Building on the success of its creative X60 that was launched last year, Maritimo, the highly regarded Australian builder, is launching a new X50 at the Sanctuary Cove boat show south of Brisbane next month. With its low profile, race-bred hull and innovative “beach club’” aft cabin, the Maritimo X60 set sales records for the company after its introduction last year in Australia and was equally well received in the U.S., starting with the Annapolis powerboat show in October.
The new X50 is a two-cabin, two-head boat, with a highly customizable third cabin or beach club lounge area aft, accessible from the salon or the swim platform. The aft space is possible because the twin 670-hp Volvo diesels are positioned forward to provide a lower shaft angle and to create better balance throughout the speed range. The X50 will top out at 36 knots with the standard Volvos, and reach 40-knots with 900-hp Volvos. They are married to straight shaft drives.
Maritimo has been active in the world-wide powerboat racing circuit for years, and it carries the lessons learned there onto its production boats. All underwater components are designed to reduce drag and maximize efficiency. It uses five-blade Nibral props to provide a flat and efficient running attitude. (I have tested earlier Maritimos in Australia and was impressed by their blue-water performance and solid seakeeping ability.)
The aft cabin created a stir when it was introduced last year on the X60. “The additional aft cabin is completely unique and is resonating with buyers,” Tom Barry-Cotter, the company’s lead designer, said then. Dave Northrop, president, Maritimo Americas, now says he expects the X50 to repeat the X60’s success later this year.
With three different setups, the aft cabin area gives the X50 lots of versatility, particularly for a 50-foot boat. You reach it via an internal staircase from the salon or from the supersized teak swim platform. Push a button and a large hydraulically powered transom door lifts up from the swim platform.
The area has an en suite head and shower, regardless of how its set up. In the beach club configuration, it has a wet bar and fridge, occasional chairs and table, providing a great spot to watch, or engage in water sports. Lower the swim platform and let the waves cool your feet. If you want an extra stateroom, it can hold two single berths, while still giving you the same water access. Or, you can use it as a tender garage.
Four steps up on either side from the swim platform, the cockpit has a three-person bench seat aft, an L-shaped sofa to port, and a bar area to starboard. An overhang from the cabintop provides protection from the elements.
In the salon, the large L-shaped galley with a dining island is to port, and a large U-shaped seating area is forward, opposite the helm. A two-person settee is on the starboard side, behind the helm. A sunroof is optional.
Four steps down, the full-beam master is a bit aft with a queen bed, a day bed, a desk and a generous en suite head and shower. The VIP guest cabin is forward with an angled walkaround bed and an en suite head and shower; it also serves as the day head.
Specs.: LOA: 52’7”; Beam: 14’11”; Draft: 4’10”; Disp.: 41,887 lbs.; Fuel: 793 gals.; Water: 132 gals.; Power: 2×670-hp Volvo D11 diesels.
