Both are renowned for being very ‘Maritimo’ in their approach, and of course, set the styling cues for all that has followed along since. Very big shoes, indeed, and ones worn so well by these sales icons, with second-hand craft just as sought after as new ones.
Phil Candler, Maritimo Operations Manager explained, “The fantastic success of the two craft is replicated the world over. There were shared learnings from the M55 and S55 that were applied over to the M60/S60, as well as the M600/S600 that were developed in parallel and came into being just that little bit later. The success of the 55 siblings on both sides of the Pacific as both a torch bearer, and for giving Maritimo customers what they want just simply cannot be underestimated.”
“Our clients were involved in the development of the enhanced external living options the craft so proudly features. Just as they were when it came time to offer the Black Edition that incorporated even more functionality, like the gunwale doors that are so crucial for places with fixed docks. Listening to, and then applying the requests is part of the Maritimo never-ending evolution process. By way of example, 95% of people already in the queue took up the opportunity to go for the Black Edition, when we announced the crossover.”
“Nothing is designed in isolation, and there is always an eye as to what might be applied to something else we are working on. Equally, the entire Maritimo family (55, 60, 600, 75 and now 50) all stem from the work carried out to create the 55.”
“For us, the process of creating the 55 is as a direct result of spending a lot of time with our clients , travelling with them, and observing how they use their boats. In this way, we designed and developed a boat that really met their needs, and fulfilled the gap in the market, in that size and type of boat, with that amount of accommodation. Obviously, our sea keeping abilities are legendary and the traditional shaft drive layout and our overall range are very appealing to a lot of clients,” added Candler.
The running surface is another aspect that benefits from having a multi–platform outlook. The chine shapes, amount of flare, effortless performance with great efficiency, and being dry underway are things can be applied across vessel ranges, but in the case of the 55, the large volume of fuel with the bulk of it carried low and central under the main bed.
The popularity of the M55 and S55 is as strong today, as ever. Whilst there is a seasonal aspect to build slots, an average 50% of production is either destined for the Australia/New Zealand market, or the USA, which speaks directly to the enhanced usability, and the long range capability to cruise where you want to go. The popularity of Maritimo craft also supports a healthy second-hand market, and nowhere is this more evident than with the M55 and S55.
In the case of the S55, it was the first single level, or sedan motor yacht from Maritimo that very much applied its own design tweaks over the flybridge version. This has subsequently been carried through across all others, with the latest S50 offering the greatest differentiation to date. All of which has only served to enhance the appeal of the ‘S’ versions, and bring even more new customers to the brand.
After the heady days of COVID , the order book is far more manageable. “Twelve months is the ideal build time from receiving the initial deposit to final handover to the client. , but again, this varies depending on the market. We’re well into 2026 , so right in the target range,” added Candler.
The longevity of the M55/S55 is undisputed. No doubt, a lot of this can be attributed to the overall clean aesthetic and the flow from one space to another that this allowed for. Add in high efficiency hulls, with renowned seakeeping, and it is a platform that will endure, only needing occasional tweaks to stay fresh.
It is not that often that a vessel or vessel family can be proven to be a paradigm. The M55 and S55 have done this, and taken subsequent models along with them. Good is good, and brilliant is exemplary. There is no fading to the star that is Maritimo’s most popular model ever by far, and it is set to continue to break records. As the queue is now shorter than previously, now could well be the time to get your order in. Many have moved from M55 to M60, and first generation to Black Edition. It is a space born of vision, and delivered in quality, for which there is always a market.
