Maritimo X-Series lead designer, Tom Barry-Cotter said the reveal of the X50 would see the shipyard’s momentum continue and he said additional models in the X series range are also in development.

“We are leading the industry into new design territory of what is possible in sport yacht and motor yacht design, and pioneering new thinking and re-writing the rules in every facet of the company,” Barry-Cotter said.

The Maritimo X50 design incorporates an innovative aft accommodation space accessible from saloon and swim platform deck.

The customisable aft cabin can be optioned and utilised as a beach club with ensuite, twin single stateroom with ensuite or 3.2 metre tender garage.

The design and construction of the vessel means the X50 will have the potential to reach speeds in the vicinity of 36 knots with exceptional cruising economy, trim and handling characteristics.

“The X50 will deliver class leading fuel economy and range, high speed cruising capabilities and the latest technology from the world leaders in shaft driven performance,” Barry-Cotter said.

He said the X50 has gone further than ever in the analysis of waterflow over the hull.

All underwater components have been heavily examined and designed with an obsessive consideration of drag reduction, creating maximum efficiency from the hull profile.

A critical performance factor inherent in all X-Series hull design, is the ability to neutrally balance the hull through the planing range.

Volvo Penta D11 670mhp or 725mhp power units are further forward to neutrally balance the hull and minimise shaft angle, resulting in increased efficiency from the 5 Blade Nibral propellers and a flat efficient planing attitude, this is made possible by incorporating additional accommodation aft of the engine room.

Maritimo’s patented engine room moulding technology provides more strength and weight reduction with added serviceability and reliability.

“There is ample space to work with the boat systems and engineering compared to any other vessel in its class,” Barry-Cotter said.

In addition to the trademark X series aft accommodation the new X50 has two large staterooms and ensuites in the forward accommodations.

The VIP stateroom design features a unique offset queen bed with VIP ensuite with dual access from stateroom and companionway.

The X50 also features a large full beam master stateroom with queen bed standard (king optional), desk, day bed, and spacious ensuite.

Maritimo being recognised for large household galley designs, has incorporated a spacious galley with island bench, upright fridge freezer, full height pull out pantry and microwave oven.

It also has a dish drawer, garbage receptacle, and multiple storage cupboards and drawers, suitable for all types of meal preparation and entertaining.

The performance inspired dashboard and helm, with optional second helm seat and available joystick docking systems, are designed for both comfort and control, instilling the overwhelming impression that it is designed to be driven.

Barry-Cotter said the design challenges of attaining the degree of accommodation space in the X series project were extremely complex, however the Maritimo team has delivered a result that is so simplistic and effective in its design solution.

The X-Series has attracted widespread global media and market attention, being embraced by boat buyers, and heading to home berths throughout Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe and Asia making it Maritmo’s most successful first release model to date.

Hype and anticipation is certainly building around the X50 features, and its undeniable price point ($1.398m).

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has announced that, as from January 1, 2021, it will be mandatory for certain types of commercial vessels to be fitted with float-free EPIRBs. According to AMSA, the change is in response to incidents in which commercial vessels sank quickly and the master and crew were unable to deploy an EPIRB in time.

“If a vessel rapidly capsizes or sinks, the survival of the passengers and crew depends on the transmission of a distress signal,” Brad Groves, AMSA general manager of standards, said.

“A float-free auto-activating EPIRB can send a call for help within minutes of being submerged in water, without any action by the crew.”

Mercury Marine used the Sydney International Boat Show to stage the global launch of its new Mercury Diesel 3.0L engine, its third major engine launch of 2018.

The new engine, billed as a replacement for the V6 TDI diesel model, is available in five versions: 230hp and 270hp (inboard and sterndrive) and 150hp, sterndrive only. The latter may also be available as an inboard version at a later date if there is demand for it. 

Features of the new engine include common rail fuel injection, water-cooled variable geometry turbocharger and compatibility with the Mercury's SmartCraft protocol.  The engines can also integrate with Mercury's Joystick Piloting for Inboards (JPI) and Joystick Piloting for Sterndrives (JPS).