QC
Supreme Mariner
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2005
- Messages
- 22,783
As I have noted here, I was given the opportunity to test four different Maxums recently in a new program with US Marine. You can be assured that Maxum and Bayliner want, and are reading, your comments, so let 'em know what you think.
The first model I tested was the Maxum 2700 SE. With an 8’ 6” beam, the 2700 is trailerable, but at 6784 lbs dry weight she is definitely a big load for all but the highest rated tow vehicles. My guess is she would tip the scales at over 9000 lbs loaded including the trailer. Many people hit the dealer, see the spec sheet and figure all they need is something rated to tow 7000 lbs. Ahhhhhh . . . This is definitely a big family cruiser; roomy, with berths for four to sleep in the cabin, two more could easily sleep in the cockpit with the flexibility of Maxum’s “Active Seating”.
In the cockpit the Active Seating was as flexible as the name implies. I could swing the double helm chair all of the way around pretty easily. This made for a very large and comfortable place to relax. My friends and I call this the “Flopabilty Factor” and the 2700 scores high! Especially cool is the rear seat back which could be switched around to either side, so you could face forward or aft. In addition, the backrest could be placed all of the way down and slightly below the main cushion and used as a seat with your feet actually resting on the swim step. Anybody who has ever rafted up with friends knows that you hang out on the swim step. This seating system basically gives you a couch at the transom. The cockpit table is shaped so you can slide into all of the surrounding seating without hitting your hip on a corner, and these corners have a large radius to reduce the pain of hitting yourself on it.
There is also a hidden trash can under a small hatch that is easily accessible to all, underneath was not finished off as nicely as I would like to see though, I’d have to sand that area a little and paint it or it would simply bug me. I was disappointed that there are no small storage areas anywhere in the cockpit. There is huge storage underneath the helm and aft seats, but she definitely needs a couple of pockets or cubbies throughout for storing things like sunscreen and cameras, and other small items. At the helm, when cruising, I want to be able to reach some things without asking for help etc.
Heading forward and up onto the deck, I noticed that the cutout around the sliding hatch door was not finished as cleanly as it should be, however, this event being what it was I was able to grab the Maxum Project Manager, Joe Anderson, and he took note right there! Cool. We did notice that with the door open there was still enough of the steps exposed so you could climb up onto the deck without closing the door. This may not actually be on purpose after talking with Joe, and it was a little precarious, but I would like this as a standard feature. With the door open the steps should still be exposed and usable, and it should be fairly stable. There are times you need to get to the bow in a hurry, and I don’t want to be fumbling with the door, especially if there is someone in the way.
Also, the wind shield is not supported well on the top when open. You can see that here, it just needs a simple rubber stop like it has at the bottom:
Once up on the deck I liked the aggressive non-skid pattern, that’s new to me and an improvement to what I am used to. It was very easy on the feet, but with enough “bite” to insure safety. I boat barefoot most of the time, so this is important. Also, the kids on my boat spend all day running from the transom and up and over the bow . . . This surface is perfect for that.
Moving below, I was impressed by the size of the mid berth, a full queen size mattress! Also she was very attractive with nice wood grain cabinets. A very usable Galley etc. The head was roomier than I expected as well. Everywhere I had plenty of head room, but I am only 5’7” so what do I know? The cabin is really not the area that I focus on, but it seemed very well laid out, with nice features and easy to get around in. I would like to see a liberal use of those little clear, sticky, rubber things to quiet cabinets and doors etc. Anything that can make solid contact wears and makes noise.
At the helm and underway, right away I noticed a few things that are really important to me. With the seat adjusted most, but not all of the way forward, I was able to sit all of the way down, or with the bolster flipped up and still reach the footrest. As I said, I am not tall and my wife is only 5’1”, so this is a big deal to us. On most boats even I need some additional height for the footrest. Also, without moving the seat I could easily stand up for a better view. I stand at the helm a lot, and I am frequently up and down, and there was no issue with this boat. I didn’t even have to adjust the steering wheel. I am going to mention again though . . . nowhere for stuff!!
While seated or standing, the gauges were all very easy to read and I could see all of the switches, the compass etc. However, the cup holder was a little bit of a reach. There is room on both sides of the wheel for electronics, but I noticed that the remote stereo controls were placed here and actually made this area smaller. Put that anywhere, just don’t block room for large screens. LCD screens are hard enough to read, I want them as big as possible and I don’t want to mount them on a bracket if I can avoid it.
Underway, this was the biggest single screw boat we tested. She was powered by a Mercruiser 300 bhp 350 Mag turning a Bravo 3. She was able to reach 42 MPH which is pretty impressive. She was lightly loaded though, so personally I would want to go with the 6.2 320. With that said, I am sure she would be fine for many with the standard 5.0 MPI 260. I checked her out at a comfortable 30 MPH cruise and she feels very efficient there, and I am sure it would not be working the 5.0 too hard for what is as fast as many people want to go.
All in all a very nice ride with some frills below that would please those who spend more time there than I do. Very decent performance from a single engine, and a very comfortable and adjustable cockpit. This boat could definitely work for my family.
The first model I tested was the Maxum 2700 SE. With an 8’ 6” beam, the 2700 is trailerable, but at 6784 lbs dry weight she is definitely a big load for all but the highest rated tow vehicles. My guess is she would tip the scales at over 9000 lbs loaded including the trailer. Many people hit the dealer, see the spec sheet and figure all they need is something rated to tow 7000 lbs. Ahhhhhh . . . This is definitely a big family cruiser; roomy, with berths for four to sleep in the cabin, two more could easily sleep in the cockpit with the flexibility of Maxum’s “Active Seating”.
In the cockpit the Active Seating was as flexible as the name implies. I could swing the double helm chair all of the way around pretty easily. This made for a very large and comfortable place to relax. My friends and I call this the “Flopabilty Factor” and the 2700 scores high! Especially cool is the rear seat back which could be switched around to either side, so you could face forward or aft. In addition, the backrest could be placed all of the way down and slightly below the main cushion and used as a seat with your feet actually resting on the swim step. Anybody who has ever rafted up with friends knows that you hang out on the swim step. This seating system basically gives you a couch at the transom. The cockpit table is shaped so you can slide into all of the surrounding seating without hitting your hip on a corner, and these corners have a large radius to reduce the pain of hitting yourself on it.
There is also a hidden trash can under a small hatch that is easily accessible to all, underneath was not finished off as nicely as I would like to see though, I’d have to sand that area a little and paint it or it would simply bug me. I was disappointed that there are no small storage areas anywhere in the cockpit. There is huge storage underneath the helm and aft seats, but she definitely needs a couple of pockets or cubbies throughout for storing things like sunscreen and cameras, and other small items. At the helm, when cruising, I want to be able to reach some things without asking for help etc.
Heading forward and up onto the deck, I noticed that the cutout around the sliding hatch door was not finished as cleanly as it should be, however, this event being what it was I was able to grab the Maxum Project Manager, Joe Anderson, and he took note right there! Cool. We did notice that with the door open there was still enough of the steps exposed so you could climb up onto the deck without closing the door. This may not actually be on purpose after talking with Joe, and it was a little precarious, but I would like this as a standard feature. With the door open the steps should still be exposed and usable, and it should be fairly stable. There are times you need to get to the bow in a hurry, and I don’t want to be fumbling with the door, especially if there is someone in the way.
Also, the wind shield is not supported well on the top when open. You can see that here, it just needs a simple rubber stop like it has at the bottom:
Once up on the deck I liked the aggressive non-skid pattern, that’s new to me and an improvement to what I am used to. It was very easy on the feet, but with enough “bite” to insure safety. I boat barefoot most of the time, so this is important. Also, the kids on my boat spend all day running from the transom and up and over the bow . . . This surface is perfect for that.
Moving below, I was impressed by the size of the mid berth, a full queen size mattress! Also she was very attractive with nice wood grain cabinets. A very usable Galley etc. The head was roomier than I expected as well. Everywhere I had plenty of head room, but I am only 5’7” so what do I know? The cabin is really not the area that I focus on, but it seemed very well laid out, with nice features and easy to get around in. I would like to see a liberal use of those little clear, sticky, rubber things to quiet cabinets and doors etc. Anything that can make solid contact wears and makes noise.
At the helm and underway, right away I noticed a few things that are really important to me. With the seat adjusted most, but not all of the way forward, I was able to sit all of the way down, or with the bolster flipped up and still reach the footrest. As I said, I am not tall and my wife is only 5’1”, so this is a big deal to us. On most boats even I need some additional height for the footrest. Also, without moving the seat I could easily stand up for a better view. I stand at the helm a lot, and I am frequently up and down, and there was no issue with this boat. I didn’t even have to adjust the steering wheel. I am going to mention again though . . . nowhere for stuff!!
While seated or standing, the gauges were all very easy to read and I could see all of the switches, the compass etc. However, the cup holder was a little bit of a reach. There is room on both sides of the wheel for electronics, but I noticed that the remote stereo controls were placed here and actually made this area smaller. Put that anywhere, just don’t block room for large screens. LCD screens are hard enough to read, I want them as big as possible and I don’t want to mount them on a bracket if I can avoid it.
Underway, this was the biggest single screw boat we tested. She was powered by a Mercruiser 300 bhp 350 Mag turning a Bravo 3. She was able to reach 42 MPH which is pretty impressive. She was lightly loaded though, so personally I would want to go with the 6.2 320. With that said, I am sure she would be fine for many with the standard 5.0 MPI 260. I checked her out at a comfortable 30 MPH cruise and she feels very efficient there, and I am sure it would not be working the 5.0 too hard for what is as fast as many people want to go.
All in all a very nice ride with some frills below that would please those who spend more time there than I do. Very decent performance from a single engine, and a very comfortable and adjustable cockpit. This boat could definitely work for my family.
is there another way?
