Maritimo Yachts, Bill Barry-Cotter's Australian Offshore Cruisers

Australian motor yachts with enclosed flybridges and offshore-bred hulls, from the founder of Riviera.

Founded
2003
Headquarters
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Models reviewed
1

Maritimo models

Maritimo was founded by Riviera founder Bill Barry-Cotter to build long-range, enclosed-flybridge cruisers. The boats are solid and comfortable, but thinner US resale and import details deserve attention.

Known for
  • Enclosed flybridge motor yachts
  • Offshore-capable shaft-drive hulls
  • M-Series flybridge and S-Series sedan models
  • Founder Bill Barry-Cotter, who earlier founded Riviera

Bill Barry-Cotter's second act

Bill Barry-Cotter is one of the most influential figures in Australian boatbuilding. After building Riviera into a global flybridge brand, he started again with Maritimo, building motor yachts on Queensland's Gold Coast with the same focus on offshore performance and practical cruising layouts. The company is family-led and also has a long involvement in offshore powerboat racing, which shows in its interest in hull efficiency and seakeeping.

Maritimo's signature is the fully enclosed flybridge, a climate-controlled upper saloon that lets owners run long distances in heat, rain or cold. Combined with large fuel tanks and conventional shaft drives, the boats are built for the kind of open-water passages Australian owners routinely make.

The Maritimo M60 and the current series

The Maritimo M60 we cover is a mid-size flagship of the M-Series, offering an enclosed flybridge, a full-beam master and a large cockpit with a lower-deck engine room designed for easy service. It competes with the Riviera 58 and 64, Princess and Fairline flybridges, and American offerings from Hatteras and Ocean Alexander.

The current range includes the M-Series flybridges (M50 to M75), the S-Series sedans (S50 to S75) and the Offshore Series M600 and S600. Maritimo Americas handles US sales and shows boats at Fort Lauderdale, Newport and Seattle.

US resale, service and buying an Australian import

Maritimo is still a niche brand in the US. That keeps used prices attractive for what you get, but resale can be slower and more variable than for Riviera or Sea Ray. Service is straightforward because engines, generators and stabilizers come from mainstream suppliers, but boat-specific parts may need to come from Australia.

Pay particular attention to these items.

  • Electrical system specification, since Australian-built boats may run 240 volt, 50 Hz systems that need conversion or isolation for US shore power
  • Enclosed flybridge air conditioning capacity and window seals
  • Shaft seals, cutless bearings and propeller condition
  • Engine hours, service records and turbocharger condition
  • Stabilizer or gyro service history
  • Import documentation, duty and US Coast Guard compliance labeling

Maritimo history

  1. 2003Bill Barry-Cotter founds Maritimo on the Gold Coast.
  2. 2010sThe M-Series flybridges and S-Series sedans become the core range.
  3. 2020sThe Offshore Series M600 and S600 join a range topped by the M75 and S75.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded Maritimo?

Maritimo was founded by Bill Barry-Cotter, who earlier founded Riviera.

Where are Maritimo yachts built?

Maritimo yachts are built in Australia, at the company's facility on Queensland's Gold Coast.

Is Maritimo better than Riviera?

They are close rivals with similar offshore ambitions. Maritimo is known for enclosed flybridges, while Riviera has a larger US dealer network and more liquid resale.

Are Maritimo yachts sold in the US?

Yes. Maritimo Americas sells and shows boats at major US shows, including Fort Lauderdale.

Official website: maritimo.com.au. Yatch US is independent and not affiliated with Maritimo.