| Maritimo 60 |
| By: Ed Auck | 9/1/2009 12:00 AM |
|
When driving on Pacific Coast Highway through Newport Beach, California there is a section called Mariners Mile. In the midst of an always-busy highway it is difficult to see the remnants of the historic Newport Beach marine industry. Restaurants and office buildings certainly grab your eye as you pass through; if you were to walk down the street and venture through some of the parking lots and waterfront buildings you would find shipyards, boatyards and yacht brokers nestled among the other buildings that have now been built around them. These boatyards were the original residents of Mariners Mile.
Located next to one of the historic shipyards is Compass Point Yachts, owned by Bill King. A veteran of the marine industry, he is doing something quite unique in my opinion. King is operating a yacht dealership that sells cruising motoryachts, offshore convertibles, flybridge models, European sedan enclosed bridges, and cabriolets. What’s unique is that he fills his line from only one manufacturer, Maritimo. The brand comes from Australia and is a powerhouse of experience and design.
We started the sea trial by walking down to the marina where the Maritimo 60 stood out with its unique look and stature.
As we moved inside we were really surprised. The interior is stunning. Every detail has been considered; airconditioning vents, Silhouette blinds and speakers for the integrated sound system are all cleverly concealed behind polished teak pelmets. Large wrap-around windows offer spectacular views and also slide open so everyone can enjoy a fresh breeze. The overall feeling when you enter the salon is spacious and open. There is ample natural light, which accented with the warm gloss teak cabinets and tables creates a comfortable home-like feeling. A power-actuated dining table easily lowers to a cocktail table, which is another reminder of experience at work. Entertainment is state of the art with a three-zone Bose sound system with mounted flat screens in the flybridge and master stateroom, and a retractable flat screen in the salon.
The step-down galley is discreet and perfectly located between the salon and spacious aft deck for easy entertaining. There are three stainless steel sliding-door panels that open either from port, starboard or nest in the middle, which makes this aft galley design perfect for taking advantage of the built-in barbecue, sink and freezer/refrigerator all designed into the transom. The open feeling of the galley allows the chef to chat with guests while preparing a meal. The meticulous attention to detail is evident right down to the stainless steel working of the self-closing drawers.
When it’s time to call it a day, an illuminated acrylic handrail guides you down the companionway to your accommodations, which will take your breath away. To starboard a twin bunk cabin also features a concealed washer and dryer. Forward is the double guest cabin with an en suite head and an ingenious full-length linen closet. The master stateroom is very spacious and has innovations like a huge storage area under the berth that’s truly amazing; again we have experience at work here, not wasting a square inch.
The electronic CAT controls along with bow and stern thrusters allowed us to crawl out of the slip with ease, even with the normal evening westend side wind and currents. The wide walk-arounds with high bulwarks and well-positioned stainless steel rails made moving about the boat while handling lines a breeze.
As we got within range of the breakwater harbor entrance we accelerated, and what I had been told was true. The Maritimo 60 lifted, staying level the whole time while reaching plane. This yacht is truly an exceptional performer. King tempted me into some extremely tight turns and maneuvers, but the Maritimo 60 handled them like a dream. Visibility at all speeds is exceptional, and the control station is quiet and comfortable.
The flybridge is the only helm but has remote docking stations in the upper bridge and cockpit. Don’t worry though; you won’t be left alone while everyone else is having fun below. There is a spacious L-shaped settee and dinette as well as a control station fit for the Enterprise. There is even an aft entertainment deck above with a table. The bridge table also converts to bunks where the kids will have a blast. Built-in glass storage with a wet bar, refrigerator and sink all come standard.
The enclosed bridge is open and comfortable, and it was very refreshing to look out of glass windows instead of canvas. We wanted to check the noise level while under way, and you know what they say, “there is an app for that.” King used his iPhone to check decibels in the bridge and it was at a conversational 74 dBa.
My first reaction when entering the engine room was that I was in a sanitized laboratory. This engine compartment is obviously the result of years of yacht-building experience and racing. Hats off to Maritimo for achieving the ultimate in design space and function for an engine compartment. Too many builders sacrifice engine compartment size in lieu of exterior design.
There is full access completely around either of the massive CAT C- 18 electronic diesels. There are also some really smart innovations like three separate watertight bilges, individual sumps for the shaft logs, a port and starboard battery compartment that doubles as a seat and even a tool bench. I’ve spent time in 80-plus-footers that didn’t have this much working room in the engine compartment. Even the CAT 23 kw genset was completely accessible for service and maintenance. Nothing was spared in the engine compartment, and the Maritimo 60 was obviously designed to be a yacht to depend upon for extended cruises and heavy usage.
One of the best design features is one that can only come from experience and the purists’ appreciation for a yacht that truly performs to your expectations. The engineering team has meticulously maintained a perfect center of gravity and balance for this yacht. The hull design uses a 28- inch keel with a 22-degree bow entry to run smooth and track perfectly even in heavy following seas. The engine and fuel tank placement allow for a minimal 9-degree prop shaft angle that does not cause the stern to dig in when accelerating. The result is that the boat feels like it is on plane all the time at any speed.
Next time you stroll through Mariners Mile in Newport Beach, California, be sure to stop by Compass Point Yachts and take a look at the Maritimo line. I have no doubt you will be impressed.
This article first appeared in the September 2009 issue of SEA Magazine. All or parts of the information contained in this article might be outdated. |
