Australian luxury cruiser manufacturer Maritimo is rounding off a hectic two months of international boat shows with a four-vessel display at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in coming weeks. The company has co-ordinated multi vessel, on-water displays from as far afield as Cannes and Monte Carlo in Europe to Seattle, Tampa and Auckland.

“We have been active at some of the world’s most impressive and reputable boat shows and strong sales will result as we finalise negotiations through our dealer partners on three continents,” said Maritimo’s International Sales and Marketing Manager, Greg Haines. “We expect to finalise two sales, an M59 and an S51, from the Cannes show alone and more from the others.

Photo: Part of the Maritimo display at the recent Cannes Yachting Festival.

He said the corner stone of the company’s Fort Lauderdale show would be two new Maritimo M54 cruising motor yachts. Maritimo will also display an M51 and a new M59.

Haines said Maritimo expected strong interest in the vessels on display, particularly the M54. “This has been one of our best sellers internationally with boats sold on the east and west coast of the USA, in the Tri-States, Canada and Venezuela,” he said.

“The M54 is a step up from the M50 and the M52 and with its full beam master, larger cockpit and larger swim platform it is a real winner. It is also the perfect size for many people particularly cruising couples who want to be able to boat on their own and who feel a bit daunted handling vessels larger than this.”

Photo: The sleek new M54 cruising motor yacht will be on display at the upcoming Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Maritimo’s principal North American dealer partner, Galati Yacht Sales‘ Jay Dee Galati said he believed it was the uniqueness of the boat in the 50 feet size range that was a major part of its appeal.

“Having low maintenance, reliable straight shaft drives and a climate controlled, enclosed flybridge impresses many potential buyers,” said Galati. “The exchange rate between the Australian dollar and the US dollar also creates spectacular buying incentives. We are confident that the high quality level of fit and finish of the interiors of the Maritimo brand will see it continue to gain in popularity in this country and elsewhere internationally.”

Haines said Maritimo’s large investment in its boat show schedule internationally was all part of the company’s strategy to build the brand globally.  “It takes a great deal of time, effort and money to set these displays up around the world, but with the help and co-operation of our dealer partners we are increasing our brand awareness significantly,” he said