Thinking of buying a Maxum 2400 SCR. Thoughts?

[ryno1234]

Looking to buy a 1998 Maxum 2400 SCR in immaculate condition. Polished gel coat, swim deck, inverter, carpet is in perfect condition, always stored indoors. 288 original hours. Comes with Garmin GPS & tandem axle trailer with 4 disc brakes, all new tires including the spare. Trailer is in perfect condition and still shinny all around. All priced at $26,500.

Just a disclaimer, I've already read the post for new members looking to buy a boat. I'm not looking for general boat buying tips, but instead looking for anyone who has any particular knowledge on this style / length / brand of boat.

I already own a 1991 "Sterling" 19" bowrider. It was equipped with a Yamaha outdrive. I wish I knew then what I know now in that parts are nearly impossible to buy for it. I'd be selling this boat to help purchase the Maxum.

With that said, I know Maxum is not longer in business, although is equipped with a Mercruiser (thank god) outdrive. How hard is it to get parts in general for Maxum's? Let's say my dash panel gets sun warped or the carpet gets ruined. etc. Are these easy fixes or is there an aftermarket for things like this?

Any other warning signs or gotcha's I should be looking for?

The price for the boat seems inline with other Maxum's of this year range I've seen but at the high end. Again though, the boat is in perfect condition visually and from what I understand, mechanically.

Thoughts?

 

[tpenfield]

Yes, you know the drill. Structural moisture, etc.

Just wondering what those white hoses coming from the top of the engine are . . . probably to the water heater on the port side (answered my own question).

As far as parts . . . Great Lakes Skipper is always a place to check, but many parts are not Maxum specific and can be matched up in the aftermarket. For some unique items (instrument panel as an example) you can often get re-made by a local shop that does that sort of work.

Carpets . . . many places can make a new carpet and some may even have the pattern on file.

Just be resourceful and you should be able to find what you may need.

 

[tpenfield]

Here is an example of carpet . . .

https://www.snapincarpet.com/ecommerce/Maxum-2400-SCR-carpet-kit-96-01-.cfm?item_id=262&parent=660

Dash panel . . . may be a 1997, not sure if 1998 is different.
https://www.aplusmobilegraphics.com/shop/index.php?rt=product/product&product_id=136

 

[JASinIL2006]

Even if Maxum were still in business, it's not likely they'd have parts laying around for a 20+ year old boat, so I wouldn't let parts availability sway you too much. You'd be in the same boat (no pun intended) if you bought just about any late '90s early '00s boat.

Just from the pictures, it looks like a nice boat.

 

[QBhoy]

Hi..I should start by saying that I am not entirely best placed to comment, given reside across the Atlantic and far removed from the US market...But I should also say that anytime I have looked at the US market, I am always struck dumb with the significantly lower prices, compared to our market...especially for common boats like this. Would it be unreasonable for me to assume or suggest you may easily be able to purchase a similar but newer boat with an mpi or gxi engine in it...for the same money ? If so...that would be hugely preferred over a carb engine...in terms of financial worth at least.

 

[southkogs]

Max wasn't a bad boat. They were a starter boat, but I thought they were pretty well made. Nothing fancy though. At this point it's all about condition though: so, if it's in good shape - I wouldn't be afraid of it.

 

[ryno1234]

I appreciate everyone's help and comments. It looks like the boat may be overweight for my towing setup which is the next problem I need to solve... How deep down the rabbit hole does one go to get a boat?

 

[Scott Danforth]

I appreciate everyone's help and comments. It looks like the boat may be overweight for my towing setup which is the next problem I need to solve... How deep down the rabbit hole does one go to get a boat?

just short of seeing Alice while having a drink with the Mad Hatter.....

there is a reason it is one of the most expensive hobbies in the world

Here is the reference on weight and towing for those just tuning in. https://forums.iboats.com/threads/towing-more-than-capacity.753840/

 

[Scott06]

Looking to buy a 1998 Maxum 2400 SCR in immaculate condition. Polished gel coat, swim deck, inverter, carpet is in perfect condition, always stored indoors. 288 original hours. Comes with Garmin GPS & tandem axle trailer with 4 disc brakes, all new tires including the spare. Trailer is in perfect condition and still shinny all around. All priced at $26,500.

Just a disclaimer, I've already read the post for new members looking to buy a boat. I'm not looking for general boat buying tips, but instead looking for anyone who has any particular knowledge on this style / length / brand of boat.

I already own a 1991 "Sterling" 19" bowrider. It was equipped with a Yamaha outdrive. I wish I knew then what I know now in that parts are nearly impossible to buy for it. I'd be selling this boat to help purchase the Maxum.

With that said, I know Maxum is not longer in business, although is equipped with a Mercruiser (thank god) outdrive. How hard is it to get parts in general for Maxum's? Let's say my dash panel gets sun warped or the carpet gets ruined. etc. Are these easy fixes or is there an aftermarket for things like this?

Any other warning signs or gotcha's I should be looking for?

The price for the boat seems inline with other Maxum's of this year range I've seen but at the high end. Again though, the boat is in perfect condition visually and from what I understand, mechanically.

Thoughts?

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I think you will a bigger engine than a 5.0 with 220 hp in a 24 ft

 

[Lou C]

Hi..I should start by saying that I am not entirely best placed to comment, given reside across the Atlantic and far removed from the US market...But I should also say that anytime I have looked at the US market, I am always struck dumb with the significantly lower prices, compared to our market...especially for common boats like this. Would it be unreasonable for me to assume or suggest you may easily be able to purchase a similar but newer boat with an mpi or gxi engine in it...for the same money ? If so...that would be hugely preferred over a carb engine...in terms of financial worth at least.

MPI or GXI is great until Mercury or Volvo decides to make your parts NLA, then you are SOL
Meanwhile, I can still get all the parts for this, that hasn't been made in 30 years...
carb rebuild kit =$50 USD
brand new Carter or Sierra mechanical fuel pump that lasts 20-30 years, =$85 USD
to me obsolete EFI is a financial liability not financial worth!
we are already seeing the same problems with 10-15 year old vehicles you can't get MPI computers, and now have to junk a perfectly good otherwise vehicle.
I think my next Jeep will be a restored CJ-7 with a Chevrolet 4.3, 4 speed and a 4bbl carb. Just say no to needless tech that leaves you stranded!

 

[shrew]

I sold a 1999 Maxum 2800 about 5 years ago for a lot less. However, this market is artificially inflated. It's a Brunswick boat. They had three lines for express cruisers (Bayliner, Maxum, and Sea Ray). Kind of the '3 bears' scenario. All have similarly designed hulls, the same or similar lay-up schedule, and they all use the same 3rd party parts (e.g. Todd tables and legs, Perko hardware and lights, Bomar hatches, Faria Gauges, Mercruiser Engines, Origo stoves, Jabsco heads, etc).

The big difference. Bayliner would have all carpeted ceiling and upholstry. MAxum would be a 50/50 mix of carpet and marine vinyl. Searay is all marine vinyl. Same pig, progressively nicer hat and make-up.

 

[ryno1234]

I sold a 1999 Maxum 2800 about 5 years ago for a lot less. However, this market is artificially inflated. It's a Brunswick boat. They had three lines for express cruisers (Bayliner, Maxum, and Sea Ray). Kind of the '3 bears' scenario. All have similarly designed hulls, the same or similar lay-up schedule, and they all use the same 3rd party parts (e.g. Todd tables and legs, Perko hardware and lights, Bomar hatches, Faria Gauges, Mercruiser Engines, Origo stoves, Jabsco heads, etc).

The big difference. Bayliner would have all carpeted ceiling and upholstry. MAxum would be a 50/50 mix of carpet and marine vinyl. Searay is all marine vinyl. Same pig, progressively nicer hat and make-up.

Interesting... So essentially it is a slightly upgraded bayliner. I've always avoided bayliners (perhaps just something I heard along the way). On the opposite end of things, I have also heard that Sea Rays are great.

Well, I bought it last week. Now I have much to learn about the new amenities.

One of the first things that come to mind for me is the ability to use those amenities while out on the water. Specifically, I'm talking about things such as microwave, fridge, stove.

These things use electricity and any device that produces heat or cold usually uses a lot of electricity.

How does this work when you're running off of batteries? Can you utilize these items without risk of significantly draining the battery? Or perhaps you just need to make sure the engine is running if you're utilizing these items?

 

[Horigan]

The microwave will require shore power (120V) and can't run on the battery, unless you have an inverter and lots of battery capacity. The fridge should be 12V, but you need to ensure you have sufficient battery capacity to run it extended periods. Stove should be propane or butane, unless it's an electric stove, which would be odd. If so, that would only run on shore power (120V).

 

[ryno1234]

The microwave will require shore power (120V) and can't run on the battery, unless you have an inverter and lots of battery capacity. The fridge should be 12V, but you need to ensure you have sufficient battery capacity to run it extended periods. Stove should be propane or butane, unless it's an electric stove, which would be odd. If so, that would only run on shore power (120V).

I actually do have an inverter and from what I understand it is pretty beefy (I don't recall the specs and my boat is currently in storage).

It is hooked up to 2 batteries which function as the house batteries. I have a 3rd battery which is strictly for starting (but for some reason actually starting it still requires the 2 house batteries to actually get the engine to fire... thats a separate thing that I'm unsure of).

That said, since I do have an inverter, perhaps the microwave is useable in small spurts?

 

[Scott06]

It is hooked up to 2 batteries which function as the house batteries. I have a 3rd battery which is strictly for starting (but for some reason actually starting it still requires the 2 house batteries to actually get the engine to fire... thats a separate thing that I'm unsure of).

either bad batteries, non functional battery switch, loose or corroded connections and or undersized or corroded cables

 

[shrew]

Interesting... So essentially it is a slightly upgraded bayliner. I've always avoided bayliners (perhaps just something I heard along the way). On the opposite end of things, I have also heard that Sea Rays are great.

.............

One of the first things that come to mind for me is the ability to use those amenities while out on the water. Specifically, I'm talking about things such as microwave, fridge, stove.

Bayliner is far closer to Searay than any Searay owners will like to admit. Brunswick specifically bought Maxum at a time when Bayliner had a horrible reputation. They needed a product with a more attractive price point than Searay to drive sales to the non-Bayliner alternative. That is where Maxum came in. IMHO right in the middle of the two.

As for power....Anything that is AC (heat, air-conditioning, battery charger, stove, microwave) will need either shore power, a generator or an inverter.
There is amp loss in the inversion process, so using it is expensive from a power storage perspective. You're not going to want to run heat, Air Conditioning, or a Stove off of an inverter. The fridge should be dual voltage and run off of the battery when disconnected from shorepower.

Get a Honda 2K generator if you going to be on a mooring or anchor for any length of time. We spent 28 days disconnected from shorepower and used a Honda 2K. We had no issues with hot water or DC power.

 

[Scott06]

Bayliner is far closer to Searay than any Searay owners will like to admit. Brunswick specifically bought Maxum at a time when Bayliner had a horrible reputation. They needed a product with a more attractive price point than Searay to drive sales to the non-Bayliner alternative. That is where Maxum came in. IMHO right in the middle of the two.

As for power....Anything that is AC (heat, air-conditioning, battery charger, stove, microwave) will need either shore power, a generator or an inverter.
There is amp loss in the inversion process, so using it is expensive from a power storage perspective. You're not going to want to run heat, Air Conditioning, or a Stove off of an inverter. The fridge should be dual voltage and run off of the battery when disconnected from shorepower.

Get a Honda 2K generator if you going to be on a mooring or anchor for any length of time. We spent 28 days disconnected from shorepower and used a Honda 2K. We had no issues with hot water or DC power.

I've owned two Sea Rays and I would freely admit that, especially the smaller Sea Rays. The two I have had are a 1991 Sea Ray 170 (had it for 20 years) , and currently a 2004 Sea Ray 200 Sport. There was more of a difference especially on the interior finish level on the '91. The 2004 not much difference, the bayliner and se ray quality basically merged at least on the under 21 ft bowriders.

I don't know if they both use the same seat upholstery but both my Sea Rays the upholstery held up very well. When I sold my '91 it was 25 years old and still had very good condition original seats in it.

I don't know about hull thickness and thus weight is similar but my 04 is very heavy for its size.

 

[Scott Danforth]

remember, starting in the early 00's Bayliners and Searays under 25 feet came out of the same Brunswick plant in mexico. and if the boat was sold in Europe, it came out of the Poland plant. in the 90's they were different plants