2023 marks the 20th anniversary of Maritimo

The company reflects on its success in its third chapter of 20th anniversary celebrations.

In the third chapter of its 20th anniversary celebrations, Australian boat maker Maritimo reflects on its success over the years, including the incredible achievement of the Maritimo 52 and 48 models, propelling the brand to new markets. They chat with two passionate Maritime owners who epitomise the Maritime spirit of adventure and appetite for the bounties of the boating lifestyle. 

Following the Maritimo 52 which launched in 2005 and sold 72 units, the Maritimo 48 was an exceptional model for Maritimo with 108 units of this revolutionary flybridge sold and delivered to owners all over Australia, driving the continual growth of the company and evolution of Maritimo.

The Maritimo spurred on the company’s expansion at its Coomera headquarters, comprising a new lamination facility and fit-out facility on-site as well as upgrades at the Hope Harbour Facility.

Phil Candler, Maritimo General Manager, said: “The expansion was activated in late 2005 and meant that we were ready for the increase in production to keep pace with demand on these new models. Manufacturing was in full swing by 2006 and staff numbers doubled in that year.”

The Maritimo 48 found its niche, earned praise from critics and customers and was a successful export, particularly to New Zealand and the US. 

The 52 and 48 models appealed to the US market for their enclosed flybridge, which made them suitable for all-weather cruising and worked as a second social space ... and buyers were impressed with the strong and stable hull and remarkable fuel economy. 

“The Maritimo 48 really hit a chord,” said Mr Candler. “Bill found the perfect opportunity in that size boat with its features. A 48 was considered a big boat in those days and it laid the foundations for future boats, including the modern-age 55. The Maritimo 48 seeded the success of the models that followed it.”

The three-cabin, two-bathroom Maritimo 48 is a grand vessel comprising all the Maritimo hallmarks: internal staircase leading to the flybridge, the comfortable, enclosed flybridge that is another social space, wide walk-around decks, well-equipped galley adjacent to the cockpit/aft deck, and on the technical side, long-range cruising capability and shaft drive technology for reliability and performance.

The Maritimo 48 earned its accolades and sales success. In a crowded and competitive market, Maritimo cut through for its long-range prowess and superior seakeeping, and in 2015 celebrated 400 vessels sold.

“There was always that expectation of Maritimo, that trust that Bill’s boats would be reliable, safe and modern-looking, and at each step of the development of each of the new models, Maritimo maintained that trust and delivered something special. There was strong acceptance of the brand and the product,” said Mr Candler. 

Today, Maritimo relies on the same principles underpinning the development and design of new models.

Chatting with two passionate Maritimo owners

In Brisbane, Barry and Stephanie Roper are eagerly anticipating the delivery of their new Maritimo M55. The M55 will be their second Maritimo after their much-loved and well-travelled Maritimo 48, “Ti Amo”, which they bought in 2020 during a break in pandemic travel restrictions and have since cruised thousands of nautical miles.

Their Ti Amo, so named for their love of boating and each other, was bought on a referral from a friend and former boat broker familiar with the brand.

“Our mate found it for us in Newcastle,” said Barry. “He owned a Maritimo himself and said it was the best boat he’d even owned, so we bought it, sight unseen, and went down to pick it up. Our first trip was up to the Whitsundays where we stayed for eight weeks and just enjoyed ourselves and the scenery.”

The Maritimo 48 “ticked all the boxes”, says Barry, a seasoned boat owner. “It’s spacious, well laid-out and technically brilliant. If ever there’s been an issue, it’s been dealt with immediately. Maritimo’s Service & Aftermarket Support goes above and beyond, which really impressed us. Nothing is ever too much trouble.”

This adventurous couple is looking forward to 'semi-retirement’ coinciding with the arrival of their new Maritimo M55, which they’re calling “Ropes” — a play on their surname and the pleasant task of “chucking them out when we pull into a marina,” as Barry explains.

They document their exploits on their YouTube Channel, Let the Ropes Go, sharing their tips and fishing triumphs aboard the Ti Amo.

With Captain Baz at the helm, ably assisted by Steph, and with Bob the cat making cameo appearances, they navigate big swells, visit incredible anchorages, pull in some impressive cobia and prepare it and cook it for viewers’’delectation!

The choice of their first Maritimo might have been made with the heart, but the decision to buy the M55 was made with a combination of heart and head.

As Barry explains, “I’m old school; Maritimo make a robust boat. They’re seaworthy, practical and beautiful. Steph loves the styling, the space, the choice of colours and textures, and everything having a place on board. It’s a very logical layout and it works.

For more information on all Maritimo vessels, head to maritimo.com.au.