Maritimo 48

OK I’m in the Maritimo camp on the 50, so somewhat critical of the New (yet to be built) Riviera 50, especially when I read their somewhat overzealous PR material. (IMHO).

Anyways it seems Riv is starting to “spread the word” with some marketing on the new boat. Here is the PR release on the boats Key Features, word for word from their web site with my take on that with views and comments at the foot of this post.

The original Riviera PR is here http://www.rivieraaustralia.com.au/modelOverview.cfm?type=flybridge&prdID=44&subType=Enclosed

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Start

The stunning new 50 Enclosed Flybridge  is expected to prove equally enticing as her big sister, the 53 Enclosed Flybridge. The new model is currently under construction and will make her world debut in 2013. (Note 1)
The design of the new 50 Enclosed Flybridge, as always, is based on boat owner input, gleaned and distilled over the past two years at specifically held owner forums.
Powered by new generation fuel efficient twin Cummins QSC Zeus 600 pod drives, or alternatively twin Volvo Penta IPS 900s, Riviera’s new 50 Enclosed Flybridge is expected to top 32 knots, cruising between 25 and 28 knots and delivering a range of 400 nautical miles. (Note 2)
Created in-house on Unigraphics 3D software, Riviera’s team of talented and passionate designers and engineers have focused on absolute maximisation of design and space, so they can see the exact size, space and scale of the vessel in the computer long before a single piece of timber is cut for the plug work.
Riviera’s design team has retained that unique Riviera look while introducing some exciting new design aspects such as double side transom doors (Note 3) which allow better access from both the port and starboard sides, mezzanine seating with integrated table, enhanced cockpit storage with a self-draining moulded lazarette bin that has been integrated into the cockpit floor,(Note 4) tender storage on the boarding platform, increased side deck access, a large aft C-shaped lounge that runs the width of the flybridge, flexible accommodation plan, full head room in the two aft cabins,(Note 5) attractive enhancements to the exterior profile lines balancing the flybridge and saloon window, and huge hull windows with opening port holes on both sides giving the two aft cabins an abundance of natural light and fresh air.
An additional 1.7 metres more of overall living space between the bow and stern has been made available through the incorporation of pod drives as compared to a similar sized shaft-driven boat. (Note 6)
“All round this boat feels bigger and fuller than similar sized vessels,  which can be attributed to the openness and an abundance of natural  light,” says Riviera CEO Wes Moxey. “And we know from experience that it will perform well with its standard engine package.(Note 7)
“When you step aboard the new 50 Enclosed Flybridge, you instantly enter a world of the most modern technology encased in time honoured craftsmanship.
“Our design team has been very innovative with the internal plan providing exceptional accommodation without compromising the height or exterior lines of the boat.”(Note 8)
The new 50 Enclosed Flybridge features three luxuriously appointed staterooms and two bathrooms. Acoustic fabric panelling creates a sense of calm and combined with varnished cabinetry gives a feel of contemporary elegance. A washer and dryer are concealed behind varnished cabinetry in the companionway.

In a first for Riviera, there is the option to have the master stateroom forward or aft on the port side. The aft port side option offers a scenic outlook from the large hull window with opening porthole as well as being in a quieter and more stable part of the boat being closer to the centre of gravity, (Note 9) while the full-width master stateroom forward(Note 10)  boasts windows either side, ample under bed storage, an elegantly crafted cedar-lined wardrobe featuring book-ended panelling, built-in bedside tables and a timber vanity – the owners have the choice.
“With that in mind, this new vessel is also the perfect size for three couples or a large extended family,” says Mr Moxey. “At 50 feet, it fits into standard size marina berths without compromising on space and the hallmark qualities of Riviera.”(Note 11)

The new 50 Enclosed Flybridge features a huge cockpit with aft barbecue centre or optional bait tank or fish bins. The barbecue is located aft centre in the middle of the transom doors either side, thus giving easy access to the vessel, especially when rafted up with friends or at the marina. (Note 12)
The vision from the three-sided enclosed flybridge is second to none. (Note 13)

The mezzanine seating has been lowered to allow for a fridge and freezer to be positioned between the galley window and mezzanine seat. There is also a removable table opposite the mezzanine lounge which can be rearranged depending on entertaining requirements. It can be positioned in front of the mezzanine lounge when enjoying a lazy breakfast with the best view in the world or one leg can be lifted and repositioned by turning the table 180 degrees so that a group of people can sit around the table for a social afternoon on board.
Two steps up and you enter the saloon through the full-length sliding glass door. To port there is a huge U-shaped modern galley with polished Corian solid surface benchtops, high quality appliances and accoutrements and ‘timber’ Amtico flooring.

Forward of the galley is a U-Shaped dinette to port and plush L-shaped lounge to starboard with several ottomans allowing for extra seating around the dinette or can be pushed up against the settee to create a large chaise.
An internal staircase adjacent to the galley leads up to the impressive flybridge which features a helm station forward on the port side with an adjacent L-shaped lounge allowing guests to easily converse with the skipper.

A wet bar is located behind the helm chairs and aft in the flybridge is an enormous C-Shaped lounge that runs full beam of the flybridge, making it a great conversation and entertaining space not only when the boat is underway but also at anchor. (Note 14)

From a technological point of view, the new 50 Enclosed Flybridge will have the latest in LED lighting and C-Zone digital switching, which allows you to monitor all your entertainment, electronics and lighting with the touch of a button. (Note 15)
Every engineering detail in the design and construction of this new model has been considered from the engine room with standing head room and its gleaming white gel coat finish making it spotlessly clean, to the location of the cockpit switch panel at eye-level.

Riviera has already taken several orders ‘off the plan’ for the stunning new 50 Enclosed Flybridge which is scheduled for her world release in 2013. (Note 16)

End

1. Yes, we have been hearing about it’s impending release since May 2012. Launch date was then said to be May 2013.
2. This is when it gets really interesting. It’s a POD boat remember. At cruise speed you get 400nm on 3200 litres, ie 8 litre/nm. According to Boatpoint   http://www.boatpoint.com.au/reviews/2013/maritimo-m50-cruising-motoryacht-36720  the Maritimo goes 517nm at cruise speed with 4,000 litres that is 7.74 litre/nm. What about the much hyped POD’s 15%-30% fuel savings then ??
3. What’s exciting about double transom doors for goodness sake. They have been around in Maritimo’s for years.
4. That’s just trying to talk a negative into a positive. As it is a POD boat all the machinery goes into one large space, so no lazarette. In it’s place you get a “bin” No such thing in a shaft boat. Separate Engine room and Lazarette.
5.  Again what’s new and exciting about “full head room” in the two aft cabins. Riv 47’s have had that for a long time.
6. Just a big shame they did not use the extra space for a WOW accommodation layout.
7. The Cummins QSC Zeus 600 pod are stated as 600Hp I believe. (8.3 litre displacement with WOT @ 3,000RPM). It will be interesting to see some actual test results on how she goes with two of those. The optional Volvo IPS 900 are stated as “700Hp, but equivalent” to a conventional 900Hp installation. (10.8 litre displacement with WOT @ 2,350RPM). What cruise range with those I wonder?
8. What is so ground braking about Three Cabins with Two heads. Sorry I just don’t get it.
9. They are basically condemning their own Fwd Master Layout. The central Master has the best COG position so is the best location for the Master, and ideally a Full Beam Master !
10. Since when has a Fwd Cabin been described as “Full Width Master” It is BS PR on steroids.
11. I don’t berth in Australia so I don’t know what a “standard size marina berth” is but I know from the Specs the boat is 56′ 6″ LOA and not 50′.
12. Maritimo have been doing that as standard for Ten years.
13. It does not look anything special. The Helm is Fwd so just like the Maritimo seeing the Transom when backing into the slip will be a challenge. Note The Maritimo is fully enclosed on four sides not just three.
14. No Flybridge Aft Deck. Shame. Shame.
15. C-Zone is nice but it’s complicated electronics. Does everyone need it and it is pricey. Switches work fine !
16. It was launched in May 2012, so I’m sure those owners will be getting a bit toey  by now !!