Maritimo Battlewagon for Gamefishing Tournaments

by Maritimo Marine on 13 Apr 2007 The Maritimo 555, a classic battlewagon designed specifically to claim top honours at the world's premiere game fishing tournaments, is the latest release from Bill Barry-Cotter’s award-winning Gold Coast, Australian yard.

Every aspect of the vessel has been created to hunt the giant ‘granders’, black marlin tipping the scales in excess of 1000lbs (454kg), roaming the Coral Sea.

The overall design of the boat leaves nothing to chance; some of the country’s top games fishing captains were invited to assist with the 'fishability' of the vessel, particularly the layout of cockpit and flying bridge.

Their hands-on knowledge played a major role in the design and set up of the Maritimo 555, a sleek 57-footer (17.4-metres) with a 17ft 1 (5.2-metres) beam.

Naturally, this expertise ensured the Maritimo 555 will prove a classic battlewagon in every respect.

The first Maritimo 555 will be powered by dual 1000hp Caterpillar marine diesels giving it an astonishing 38-knots plus. Subsequent buyers of a Maritimo 555 will be offered a choice of engines from Caterpillar, Cummins and Yanmar in the 700hp to 1100hp range.

CEO Bill Barry-Cotter estimated the Maritimo 555’s speed would place it in the top three percent of the world's top sportfishing boats. 'It’s going to take one of the custom-built American convertibles with 1500hp engines to beat us out to the fishing grounds,' he declared.

Basically, the fishing layout of the boat utilises identical measurements proven over many years aboard some of the nation’s top game boats. With a full tuna tower from Black Marlin Towers, a $25,000 fighting chair by US manufacturer Release, complemented by Release rod holders and Lees outriggers, the Maritimo 555 is destined to be a spectacular sight.

The imposing craft will be ready for sea trials in late July and will have its first public appearance in a world release at the 2007 Sydney International Boat Show (August 2-7).

Bill Barry-Cotter attended the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last year on a buying mission for the 555.

'That’s where we selected the Release chair and the same company’s rod holders, which I’d rate as the best I’ve seen,' he said. 'We also selected a chair from Release for the flybridge helm.

'I did quite a bit of work around the helm, positioning it aft and on the centreline with a 360-degree view over the cockpit, the fish in view at all times.

'The helm console is fairly traditional, along the lines of the helms seen aboard custom-built US convertibles,' he added.

For the Maritimo 555 skipper, handling the boat will be simplified thanks to a five-station control set-up via a hand-held remote. Buyers will be offered a choice of three comprehensive marine electronics packages, each providing a selection of software, computer links and a variety of upgrades.

The Maritimo 555 hull shape has been described as 'simply outstanding.' It boasts a fine entry, flattening aft to a minimum dead rise. 'Beam to length ratio might be described as on the lean side, but it will definitely enhance performance,' Barry-Cotter explained.

Internally, the Maritimo 555 will share the same luxurious accommodations that have impressed all who have inspected the Maritimo range. Luxurious saloon, highly-efficient galley, internal staircase to the ‘bridge and three staterooms ensure that when not in game fishing mode those aboard are well catered for.

The Maritimo 555 is only the spearhead of Bill Barry-Cotter’s plans to 'take on' the sportfishing market. It will be followed by a 50-footer (15.24-metres), the Maritimo 500 and later by a 63-footer (19.20-metres), the Maritimo 630. Like the Maritimo 555, the following craft will be similarly set up and designed specifically for wide-ranging sportfishing expeditions.

Specifications:

Maritimo 555

LOA: 57’10' (17.40-metres)

Beam: 17’1' (5.21-metres)

Fuel capacity: 5700-litres

Water capacity: 800-litres

Top speed: In excess of 38-knots.

For further information, contact Peter Jenkins, telephone (07) 5509-3607, E-mail pjenkins@maritimomarketing.com.au