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Maori Yachts brings a harder-edged take on Italian boatbuilding, producing boats built for owners who are adventurous in spirit and action.
Take one look at a Maori and you can tell that the builder is just a little bit different. Unlike many Italian boatbuilders that lean heavily on their heritage, Maori instead focuses on futuristic design and scintillating performance. The boats are easy to pick out in a crowded marina. They’re slung low to the surface, with sharp lines and a flat, aggressive profile. It’s an immediately recognizable look that foretells what these boats can do on the water.
What Sets Maori Apart from Other Italian Builders
While Maori may be typically Italian in its layouts and attention to fit and finish, they diverge from the competition in other ways.
It’s funny because Maori is quintessentially Italian by a lot of standards—the boats are well built, with nice fit and finish,” says Conrad Vanderlely of the Italian Yacht Group. “But they’re typically more aggressive than a Pardo or Riva. They also have surface drives, which as you know people love, and that also gives them a level of performance that goes beyond what much of the competition can offer.”
The surface drives are central to the experience. They allow for higher speeds and give the helm a different feel compared to more conventional setups—almost more akin to a massive Jet Ski than a traditional boat. A sea trial aboard a surface-drive boat is a must if you’ve never done one before.
Meet K+, the 125-Foot Flagship That Went Viral
Some Maori builds are eye-catching enough to become Instagram famous. The builder’s flagship is a 125-foot motoryacht named K+. You may have seen her. She has gained viral fame thanks to an all-black exterior that reminds many of Batman. The 2022 launch prioritized interior volume and forward-thinking design.
She has a large beach club as well as massive windows surrounding her salon. A key feature is a cutaway section in her bow that holds an expansive foredeck. The yacht sleeps 10 in five staterooms and has a respectable top end of 18.5 knots, meaning she can both escape bad weather and also bounce around from port to port more easily than full-displacement builds. Interiors done by Pulina Exclusive Interiors and exteriors penned by Studio Architettura Marco Ciampa show the builder’s fondness for collaborating with designers who think well outside the box.
Open Decks and Fast Lines, the Maori Dayboat Formula
While the ability to go big speaks to Maori’s versatility as a boatbuilder, the yard’s real forte is turning out slick and stylish dayboats. The lineup starts with a popular 46, and progresses to a 54, 64, and an 80, before hitting K+. Maori designs typically favor an open deck with most of the usable space concentrated aft.
They have very open layouts, almost like a Wally with the open stern,” Vanderlely says. So is it the best boat for kids? Maybe not. But for someone who has a focus on design? Yes, this definitely scratches that itch. And when you add in all the carbon fiber and avant-garde design techniques they use, it’s really a hot package.”
Conrad Vanderlely
Sales Executive
The 46 and 54, Two Boats Worth Knowing
As mentioned, Maori focuses on a small number of models, with the 46 and 54 representing the heart of the lineup, and functioning as dayboats and chase boats.
I have two for sale, a 54 and a 46. Both are basically new with not a lot of hours on the engines. These boats should be very popular. Everybody seems to love Vanquish, and if you like Vanquish, you’ll like Maori. There are lots of similarities when it comes to design and performance,”
Conrad Vanderlely
Sales Executive
Both the 46 and 54 follow the same general formula. They feature open decks, fast speeds (up to 50 knots), and minimalistic accommodations that are suitable for short stays. “They are a blast to have out on the water, as you might imagine” Vanderlely adds. “It becomes very clear very quickly that Maori is very fond of going very fast.”
Is a Maori the Right Boat for You?
Maori boats tend to attract experienced owners who know what they want. “It’s great for someone who is into cars and design and carbon fiber and sharp angular lines,” Vanderlely says. If most of your boating entails flicking between waterside hotspots in the Hamptons or Miami, Maori is an optimal choice for you. With a clear identity centered around performance, open layouts, and contemporary design, these are yachts designed for owners who want sporty performance, and who also want to look totally unforgettable.
