01/06/2026
LOVE YOUR BOAT
Details:
Boat Name – To The Max
Owners – Brett & Karen Maxwell, and first mate “Neo”
Make – Maritimo
Model – M48 Enclosed Flybridge
Manufactured – 2008 / Gold Coast, Queensland
Designer – Bill Barry Cotter
Specifications:
LOA – 15.7 m / 51.6 ft
Beam – 5.2 m / 17.1 ft
Draft – 1.3 m / 4.3 ft
Displacement – 22,000 kg (dry weight)
Engines - Twin 670hp Cummings QSM-11
Generator – 17 KVA
Water Maker – Safari Horizon, 240 Litres per hour
Fuel Capacity - 3500 Litres
Water Capacity - 800 Litres
Holding Tank – 300 Litres
Sleeping Capacity – 6 People – 3 cabins, 2 ensuites
Hull construction – Fiberglass
Fuel Use: Economical – 8 knots / Fuel burn around 10 litres per hour (ideal for around the Lake)
Cruising – 18 knots / Fuel burn around 130 litres per hour (ideal ocean travel speed)
Maximum Speed – 30 knots (we are too scared to look at the fuel burn at this speed)
Previously, we owned a 2002 model 37 open flybridge Riviera called Chill Out. We did several trips up north in this boat and she performed beautifully. The reliability of the vessel was second to none.
In 2023 Brett was planning retirement and our dream was to live and travel the east coast of Australia on our boat. For this we decided we needed a “bigger boat”. So, with a heavy heart we sold our beloved Chill Out in April 2023.
We kept our eye on the market, and we “kicked” a few anchors looking at different boats, and we definitely looked at some boats outside of our comfort zone.
But, once we viewed our first M48 Maritimo, we knew we had found our boat.
The walk around sides and the internal staircase was a huge plus in making our decision. Now we just had to find the right M48 for us.
In April 2024 a boat at Wynnum Manly, Queensland, was offered to us that had not gone “on the market” yet. We saw photos and did a video tour and bought the boat sight unseen.
What could possibly go wrong! And as fate would have it, nothing has gone wrong. She was in excellent original condition. Although we did have some issues with the water maker that Brett lost a lot of sleep over. Over the last 2 years, we have made a few changes to her to suit our cruising needs; Updated TV’s and stereos from older tech to new tech Install 2 x 360w solar panels. Replace all internal halogen lights with new LED lights. Suspended lounge added to the flybridge rear deck. Enclosed flybridge rear deck. Removed all hatches and replaced with new hatches (we want her watertight) Installed rear cockpit TV that will mirror image our Garmin Sounder. Installed new 45kg SS Ultra anchor (a good anchor equals a good night’s sleep)
While we are asleep or off the boat exploring onshore, we use an app called Anchor Pro. This app (if it has internet access), will send you a message if the boat moves out of the anchor radius that you set.
In the last 2 years we have put over 400 hours her. She has performed beautifully in all ocean and bar conditions. We enjoy exploring all the islands up north, also rivers and inlets. We also love deep sea fishing on the outer reef in the Whitsundays. In early 2027, we will once again head north with the aim of visiting Magnetic Island. When we travel, Karen works remotely 3 days a week from the flybridge. We have Starlink on the boat, so we always have internet access.
I hope you have enjoyed reading our story, and we hope to see you on the water soon.
Brett & Karen Maxwell
