Maldivia 45 Completes Sea Trials: Every Number on the Mark
Oct 17, 2026
The first Maldivia 45 has completed a full week of sea trials, and the boat performed exactly as designed. It floated on its designed waterline to the millimetre, used slightly less fuel than predicted, and ran slightly faster in waves than expected.
Stable and smooth rides
The trials covered everything from flat water to 2-metre waves. With the right propeller fitted, the M45 reached 30 knots on two borrowed 250 hp outboards. For a new hull from a new design, results this close to the predictions are rare, and they are the clearest confirmation yet of the engineering behind the boat.
A week at sea, from flat water to 2-metre waves
The trials ran for one week, giving the team the chance to test the boat across the full range of conditions an operator will meet. Days of flat water allowed clean speed and fuel measurements. Rougher days, with waves up to 2 metres, showed how the hull behaves where it matters most for passengers.
The boat was powered by two Yamaha 250 hp petrol outboards, borrowed for the trials. That is 500 hp in total, below the 2 × 300 hp of the standard outboard specification. The M45 was loaded to 9 tonnes including all passengers and crew, roughly half its full payload, to reflect a realistic operating condition.
Very good acelleration Duration: 1 week
Sea conditions: Flat water to 2 m waves
Engines: 2 × Yamaha 250 hp petrol outboards
Total power: 500 hp
Displacement during trials: 9 t, incl. 4,5t payload, passengers and crew
Propellers tested: T-19 and T-17
The results: every number on the mark
Every figure the design team predicted was confirmed on the water. In two areas the boat did slightly better than expected.
Waterline accurate to the millimetre.
The M45 settled exactly on its designed waterline. This shows that the weight calculations and the structural engineering were right down to the last detail. For a boat whose economics depend on low weight, this is the most important single result of the trials.
Fuel consumption slightly below prediction.
Measured fuel burn came in a little under the calculated figures. The M45's fuel advantage was always based on its weight: around 13 tonnes fully loaded, against more than 21 tonnes for typical competitors in its class. The trials confirm that this advantage is real.
Speed in waves slightly above prediction.
In rough conditions the boat held more speed than calculated. For operators this means more reliable timetables when the weather turns.
30 knots and more with the right propeller.
With T-19 propellers fitted, the M45 reached 27 knots. Changing to T-17 propellers raised top speed to 30 knots at 5200rpm. A propeller with more trust can be still better.
What the client said
Our client joined the trials for their second inspection of the vessel and assessed the boat from an operator's point of view. Two points stood out in their feedback.
Comfort for guests. The client found the boat's motion gentle and comfortable for passengers. In the resort and transfer market, how guests feel on arrival is as important as how fast they get there.
Much easier handling. The client rated the M45 as around 75% easier to handle than the 38-foot boat they currently operate. For captains this means less effort at the helm and easier manoeuvring alongside jetties and pontoons, every trip, every day.
The client also confirmed good progress on the vessel overall. The remaining fit-out work was reviewed together with the yard during the inspection and will be completed before delivery.
Almost no pitching in 1m waves.
Why these results matter
The Maldivia 45 was developed with a clear promise to operators: a lighter hull that burns far less fuel, without giving up speed or comfort. Until now that promise rested on calculations. After this week it rests on measured results.
The waterline, the fuel burn and the speed all matched or beat their predictions. This gives operators confidence that the other figures we publish for the M45 — range, operating costs and performance across all drive options — are built on the same reliable basis.
The trials were run at 9 tonnes on 500 hp. The standard outboard specification is 2 × 300 hp, and diesel inboard and electric versions are also available. Each will be tested and documented as it comes into service.
No hard slamming in 2m waves.
What comes next
The first boat now moves into final fit-out ahead of delivery. Boat No. 2, with diesel inboard engines and the complete interior, is scheduled to arrive in the Maldives in January 2027. There it will be presented in resort waters, filmed, and made available for test drives by operators and resort groups.
Operators who would like to experience the M45 on the water, or receive the trial data in detail, are invited to get in touch.
About the Maldivia 45
The Maldivia 45 is a 45-foot passenger vessel designed for island transfers, resort operations and coastal routes. It weighs around 13 tonnes fully loaded, has a draft below 0.9 metres, and cruises at 30 knots. Up to 55 seats can be arranged in 8 interior layouts, from ferry and dive boat to VIP charter. The M45 is available with petrol outboard, diesel inboard and electric drive, and is built to DNV classification.
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