Maritimo Motor Yachts Acquires Iconic Caribbean Boats Brand

In a move that marks a further significant consolidation in Australia’s marine manufacturing industry on the heels of Yamaha’s acquisition of Telwater, luxury motor yacht builder Maritimo has announced the acquisition of the legendary Caribbean Boats Australia in a deal that brings together two powerhouse names in Australian boatbuilding..  

Caribbean Boats, formerly owned by International Marine and founded by the Spooner family, has produced more than 50,000 vessels since its inception in 1958, with legendary models such as the 25/26 and 28 Flybridge – and later the 32 and 35 Flybridge models becoming iconic bluewater boats, popular among Australian recreational and commercial anglers.

The company acquired the Australian rights to the famous “Bertram” name, building the highly regarded hulls under licence from the U.S. parent in the mid 1960s. It also manufactured other brands including Columbia and Pride – with the Caribbean brand replacing all others in the late 1980s.

Founded by industry pioneer Bill Barry-Cotter, Maritimo is a leader in high-end luxury motor yachts, with a global presence and a state-of-the-art facility on the Gold Coast.   Barry-Cotter expressed his enthusiasm for the future of the Caribbean brand under the Maritimo umbrella, stating:

“Caribbean is a cherished name in Australian boating, with a rich history of building some of the country’s most enduring and capable vessels. We are excited about the potential this acquisition brings and look forward to shaping the next phase of Caribbean’s journey.” — Bill Barry-Cotter

Maritimo plans to breathe new life into the Caribbean lineup, with early indications pointing to updated construction processes, while retaining the classic characteristics that made Caribbean a household name.

The current Caribbean model range encompasses trailerboats from 4.88m through to the C49 Flybridge at 14.77m (49 foot).  It is a range that adds a new dimension and complements the Maritimo range in style and application – with Maritimo focussing on the upper end of the market with models from 50 to 75 feet.

Maritimo has indicated that more announcements regarding the future of the Caribbean range will be made in the coming months, with boat enthusiasts and dealers alike watching eagerly.

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