First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

[mike-in-colorado]

I'm in Colorado. A friend of a friend let me borrow his boat (I know....how nice was that!) last summer and it is a Maxum 17 ft inboard. It's a 1996. I don't know much about boats other than my experience growing up with a Sea Doo sit down ski. We had a blast when we took it up to Grand Lake Colorado (altitude is 8367 ft). I thought the boat ran great and our family had a blast. The owner needs some cash and is now looking to sell. He is offering it to me for $2700. I looked up the book and the the LOW book price is $3100 so $2700 seems to be a very good deal. I would like know, from someone who has a lot of boating experience, if this is in fact a "good deal", if Maxum is a good manufacturer, and if this year 1996 has any known problems I should look for. I noticed that it topped out at 30mph which was not very "thrilling" for me. Our toddler thought it was great but I know I will want more top end speed in the near future. When we used it a Grand Lake the boat struggled to plane out with 5 adults in the boat and towing a HUGE wide tube. Is this normal, is it just not "best practice" to have that many people in the boat when pulling a tube etc, or is the boat under powered? Also, is there a way to give it more top end speed or is that the max given the engine size of 3.0 liter and the altitude we were at? Any way to make it either faster or give it more power (or both). Thanks in advance for any insight. I want to make a good decision.

 

[90stingray]

Re: First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

Welcome to IBOATS! Usually boats are propped and jetted for high altitudes. The 30 mph is pretty weak. Were you trimmed out? The price seems fair this time of year. I wouldn't call it a steal. If it had the 4.3 V6, that would be more appealing... and better for resale. There are many deals to be had... once you start looking. I would be looking for the boat that will fit your needs the best. So if you need a v8 to haul many people and tow... then go v8. Don't settle with the 3.0 and 30mph because you will want to move to something bigger and faster. Check craigslist.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

if it's in good shape go for it... I'd bet that there is a bit more speed to coax but we'll need more info.... If you don't love it you can likely make a profit selling it in the spring

 

[86 century]

Re: First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

The 19' '84 searay bowrider my family used all last summer has the 3.0l at 800' elivation.
She would make 34mph at 4400rpm with a 17p 4blade solas prop.
With this set up it would pull my 200# but up from a depwater slalom start with very little drag.
Did a great jod and used very little fuel for a boat.
Shifting your load around will help it plane faster.

Hard to go wrong with a 3.0 you haft to mistreat them for a long time before the give up.

 

[southkogs]

Re: First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

My folks have a 3.0L in a 19' Bayliner (albeit a newer model), and it'll tap the low 40's unloaded. With any amount of family in there it's down in the 30's somewhere. Like Smoke said, there's a little more in there - but look at the overall condition of the boat.

 

[mike-in-colorado]

Re: First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

Thanks for the help guys. The overall condition is pretty good. The fiberglass is pretty hazy but it appears that can be fixed quite easily with waxing etc. Seats all look good and no tears. Carpet has a few places it's worn through but not bad. It doesn't appear to have ave any hull damage etc. I do feel we will want somthing with more power over time but the consensus on this thread seems to be that it's a reliable boat and a decent price. Hmmmm. Decisions decisions!

 

[dockwrecker]

At that altitude the 3.0 will struggle for sure, even a V-8 will also. I run my boat at Navajo which is 6800 ft and dropping down on the prop size is a must. You'll see more rpm's which should make up for less pitch and will be the same if not better top speed while giving you a much better hole shot at that altitude. I don't think there's a lower gear ratio for a 3.0 (I could easily be wrong) so prop swapping is really all you'll be able to play with should you buy it.

 

[mike-in-colorado]

Re: First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

Thanks again for the additional replies. I think for the price I can't be too greedy about top end speed and maybe it's a good starter for us to be able to get out on the water at some local lakes here outside of Denver. He is including 2 tubes and tow ropes, 6 adult vests, 2 kids vests, the trailer (obviously), a spare prop but I don't know any details about it, a cover, and it has the bimini top too. Is Maxum a good brand and have a good re-sale market? I.E. for autos, I know if I buy a Honda for the right price it would be easy to unload at any time and get your money back. How does Maxum rate in the re-sale market regarding demand and holding their value. Also, in boating, is 1996 considered OLD here in 2012 or are hours important or?? Oh...and there is a boat shop up the road....if I proceed I would want to make the sale contingent on me having it inspected. What's a reasonable cost for this?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

maxum is a small step up from the cheapest out there.... At the price you are getting it for tho it doesn't matter.... It's all about condition. If it is clean, rot free, and up on maintenance it is worth more than you're paying.

IE using your car analogy.... even a kia will sell easily if it's priced right

 

[southkogs]

Re: First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

Years don't mean much (though some for technology here and there). I've never owned (personally) a boat newer than a 1975. I can't imagine trying to keep up a car that age is much different (if it was a daily driver, it'd be a real pain).

Like Kev said - condition, condition, condition

 

[90stingray]

I think boat surveys are priced per foot of the vessel at some places. But I would expect they will charge about $150 for your boat. Post up some pics when you get it.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[ezmobee]

Re: First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

Is Maxum a good brand and have a good re-sale market? I.E. for autos, I know if I buy a Honda for the right price it would be easy to unload at any time and get your money back. How does Maxum rate in the re-sale market regarding demand and holding their value. Also, in boating, is 1996 considered OLD here in 2012 or are hours important or?? Oh...and there is a boat shop up the road....if I proceed I would want to make the sale contingent on me having it inspected. What's a reasonable cost for this?

Maxum is an ok brand but has been discontinued. They were made by Bayliner as their more upscale brand. '96 is not old but is plenty old enough to have rot issues if well maintained (covered) by the previous owner(s). That being said, that sounds like a very fair price and boat well worth looking at. Rot is your biggest concern. Check the deck carefully for any soft spots. ANY soft spots are usually indicative of more serious rot below.

 

[shrew]

Re: First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

Maxum is an ok brand but has been discontinued. They were made by Bayliner as their more upscale brand.

Technically, they are made by Brunswick, who also makes Bayliners, Searays, Boston Whaler, Cabo, Lund, Hatteras, and Merridian Yachts, Mercury/Mercruiser, amongst a number of others.

Brunswick acquired Maxum as a mid grade between Searay and Bayliner at a time when Bayliner was still suffereing as a result of a horrible quality reputation from the 80's. They discontinued the line when the new bot economy tanked with the rest of the world economy and since the lions share of the market was still in Searay and for entry level, Bayliner, they discontinued the Maxum.

Parts are and remain readily available as many similar parts are used on all models, like Todd tables, bases and posts, Bomar Hatches, Merc engines and parts, etc. Searay/Bayliner dealers can still readily get most parts and most things can be replaced in aftermarket as well.

 

[impatico]

Re: First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

Technically, they are made by Brunswick, who also makes Bayliners, Searays, Boston Whaler, Cabo, Lund, Hatteras, and Merridian Yachts, Mercury/Mercruiser, amongst a number of others.

Brunswick acquired Maxum as a mid grade between Searay and Bayliner at a time when Bayliner was still suffereing as a result of a horrible quality reputation from the 80's. They discontinued the line when the new bot economy tanked with the rest of the world economy and since the lions share of the market was still in Searay and for entry level, Bayliner, they discontinued the Maxum.

Parts are and remain readily available as many similar parts are used on all models, like Todd tables, bases and posts, Bomar Hatches, Merc engines and parts, etc. Searay/Bayliner dealers can still readily get most parts and most things can be replaced in aftermarket as well.

wow I had no idea nice info

also I have to say this, anyone wana tow a boat up here for me to buy? that boat in 1/2 decent condition would go for twice as much up here lol

 

[mike-in-colorado]

Re: First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

Thanks guys. I am taking it to a local Marine Shop today to have it checked out. I will let you know how it goes and post pics. Maybe I will re-sell it to 'Impatico' lol!

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

I think for the price I can't be too greedy about top end speed and maybe it's a good starter for us to be able to get out on the water at some local lakes here outside of Denver.

You hit the nail on the head. Don't get greedy about speed yet. Ease into boating instead of becoming an accident statistic. As much as we all know about driving on the road, operating a boat takes a whole different set of skills, knowledge, and sense. $2700 is a pretty good deal for any type of boat in the size/range that you are describing, so if it runs then you're likely in good shape. You can always unload the boat for a similar price in another year or so if you desire more speed. Likely you'll also have a better understanding of what you really want in a boat. It sounds like you've got a great opportunity to buy your first boat. Good luck

 

[mike-in-colorado]

Re: First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

Shop said the gear oil needs to be changed and two of the cylinders weren't firing but likely just old plugs. Engine looked and ran great otherwise and the boat has not damage/cracks/rot/etc. I am picking it up tonight and will post pics once it stops snowing here! I need a better cover than the one he has on it...any good places online to get a cover for a 17ft boat like this that will keep snow and water OUT (there was some ice on the floor of the boat so obviously the cover isn't the best).

 

[Philster]

Re: First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

Shark Skin cover: found right here in iboats. http://boatcovers.iboats.com/?instance=westland

Mine has been through the worst winters in centuries. Snow, water, ice just roll right off. Easy-to-use trailer clips included... and make sure you get a vented support pole.

 

[jkust]

Re: First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

The lack of rot to me is the biggest plus assuming the engine issues are as the dealer says. My biggest problem with the boat overall is the 3.0 at altitude but $2700 is pocketchange for the good times you will have using it. Given the vintage I don't really care about the brand so much as the condition and the engine size. My gut and almost 40 years of boating is hung up on the 3.0 vs something larger.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: First Time Buyer-Should I buy a Maxum 1700SR (1996) for $2700

Shop said the gear oil needs to be changed and two of the cylinders weren't firing but likely just old plugs. Engine looked and ran great otherwise and the boat has not damage/cracks/rot/etc. I am picking it up tonight and will post pics once it stops snowing here! I need a better cover than the one he has on it...any good places online to get a cover for a 17ft boat like this that will keep snow and water OUT (there was some ice on the floor of the boat so obviously the cover isn't the best).

Just wanted to say "congrats" on the new toy, good luck, be safe and enjoy!