Sydney International Boat Show 2007

Visitors to the spectacular marina at the 2007 Sydney International Boat Show are in for a treat when they stop by the Maritimo display.

The award-winning Gold Coast yard will not only show off its latest creations in the form of a new Maritimo 60, a fabulous 52 'Sky Lounge' and a 48 featuring the new forward helm cruising bridge design.

It will also feature the world release of its exciting hard-core Maritimo 550 battlewagon specifically designed to hunt the giant black marlin roaming the Coral Sea.

The awe-inspiring vessel boasts a stainless steel tuna tower and a selection of game fishing options highlighted by a $20,000 fighting chair and towering outrigger poles.

With its 1000 horsepower Caterpillar marine diesels, the fabulous battlewagon will sprint to offshore fishing grounds and better than 38 knots.

"It's going to take one of the custom-built US vessels with 1500hp engines to beat the Maritimo 550 to the outside reefs," marketing manager Peter Jenkins declared.

With industry legend Bill Barry-Cotter at the helm, Maritimo has set new standards for vessel design and construction. It's history now, of course, that the company's inaugural model, the majestic Maritimo 60, was named Cruiser of the Year and all-round Australian Boat of the Year in 2005.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Barry-Cotter has updated the Maritimo 60 with a new deck design, a re-vamped flying bridge and an interior that simply personifies luxury and comfort for all aboard.

The boat on show boasts a pair of C18 Caterpillar marine diesels, each delivering 1000 horsepower and offering the performance characteristics one would normally associate with a smaller vessel.

Maritimo's latest 52 features the 'Sky Lounge' flying bridge design. Peter Jenkins, one of the most experienced personalities in the marine industry, does not hold back when discussing the 'Sky Lounge' design.

"This will revolutionise flying bridge design for years to come," he declares.

Those who board this exciting 'revolution' will notice a completely re-designed flying bridge layout, offering such additional space that the 'bridge could be termed an extra cabin!

It is more than one-metre longer than a normal 'bridge and boasts an aft deck "overhang" that eliminates the need for cockpit canvas.

The show boat is powered by dual Caterpillar marine diesels generating 700 horsepower each. Also featuring in the Maritimo display is the 'fabulous 48', arguably the biggest selling flybridge cruiser in its class on the market.

The model at the show features the new Cruising Bridge design with a convenient forward helm and is powered by dual 660 horsepower Cummins diesels.

Such has been the incredible success of the Maritimo 48 that Barry-Cotter is re-tooling and upgrading the company's production lines to an ability to produce a 48 every eight days to meet demand.

As exciting as the Maritimo display is, it's the company's future plans that have the industry buzzing with gossip.

Barry-Cotter recently released plans of his new sport yachts, destined to create a storm of interest worldwide.

The 550 is the first of three battlewagons - it will be followed by a smaller 500 and a powerhouse 630.

Barry-Cotter's most radical release, with the first of a three-boat range in the water by year's end, is the new Sport Yacht design.

With a profile that could be credited to any of the top European designer/builders, the Maritimo Sport Yachts will be offered in 50' (15.24-metres), 60' (18.28-metres) and 70' (21.33-metres) versions, with a choice of Caterpillar and Cummins diesels.

Peter Jenkins says the range, while qualifying as 'radical' for Maritimo, has a timeless design that will not date. Unique features for a sport boat design includes walk-around side decks, an electrically-operated sliding hard top and al fresco dining for up to eight.

There's also a hydraulic swim platform that can be raised and lowered, offering superb access to and from the vessel. Being a Bill Barry-Cotter creation, it probably comes as no surprise that despite only floor plans and artist's impressions are currently available, Peter Jenkins is already taking deposits on various Sport Yacht models.

"If you want to be among the first to be a part of the most exciting release in the local marine industry's history, talk to me sooner rather than later," he says.

For further information, contact Maritimo, telephone (07) 5509-3611 or visit the website, www.maritimo.com.au

Media inquiries: Bob Wonders Media Services, telephone (07) 5562-2867, e-mail boatpr@ozemail.com.au

Photos: First photos of the spacious Sky Lounge aboard the Maritimo 52, tipped to revolutionise flying bridge design.