Maxi 1200 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Maxi 1200's lineage traces back to the venerable Swedish builder, Maxi Yachts, founded in 1972 by Olympic medalist Pelle Petterson. Petterson's enduring vision for Maxi has always been to create sailing yachts that harmoniously blend comfort, safety, and speed, a philosophy evident in the 1200. This model's production began in 2014, marking a new chapter for the brand as manufacturing moved to the Delphia yard in Poland.

While Pelle Petterson remained the guiding hand behind the exterior and naval architecture, the Maxi 1200 broke new ground for the marque by enlisting Tony Castro for the interior design. This collaboration aimed to infuse a "breath of new life" into Maxi interiors, departing from previous models and offering a fresh, contemporary feel. The design process reflected Petterson's core principles of quality, functionality, and design, which he applies to all his endeavors. Buyers had options for the keel, including a performance-oriented T-bulb drawing 7.22 feet, or a shallower L-shaped keel with a draft of 5.74 feet, allowing for greater versatility in cruising grounds. Early boats were typically fitted with a 100% jib, influencing their light-air performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just under 40 feet and a waterline length of nearly 35 feet, the Maxi 1200 is engineered for capable sailing. Her reported sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 22.6 indicates a relatively powerful sail plan for her displacement, suggesting good performance in lighter winds and the ability to get up to speed efficiently. This aligns with Maxi's reputation for building "fast cruisers."

The ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.34, suggests a boat with reasonable stiffness, capable of standing up to a decent breeze without excessive heel, offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. With a displacement to length ratio of approximately 260, the Maxi 1200 falls into the category of a moderate displacement cruiser, balancing comfortable living spaces with respectable sailing characteristics.

Anecdotal reports from initial tests highlight her balanced helm, described as "finger light" in a light breeze. She has been noted for being easily sailed singlehanded, making her a versatile choice for a couple or a family. Under downwind sails like a gennaker, the Maxi 1200 can achieve speeds up to 9 knots while maintaining excellent helm control, proving "a joy to sail" even at higher speeds. Overall, her sailing characteristics emphasize comfort and ease of handling over raw racing performance, positioning her as a high-quality "comfortable tourer."

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Maxi 1200, designed by Tony Castro, marked a notable departure for the brand, introducing a modern and fresh ambiance. The layout is designed for comfort and practicality, typically featuring options for two or three cabins. Reviews consistently praise the interior arrangement, highlighting it as "perfect" and very well-thought-out.

The cockpit is notably open and roomy, providing ample space for both sailing and relaxation. Below deck, the accommodations are well-appointed. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the general impression is one of generous space. Notably, the heads are described as "generous in size," contributing to overall onboard comfort. The finish quality emphasizes durable construction, in line with Maxi Yachts' long-standing commitment to well-built vessels.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Maxi yachts generally commend the brand for its commitment to quality Swedish yacht building, and the Maxi 1200 appears to uphold this legacy. The reputation for producing well-designed and built yachts extends to this model, with many appreciating its blend of comfortable cruising amenities and reliable sailing performance. While Maxi yachts have historically been associated with a higher price point due to their handcrafted quality, the production in Poland aimed to manage costs while maintaining standards. However, some owners have noted that the unit numbers produced for the 1200 model by the Delphia yard have been relatively low. No widely reported common issues or significant weaknesses have emerged in public forums, suggesting a generally positive ownership experience for the Maxi 1200.