Storied brand Caribbean is now under the stewardship of Maritimo.
Maritimo supremo Bill Barry-Cotter’s journey from timber boatbuilding to pioneering fibreglass and, ultimately, establishing the Maritimo dynasty, is a fascinating case study in Australian manufacturing persistence against the headwinds of bureaucracy and global competition.
Now in his eighties, Barry-Cotter shows little inclination to slow down. His latest undertaking, the revival of the storied Caribbean brand under the Maritimo umbrella, reaffirms a lifetime defined by invention, persistence, and a deep belief in the value of Australian manufacturing.
Even as policy, productivity, and cost pressures mount, Barry-Cotter remains resolutely expansionist. His acquisition of the historic Caribbean marque, once the Australian offshoot of Bertram, has injected fresh momentum into Maritimo’s operations and absolutely captured the imagination of the market.
“One of the reasons why I did it is because it’s in the smaller end of the market, underneath our current Maritimo lineup. You get a bit of protection through the fact that any opposition has got to be imported, and that eats away at margins,” said Barry-Cotter.
The rejuvenation of the fabled brand inside Maritimo’s Coomera facility is well advanced. As with Maritimo, Caribbean has spoken directly with dealers and purchasers to hear what they want and shape the redevelopment. The latter already have deposits down to match their expressions of interest.
“We know Caribbean vessels have got the heritage and the seaworthiness, but everyone wanted more modern amenity. The hulls are incredibly good, but everything from engine rooms to cockpits and internals is being revisited. Many models are receiving new decks and superstructures to account for this. It’s all about future-proofing the brand.”
The first model to emerge will be the C2700 Flybridge, where the four-digit model number designates an outboard-powered craft. The new iteration of the renowned Caribbean 27 model will be the start of the new journey. Others will follow. Specifically, C40 and C49. Eventually, Caribbean will span from 21 feet to something in the mid-50s. “Our big aim is to have the C2700 and C40 on display at the 2026 Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in May.”
Just like Maritimo’s luxury motor yachts, the Caribbean models will all possess a distinct design identity.
“When you see a Maritimo 50 or 75, you know it’s a Maritimo straight away. The Caribbeans will also have their own identity with a very similar stance and profile, just scaled to size, especially when over 30 feet.
| “We know Caribbean vessels have got the heritage and the seaworthiness…” |
“The company’s R&D programme has intensified accordingly. It’s full steam ahead like it’s never been before, so it is a good thing we know about deadlines. Everyone’s used to building boats into the early hours of the morning two weeks prior to the launch at the show. It’s just what we do,” said Barry-Cotter.
“The Caribbean brand will only be built by Maritimo. As for the italicised lettering on the quarters and the distinctive blue rondelle, well, we think it’ll be very similar to what we’ve seen in the past. What matters is that it’s still going to be a Caribbean.”
The C40 and C2700 models were revealed at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show and will be featured in upcoming issues of Boating NZ.
