KEY POINTS:
The Maritimo 550 Flybridge Convertible is actually a luxurious gamefishing "battlewagon".
In a country as passionate about fishing as New Zealand, it stands to reason that there will be those who believe the main purpose of a large pleasure boat should be to catch large fish; preferably, very large fish.
These are the sorts of people who are likely to get rather excited at the arrival of the new 17.8m Maritimo 550 Flybridge Convertible.
The 550 Flybridge Convertible, a classic gamefishing battlewagon, is the spearhead of founder Bill Barry-Cotter's plans to "take on" the sport fishing market. Designed specifically to compete in the region's premier game fishing tournaments it will be followed by a 15.24m Maritimo 500 and then a 19.2m 630.
A prime requirement for a top gamefishing boat is the ability to get to where the fish are: quickly!
No problems here, then: the standard power option is twin C18 Caterpillar diesels, each generating a cool 1000hp and giving a maximum speed of 35.5 knots. Equally impressive is the ability of the 550 to achieve planing speed. It literally leaps ahead like a gazelle, reaching 30 knots in less than 12 seconds.
The 550's variable hull boasts a fine entry, flattening aft to a minimum deadrise. While the beam-to-length ratio might be a little on the lean side, it's hard to argue with that performance.
An ability to back hard and fast into ocean swells is another prerequisite for a top gamefishing boat and again the 550 excels. Water pours over the semi-submerged transom, fills the sole of the cockpit and is expelled seconds later through a trio of wide transom scuppers as soon as the boat is brought to a stop.
When not in "race to the fishing grounds as fast as possible" mode, the 550 will cruise comfortably around 24.8 knots at 1700rpm, burning a reasonable (considering the horsepower involved) 218 litres per hour. At this speed, if one used just 90 per cent of the 550's 5400-litre fuel capacity, it would be possible to cruise for a little over 550 nautical miles.
Of course, most really long ocean passages happen at far lower speeds and a cruising speed 8.5 knots gives a far greater range, of over 1650 nautical miles.
With Maritimo's reputation for luxurious appointments, it is no surprise that the emphasis on board is firmly focused on comfort. Recognising that owners are probably going to do a lot of entertaining, the layout is very open plan, with a lack of bulkheads and an open tread flybridge staircase providing uninterrupted views from the cockpit through to the galley and dining area.
Standard features in the huge galley include a generous servery and food preparation area, two-door fridge/freezer, four-burner cook top, range hood, microwave, dishwasher and coffee maker. There is also a dedicated wine glass storage rack.
There are two lounging areas: one a conventional L-shaped dining area complete with highly polished folding table and leather lounges; the other, further aft, is specially designed for serious relaxing with a 105cm LCD screen, DVD player and myriad hidden speakers.
There are three cabins serviced by twin en-suites, all with zone-controlled air conditioning. High gloss beech timber and panels feature, with concealed lighting enhancing the ambience. The main port side stateroom has a queen size berth; the forward cabin an island berth; and the guest cabin, fore and aft single berths and an athwartships single bunk.
The control station on the 550's enclosed flybridge is forward and the electronics package is mostly optional, although a VHF and autopilot are included. A small lounge, a refrigerator and a cocktail cabinet have been built into the bridge forepeak. Owners can also choose to have a dedicated second helm station on the aft deck, overlooking the large cockpit.
Padded coamings set at the right height for stand-up fishing and free of any deck fittings surround the cockpit and provision has also been made for a game chair between the cockpit sole hatches. A bench seat forward is the ideal place to be when the fishing action is all on and this doubles as the cover for an external freezer and further storage areas. A bait station is also available as an option, as is a barbecue and live bait tank.
Of course, those really serious about their gamefishing also have the option of stainless steel game-tower, complete with a third control station. Now that would really be a luxury gamefishing "battlewagon".
* For a full review of the Maritimo 550, see the Nov/Dec issue of Pacific MotorYacht magazine, on sale now.
