There’s an old fast-food commercial with an elderly lady spouting, “Where’s the beef?” as she gazes upon a listless hamburger. Feeling that this question can be asked of many things nowadays, I found the beef in the Maritimo M58. With broad shoulders, a comfortable-as-home interior and a proven hull form, this is a solid cruising craft.
Keeping It Clean
Maritimo took advantage of every inch of this yacht’s 61-foot length overall and 17-foot beam. The full-beam, teak-deck, hydraulic swim platform leads to an equally wide aft deck. With an aft bench seat and teak table, there’s room for additional dining chairs without guests tripping over each other. Instead of cluttering the aft deck, Maritimo builds in a Euro-style transom with a barbecue grill, sink, freezer and cockpit shower. Access to the lazarette is here too, and the hold is sized for stowing a good number of water toys.
Walk About
Maritimo integrates safety into function. Walkaround recessed side decks from the cockpit to the bow are incorporated into the structure. High gunwales and welded railings make for safe transits fore and aft, even turning the side decks into a bit of a destination, perfect for dropping a fishing line or having a private chat. A starboard-side sliding door off the main salon is convenient for serving guests on the foredeck or for handling lines. Cleats are mounted on top of the gunwales, and the Muir anchor windlass and gear have their own space, eliminating toe busting.
In And Out
With an open layout including aft bifold doors that turn the cockpit and main deck into one living space, nobody on board the M58 has to be out of sight or mind. The L-shaped galley aft and to starboard has a walkaround island housing a trash receptacle and Miele dishwasher. Maritimo didn’t try to cram every appliance into this corner, but the space under the portside flybridge staircase houses a finished cabinet with a Fisher & Paykel freezer drawer, Isotherm ice maker and glassware drawer. Onboard cooks also have a Miele four-burner cooktop, convection microwave oven and full-size fridge/freezer in the galley. Cabinets and a pop-out pantry are finished in high-gloss teak. The striking salon sole is Amtico rosewood with maple inserts.
Sit Back, Relax
Amidships, the salon is light, thanks to the forward and side windows (opt to have the side windows that can open). A portside L-shaped settee and starboard love seat make this a highly suitable casual gathering place. Flip open the double-leaf coffee table, and coupled with the twin ottomans, voilà: a dining area. Other features include an electric lift for the 40-inch flat-screen TV behind the love seat, stowage under the settees, accent lighting and 110-volt outlets at the base of the settees, perfect for keeping gadgets charged while recharging yourself.
Fly Away
From the cockpit, a staircase with floating teak steps leads to the enclosed flybridge, which should make operating the M58 in weather no problem. The helm is forward and to starboard, and visibility is great through three forward windshields with narrow mullions and pantograph wipers. Side windows are cut low to enhance viewing angles, and the aft bulkhead consists of glass doors and panels. A tiered helm console keeps instruments within easy reach without obstructing the view. There’s room for three displays plus engine monitors, switches, radios and more. To starboard is a console with throttle controls, bow/stern thruster joysticks and trim tab controls, allowing access without skippers having to extend an arm.
Just Like Home
Maritimo doesn’t make the enclosed flybridge just a driving location — it’s essentially a second salon. There’s a starboard-side L-shaped settee with cushioned backrests and folding high-gloss teak table. Forward, a two-person bench seat allows guests to converse with the captain. Opt for the sliding side windows, which are a great complement to the shaded electric sunroof and aft glass doors that fold open, enhancing airflow. Close it all up, and the 24,000-Btu air conditioning will manage the environment. There’s also room for a bar with fridge and outside sink. A real treat is the aft balcony, which can be fitted with optional cantilever seats along the aft rail. Or don’t, and just supply a couple of classy folders with tables. Part of cruising is to enjoy the destination, and this perch is a fantastic vantage point.
Space Galore
A forepeak VIP with center queen berth has an en suite head with shower stall. Aft to starboard is a double-bunk room for the kids. Both are finished in high-gloss wood and leather, with portholes. A departure from the norm is the sunken full-beam amidships master. This multitiered space has a diagonally positioned king berth, allowing room for a side chaise longue, three opening hull ports per side, a 40-inch TV and deep cedar closets. There’s also a vanity (it doubles as a desk, if you must work), closet and drawers just forward of the en suite head with basin sink and frame- less glass shower stall. With 16,000 Btu of chilled air, this room is an owner’s at-sea oasis.
Cruising-Friendly
Maritimo powers the M58 with twin 800 hp Volvo D13 diesels in a conventional straight-shaft setup. In the engine room, there’s solid access to filters, engines, the 21.5 kW generator, batteries and most ancillary systems. She’ll make a wide-open speed of 30 knots, burning 80 gph (she has an 1,100-gallon fuel capacity). Pull back the throttles, and at 1,500 rpm, the M58 cruises at 14 knots, consuming just 28 gph.
At The Helm
A key attribute to Maritimo’s success is its founder, Bill Barry-Cotter. An alumnus of Riviera Yachts, he sold the company he founded in 2002, after 20 years. Not ready to retire, he created Maritimo Yachts in 2004. His level of experience and knowledge help deliver the goods on board this M58. Once you step aboard this boat, I think you will agree that it’s got the beef.