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Enclosed Bridge Excellence: The High-Stakes North American Debut of the M50
The Palm Beach Deployment
Maritimo is set to shake the 50-foot segment this March as the all-new M50 makes its official North American debut at the Palm Beach International Boat Show. While the shipyard has seen immense global success with its larger M75 flagship, the M50 represents a purposeful application of design intelligence to a size range Maritimo has dominated for two decades. It isn’t a scaled-down version of its bigger siblings; it is a refined, high-enduration motor yacht built for the serious owner-operator.
Racing Heritage and Hull Physics
At the core of the M50 is a hull designed by Bill Barry-Cotter, whose 70-year career in offshore racing infuses every Maritimo with a distinctive edge. The hull utilizes a reverse chine and a carefully shaped keel to ensure soft re-entry and stability in challenging sea states. Powered by twin Volvo Penta D13-800 engines on traditional straight shafts, the M50 cruises effortlessly at 24 knots with a top hop of approximately 30 knots. This is a platform engineered for confidence when the horizon gets rough.
The Enclosed Bridge Benchmark
Maritimo famously pioneered the enclosed flybridge, and the M50 executes this signature feature to an industry-leading standard. This isn’t just a weather shelter; it’s a climate-controlled second salon with a commanding 360-degree line of sight. Featuring an overhead skylight and racing-inspired helm seats, the bridge also converts into a flexible stateroom, offering the kind of versatility usually reserved for yachts well over 60 feet.
Entertaining Without Friction
The transition between the cockpit and the interior galley is entirely fluid, creating a cohesive alfresco dining environment. The galley is a chef-focused domain featuring premium European appliances and a central island. Further aft, the innovative swim platform raises and folds to reduce length for docking, but when deployed, it acts as a massive entertainment hub. This design allows for direct water access without the need for heavy actuators or complex deck lifting.
Class-Leading Sleeping Quarters
Below deck, the M50 delivers a full-beam master stateroom that challenges the volume found on significantly larger vessels. Expansive through-hull windows flood the space with natural light, while opening portholes allow for cross-ventilation at anchor. Forward, the VIP stateroom features a versatile berth that converts into singles, and the repositioned head design ensures guests enjoy a spacious day head that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
The Florida Verdict
As Maritimo prepares to showcase the M50 alongside the M75 and M55 in Florida, the message for the American market is clear: the sweet spot for cruising has a new leader. By merging a 980-gallon fuel capacity with refined luxury and offshore grit, the M50 is an honest, capable machine built to handle the Great Lakes, the Pacific Northwest, or the East Coast with equal ease. The debut on March 25 is the only date that matters for those seeking a true long-range cruiser.
