck encompasses two more of the M70’s social areas, the aft deck and salon. The aft deck is entered by stairs to both port and starboard and a large forward-facing sofa allows relaxing under the protection of the extended overhead. The square footage of the deck is large enough for a square dance. Maritimo has wisely left a table off the standard boat so that owners can configure this space to fit their application. One of the reasons this space is so large and versatile is that there is no ladder or stairway to the flying bridge taking up space. To port and starboard are compartments for storing fenders and lines. A set of engine controls can be added to the port side of the cockpit.

Galley

The galley is laid out with both ergonomics and aesthetics in mind. Inside of the large island there is enough clearance for two people to pass each other. Because the layout has an island rather than a dead-end alley that we sometimes see on boats of this type, two people can comfortably work in the galley. Maritimo used high-gloss teak for cabinetry and Corian for the countertops. The island features a much-appreciated grab handle running its full length on the aisle way side. This counter together with an L-shaped counter to starboard provides more food prep space than we normally see in this size and type of boat.

Standard appliances

are from Miele and include a two-door stand-up refrigerator freezer, a 25-bottle wine cooler, a four-burner cooktop, a microwave, a dishwasher, a full-size opening pantry with adjustable shelves, a double basin stainless steel sink, two rubbish receptacle drawers and eight LED lights. Galley decking is Amtico. Optional teak decking is available.

One major benefit to having the galley centrally located is that the host or hostess is never far away from either of the boats gathering areas. It is just a few steps to the dining area forward or the aft deck. Further, with the inside flying stairway adjacent to the counter it is easy to pass sandwiches and snacks above.

Salon

As first impressions go, when first stepping into the salon, this one might well last a lifetime. The entire area is surrounded by windows for outstanding views. Adding sliding side windows will improve ventilation, eliminating the need to continually running the 24.5 kW generator. We would also recommend the sliding starboard salon door as it further increases airflow and makes for a welcome transition from outside to the inside.

While Smoky Quartz carpeting in the salon is standard, Maritimo will accommodate requests for either Amtico decking, or genuine teak. Furnishings are upholstered in an owner's choice of either Sable leather or Panna leather.

Accommodations Deck

The lower deck has four staterooms -- the master, two VIP staterooms, and a bunk bed or Pullman cabin -- and three heads. This is somewhat unusual in a 65' yacht and we like it because it gives the vessel such versatility. Four staterooms make the boat ideal for chartering and it solves lots of problems when children with grandchildren are aboard.

Master Stateroom

The master stateroom's king-size island berth has an innerspring mattress, and upholstered headboard with two reading lights and floating teak side tables. Full height hanging lockers to the sides are high-gloss teak and drawers are located below. A pair of 12,000 BTU units provides air conditioning. Natural light is provided from four fixed portholes, two to either side of the stateroom. There is a day lounge to one side and a desk/vanity with four drawers to the other.

Master Bath.

The master stateroom is separated from the forward engine room bulkhead by the full beam head. It includes a separate toilet and bidet, a walk-in shower, vanity with mirrors, four top lockers, two down lights, two robe hooks, and a pair of his and her sinks. A pair of opening port lights provides ventilation along with an exhaust fan.

VIP Staterooms

It’s certainly not a bad state of affairs being a guest on board the Maritimo M70. Up to six guests can be accommodated in three separate staterooms. We think that both VIP staterooms have lots to recommend them and owners will not be embarrassed to invite two other couples for a cruise and then have to pick which one gets the better stateroom -- both are top-notch. Each stateroom includes a 12,000 BTU air conditioner, upholstered headboards and plenty of storage accommodated in varnished teak lockers. Both have easy access around the bed, although it is slightly better in the port cabin. The forward stateroom does have to share the head if there are any guests in the fourth cabin, and it also doubles as the day head.

The Fourth Stateroom

Typically sedans and convertibles of this size have three staterooms, but because of the M70's prodigious beam (18'6”) she has the width to get two staterooms and a passage way across the beam of the boat. This is never easy, and we think Maritimo has done a good job of fitting this in.

Different Strokes.

Every owner will use this boat slightly differently. For some this cabin will be used for children or grandchildren. Other might use if for a nanny or a steward. Still other will use it for a couple who drew the short straw. Maritimo would be glad to reconfigure this space into an office, a laundry room, or a mammoth storage compartment.

Power for the Glory

Standard power for the M70 comes from a pair of Volvo Penta D13 engines putting out 900-hp each. This is the only boat in the motoryacht series that Maritimo will offer optional engines on. We tested her with the optional twin 1150-hp CAT C-18s and reached a top speed of 27.7 knots. Of course this boat was just delivered from the factory and had not been dialed in to her full load, nor had the props been tweaked to accommodate the fully loaded boat. As such, the engines were only putting out 90% of their rated horsepower. After commissioning, we’d be surprised if this wasn’t a 30kt boat. Her best economic cruise came in at 1750 rpm and 19.2 knots where we measured a fuel burn of 62.2 gph that translated into a range of nearly 462nm.

Handling

As for her handling, we naturally tested this offshore capable yacht in glass calm waters with not a wave to be seen for miles. Still, she exhibited a stately demeanor as we cruised along and when crossing our self-generated waves, she showed how well her hull slices through with no hint of a pound or a rattle from any of the impeccable joinery work seen throughout. With their bluewater heritage, Maritimo Yachts have long impressed with their offshore handling characteristics, and nothing we saw during our test sways us from that opinion.

Docking

Standard Thrusters.

A pair of standard electric bow and stern thrusters provides maneuverability that in our opinion is every bit as good as what one might expect with pod drives and a joystick. An upgrade to hydraulic thrusters is offered. Our tests of Maritimo yachts have shown that this is a great combination, offering complete maneuverability around the dock and in close quarters.

A Joystick Option.

Some owner/operators may not feel comfortable operating a boat of this size unless it has joystick functionality. That being said, Maritimo offers a system that was seen on our test boat and includes an upgrade to the hydraulic bow and stern thrusters, dual lever control at the helm and separate joystick stations for both the helm and cockpit. We found maneuvering on the joystick to be spot on and the system seemed to be dialed in to perfection, offering exacting precision as we maneuvered into our tight slip.

Mechanical Considerations

Depending on how the owner plans to use the boat, it might be advisable to opt for the option of having two 17 kW generators instead of one 24 kW generator set. That will cost extra, but it can have its advantages. First, the electrical load should match the generator's constant output to prolong the life of the unit. Clearly this is easier to do with the 17 kW unit. As more power is needed -- say, when all of the AC units are on, plus the stove and then mom and daughter turn on their hair dryers -- the second genny can be brought on line. This will allow a lower fuel usage while electricity is used for smaller things like refrigerators and freezers.

Pricing

The Maritimo M70 has a MSRP base price of $3,124,000, well-equipped. As we stated, options are available, but the M70 boat is among the most luxurious we've seen in class, pretty much as is.

Observations

Maritimo takes great pride in its level of fine finish work and its attention to detail is self-evident as one walks throughout the boat. While we have not yet tested the M70, our tests of other Maritimo models have shown exemplary handling characteristics, and a level of comfort and amenities that are world class. We expect that when we get on board the M70, that feeling will be matched yet again.

Cruise-Worthy Offshore.

Regular readers know that we happen to think that a sedan motoryacht design makes a fine cruising yacht because generally they can be more comfortable in a sloppy seaway than a conventional flush deck motoryacht with a lot of top hamper. Because the M70 has a relatively low CG -- even with the added weight of the enclosed flying bridge -- and because her hull was designed for those three oceans around Australia, we think she will be exceedingly seaworthy.

Offshore Ride.

But to make a good thing even better, Maritimo has made provisions for an optional SeaKeeper gyrostabilizer to be mounted abaft of the engine room. Experienced boaters know what to expect offshore. For those concerned about guests on long cruises, this option is a good one in our opinion. Our general suggestion is that people in the market for a flush deck or raised pilothouse motoryacht of this size and capability, should take a good look at the Maritimo M70. We think they will be surprised at what they find.

Standard and Optional Features