BOAT REVIEW Maritimo S600

Maritimo’s new Offshore Series splashed down at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show and marks the beginning of a new era for the predominantly flybridge-orientated Australian builder. So, no surprise that first new model was a flybridge version, the M600.
However, the sedan version, the S600, is arguably the more modern and appealing boat, especially to the younger generation of boaters. Just like a roadster SUV, the S600 combines slick looks with plenty of versatility – and avoids the flybridge pendulum effect offshore, so plenty of reasons to find this an interesting coastal cruiser.

Standing on the deck of hull number one, designer Tom Barry-Cotter outlined the thinking behind the S600: “What we’ve done with the Offshore range is create a family hybrid offshore boat that is also set up to do some more serious fishing,” he explained.
The new S600 Offshore Motor Yacht combines the functionality of a protected cockpit and open water fishing practicality, in combination with a single level sedan design. The S600 includes a clever hardtop that can be used for storage, accessed from the upper cockpit deck via an overhead hatch and ladder. This creates a utility deck space for storing the tender – with a 350kg davit offset to starboard – and for smaller items such as paddleboards, freeing the transom area for fishing or diving.

Sporting cockpit
This approach means you can opt for the stylish swim platform – or forgo it altogether if fishing’s your thing and you want to back-up hard. Large scuppers clear any water that comes aboard when chasing a fighting fish on the line. Thick, solid transom doors also give good protection when going hard astern. The only downside in this layout is shore access when beam-on.
Flush coaming with all the cleating below the gunwales also avoids unwanted tangles with fishing lines, when they unsnap from the vessel’s twin Relax Mini 1000 game poles on the strike. A plumbed-in tuna tube was also fitted to our review boat, along with large gaff lockers on each side – plus deck wells with running water for live catches. A fighting chair option is of course available (on a cantilevered base to accommodate lifting the cockpit sole for garage access) with a moulded support in the middle of the cockpit as well. Our boat came with a handy table.

The entire cockpit sole lifts on an electrical/hydraulic ram – with a high GRP lip and rubber gasket to keep water out. Handily, there’s hatch access as well for grabbing incidentals. Very practical.
In cruise mode the large wet bar and grill are here as well, so fumes are swept skyward and not into the boat.
A step above the main cockpit is the aft cockpit area, completely shaded by the sedan roof overhang, so ideal for diners seated around the table on the transom couch. Alternatively, L-shaped couches can be fitted near the saloon entrance, instead of the bifold doors. Underfoot, a teak clad hatch gives easy access to the engine room.
Yet more lounging space can be accessed via the wide and deep side decks, their tall guardrails guiding you safely to the bow where this first hull sported a double sunbed that elevates, but with shallow recesses to ensure any seas coming aboard do not compromise stability when offshore.
Also installed is an oversized horizontal Muir windlass/capstan combined with an equally large 45kg Ultra anchor, which should give peace of mind at rest. The other mooring essentials, sturdy cleats, feature at both ends and amidships. Locker space is yet another plus point on the foredeck, for fenders and other accoutrements.

Sizeable saloon
The S600 conceals its size well but entering the saloon via a sliding door that opens the aft galley to the cockpit dinette, reveals spaciousness in all its glory. An even more open layout can be achieved with bifold doors and by dispensing with lounge benches on the inside cockpit – a good option for those seeking more party space. Ahead of the galley is the midships lounge, while offset to starboard is the steering console, all the elements blending seamlessly in this vast space.

The galley has an island bench which allows several crew members to work there. It’s extensively equipped with a large upright fridge, freezer drawers, microwave and separate oven with three-plate electric hob – all high quality by Miele. Other white goods include a small dishwasher, and downstairs, the option for a combination or split washer-dryer.
Usability is apparent in the galley, with Maritimo’s signature custom pantry racks and generous cupboard space. Top-notch fixtures and fittings include locks on large cupboards, yet another offshore feature on the S600.
Just slide the saloon doors shut when the rain comes and it becomes cosy yet still airy, thanks to vast side windows. Also, the windows near the front slide open for plenty of fresh air.
Step-up on the panelled vinyl floor to the lounge to enjoy the ambience of a much larger vessel, thanks to the S600’s generous beam and tall windows ideally positioned at eye height when seated. Plus, there’s a folding dining table on port and elevating 55-inch television hidden nearby.

The walnut gloss finish throughout is understated and contrasts nicely with the cream leather furnishings. A couple of Ottomans provide flexibility and a touch of informality to this relaxed area. Towards the bow is the staircase leading to three cabins, the stairs and landing naturally lit by the overhead front saloon window.

Commanding views
The uncluttered console belies a well-equipped helm station with Twin Disc EJS joystick and throttles on the right, plus thruster joystick. The EJS controls the fore and aft thrusters and maintains the heading – ideal in fishing mode or when waiting near the fuel dock. Given the windage of big boats like these, controlling the shaft drives and thrusters with a simply operated joystick system is ideal for amateur owners and pros alike.

On hull one, the essentials, including manual tabs, the hydraulic wheel, and Garmin smarts (twin 22-inch glass screens, radar and autopilot) were all ergonomically laid out. Screen functionality included Garmin Forward Scan Sonar, and the Game Fishing Pack for species identification.
The vessel is also equipped with Flir cameras outside and in the engine room. These smart cameras even have an amazing ability to track. Other essentials were the twin Scania engine screens for temperature, oil pressure and other key data. In addition, the aft cockpit houses a second helm to port – controls on either side are ideal for docking.

Full beam luxury
The central stairway leading below benefits from the atrium style saloon windows flooding it with natural light. This layout suits the more adventurous owner who can sleep soundly in the midships master cabin while underway. Located deep in the hull, using the entire 17-foot (5.2m) beam, the owner’s suite is outstanding, with several furniture options including vanity table and benches with cedar lined cabinetry.

The cabin is a large space with 2m-plus headroom and without any bulkheads impinging on the king-sized bed. Elongated hull windows admit lots of light while two opening portholes increase natural airflow. The ensuite bathroom is another spacious and easily wiped down feature on the S600, with natural ventilation and a generous shower cubicle.
Also pleasing is the bow cabin, because instead of its usual central location, the queen bed is offset to starboard, creating a walking space beside it. Overhead are two large opening skylights. With a similar bathroom, but with dual doors to also service the second guest cabin, this is an excellent suite.
Finally, the third cabin with its bunks and large portlight, finishes off this practical accommodation layout. The bunks can also be moved together for couples.

Tough hull
The hull build is completely solid GRP below the waterline. Rigidity comes from a solid GRP liner that is moulded longitudinally all the way to the forward cabin – a Maritimo patented technique to enhance hull integrity.
Similarly, the decks also have a liner, as does the superstructure, which improves both structural rigidity and insulation, while at the same time creating a monocoque structure intended to last.
Upgraded Scania 900hp diesel engines were fitted to the review boat (instead of 800hp Volvos), running straight shafts to five-bladed Nimbral Veem propellers. Deep bilges are another plus, designed to manage any water incursion without losing stability.

Electrical power comes from a Kohler 17.5kW generator located outboard of the engines. Another long-range essential was the Blue Water Explorer 950 – a 120 l/h – watermaker.
A Seakeeper 9 gyro, or a Quick model, or an Australian-made AIG can be fitted at the stern for enhanced stability underway and at rest.
Tankage includes twin wing tanks that feed fuel into a central main tank, which keeps weight low and central in the hull – all the tanks are GRP, moulded into the hull. Systems are neatly laid out, with Twin Disc electronic/hydraulic controls high on the forward bulkhead, alongside the Racor filters and a sensible gravity gauge for fuel info (along with an electronic version). Wiring is marinised copper cabling, so easily fixed wherever you are in the world.

Broadwater sojourn
The northern Broadwater is a magical part of the Gold Coast, where myriad islands offer secluded anchorages from which to watch nature. All this is only a 20-minute blast at 26 knots on the S600.
Sitting comfortably at the leather helm seat, I watched the mangroves whizz past and could even hear the call of the occasional raptor, such was the quietness in the S600’s cab. This speed clearly suited the twin 900 Scanias, which spun their shafts at 1,950 revs and showed an optimum 80% engine load – good for about a 500 nautical mile range.

So well-trimmed was the hull and those shallow angled shaft drives, no tab was required. Good trim also allowed me to see clearly ahead and astern, the latter always essential on this busy waterway chock-full of racing jet-skis.
A nudge of the hydraulic wheel when a lone kayaker loomed up in the distance at the entrance to Tipplers anchorage imparted an instant, smooth weave in our course. Trying a few doughnuts, I could hardly elicit any heel from the hull as we spun around in a 100m circle. Seeking out some waves; there were no shudders or complaints when the S600’s raked bow cut through them.

Tipplers was also a good place for slow handling. Noting the smooth transmission as I went astern, I aimed the wide transom at a navigation mark and accelerated to replicate backing-up. This resulted in a two-foot stern wave but no complaints from the S600. The scuppers easily dealt with the small ingress of water. Then, twisting the EJS joystick, I spun the hull around before going astern with the growing breeze midships – all done without dramas.
Such is the refinement, handling and practical feel of the excellent Maritimo S600, it reminds me of a taut German sports car.