Maritimo sets 2008 as a year to remember

by Bob Wonders on 2 Nov 2007 Maritimo experiences incredible growth, its workforce rising from 12 in 2002 to more than 500 in 2007. And there's more. Now, with authorised dealers around Australia, in New Zealand, the Middle East, France, Italy and nine across the United States, including the renowned Allied Richard Bertram Marine Group, Maritimo is far from satisfied.

It’s only a seemingly brief five-years since industry icon Bill Barry-Cotter established the Maritimo marque. Measure the company’s success every which way, and it becomes obvious that Maritimo has indeed made its mark on the Australian boating industry like no other.

In 2002, operating out of its Hope Island facility, Maritimo had a dedicated workforce of just 12 people.

In 2007/08, operating from an expanded Hope Island plant and a superb, purpose-built facility at Coomera rated as one of the most modern boat manufacturing plants in Australia, Maritimo’s workforce numbers more than 500. Again, looking back, it’s only three-years ago that Maritimo was producing a single model, the majestic Maritimo 60 Long Range Luxury Cruiser.

It has become the cornerstone of the Maritimo line and is remembered affectionately as the 2005 Cruiser of the Year and Australian Boat of the Year.

A brand new company, a brand new boat and it takes the top honour from the Australian Marine Industries Federation.

Now, with authorised dealers around Australia, in New Zealand, the Middle East, France, Italy and nine across the United States, including the renowned Allied Richard Bertram Marine Group, Maritimo is far from satisfied.

Negotiations are well in hand with prospective dealers in South Africa, Croatia, Russia, the United Kingdom and China, so 2008 is certainly looking as a year to remember for the company.

“Only a man like Bill Barry-Cotter could have taken the company to the level it is at today,” marketing manager, Peter Jenkins declared.

“I work with the man every day and he never ceases to astonish me. At present, more than 40 shipwrights and boat builders are engaged working on the plug for our 60’ Cabriolet Sport Yacht and Bill’s down there in the middle of things having the time of his life,” he added.

In 2008, Maritimo will be offering 11 models on six hulls, a far cry from the lone Maritimo 60 of 2005.

The 60’ Cabriolet Sport Yacht is the first in a three model series comprising a smaller 50’ and a larger 70’.
Despite the plug not yet being completed, Jenkins says he is already holding a “healthy” order book. He plans to introduce the 60’ Cabriolet Sport Yacht at the 2008 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

“And let me say this, this boat will be the sensation of the Sanctuary Cove show and will stun the industry; with dual C12 700hp Caterpillar marine diesels it will retail at something like $1 million less than an equivalent imported cabriolet,” he said.

Sanctuary Cove will only be the start – Jenkins has chosen the 2008 Sydney International Boat Show to unveil the largest vessel yet, the imposing Maritimo 70 Long Range Cruiser, with a pair of powerhouse 1500hp Caterpillar diesels in her “belly.”

Another addition to the range, its release date not yet confirmed, is a 50’ Sport Fishing Convertible, essentially a smaller version of the Maritimo 550 battlewagon, which created enormous interest when launched at the 2007 Sydney show.

Although less than one –year old, the $2 million Maritimo 550 has racked up an incredible 20-plus sales.
At the close of 2008, the Maritimo range will comprise the Maritimo 70, Maritimo 60, Maritimo 52, Maritimo 52 Sky Lounge, Maritimo 48 and the Maritimo 60’ Cabriolet Sport Yacht.

Each of the flying bridge designs will be offered in either Cruising Bridge or Sport Bridge (for the blue water sportsman) versions. Although flying bridge designs will always remain paramount for Maritimo, Jenkins says he is “particularly excited” at the prospect of marketing the Cabriolet Sport Yachts.

“The Cabriolet range is only the start of things to come,” Jenkins said. "I believe Maritimo has brought a breath of fresh air to our industry, thanks to innovative design, sea-keeping ability and all-round performance.”

Further plans are in hand for additional expansion of the Hope Island marina and production lines. On Waterways Drive, just a few hundred metres along from the Maritimo headquarters, another Barry-Cotter development, comprising 42 factory units, is nearing completion.

These will be leased to marine business seeking location within the Gold Coast Marine Precinct, although one will be retained as Maritimo Offshore Racing HQ.

The company is also working through the myriad of approvals and the paperwork involved prior to commencing work on ‘Maritime Quays’, a massive $250 million development fronting the Coomera River.

“I can say one thing in conclusion that no one will argue with,” Jenkins said. “There’s simply no stopping a man like Bill Barry-Cotter.”

For further information contact Peter Jenkins, telephone (07) 5509-3607 or visit the website, www.maritimo.com.au