MAXUM 2700 SE REVIEW

The thrill of tow sports, of carving an arc on an otherwise quiet bend of a river or, moreover, wakeboarding behind a fast-moving boat and attaining maximum air, has reached hitherto new heights. The Maxum 2700 SE, a boat that would otherwise be classified as a family weekender, is now a trick tow craft with the addition of the optional anodised aluminium tow tower, a strong towrope, and a wakeboarder with bravado.

Underway, the 6.2L petrol V8 inboard with Bravo 3 sterndrive, which spins a duoprop for extra purchase, provides plenty of towing torque and a handy top speed. At rest, the boat's cockpit is big enough for hanging out, al fresco dining, and fishing. Then as the shadows lengthen, the cabin below can sleep four, with an enclosed head to freshen up before breakfast the following day.

EYE CANDY
With groovy graphics and plenty of sharp stainless steel deck fittings, you will look the part on the Maxum 2700 SE.

Fuel capacity of 321lt will see you through a decent weekend of watersports, at-anchor lunching and lazing. But you will need to go easy on the deck showers, with just 75lt of water aboard. That's enough to rinse the face of salt before hunkering down below.

Headroom is a highlight in the cabin, which comes with a dinette and U-shaped lounge in the bow that, after dinner, converts to a double berth. The main cabin back aft has a queen-sized bed. In between is the separate moulded head with handheld hot/cold shower and upgraded Vacuflush loo, and the galley with solid counters, refrigerator, microwave oven and single-burner electric stove.

You should specify an extra house battery and inverter for away-from-dock 240V power so you can use the abovementioned galley appliances. The alternative would be take a keep-it-simple view and fit a cockpit gas or charcoal barbecue for cooking on deck instead.

Cockpit highlights include snap-in carpet runners, electric engine- room hatch lid, and entertainment centre with moulded sink, cold water, grabrail and upgraded fridge. Oh, and there are abundant drinkholders as per most Yankee boats-to-go.

COMFORT FACTOR
Best of all, there are plenty of plush seats under the bimini top, yet the thoroughfare through the cockpit to the cabin or foredeck remains unimpeded. The aft lounge has a flip-back backrest so you can sit facing the water and, with infill cushions, it converts into one big sunpad. The Cleopatra or co-pilot lounge to port is within arm's reach of the lift-out table, while the double-width helm seat rotates from its driving position to engage the crew during the Sunday lunch.

If the mood strikes, there's an impressive sound system with connection for your iPod or MP3 player. And with a spotlight and electric anchor winch, you can find a quiet bay or mooring to overnight at the end of the day.

The driver gets a real sense of purpose from the automotive-style helm, which features a no-glare dash with digital depthsounder, SmartCraft instrumentation with fuel consumption and range displays, trim tab controls, and sporty mahogany steering wheel. Turn the key, cast the lines, advance the throttle and the pocket cruiser proves willing.

MAXUM MUSCLE
Top speed averaged about 36kts whereupon the rev limiter kicked in, while smooth cruise was in the 28-knot range. All the while the handling was predictable, but with enough excitement to assuage the sportsboater. And with the optional tow tower, you can take you crew to dizzy new heights.

Having said that, it would be remiss of me to gloss over the fact that this is likely to be the last Maxum this boat tester has the pleasure of driving. In a move designed to streamline its boatbuilding operations, Brunswick just announced it would rollout the remaining 2009 Maxum inventory before pulling stumps on the brand.

Is that where this story ends? No. While Maxums have always had more eye-candy, a bigger standard inventory and a more open-plan layout than sister ship Bayliner, you pay a premium for it. Think Holden Calais or Ford Ghia. But if you work your way through the options list on a Bayliner, and upgrade the standard engine, you can create a boat just like this.

In fact, if you examine the specifications closely, you will find the Bayliner 265 has exactly the same hull as the Maxum 2700 SE. It's a handlaid number with composite stringers and a moderate-vee of 17? of deadrise. Nothing out of the ordinary and with a 2.59m beam, you could even tow the boat with a permit.

But where the Maxum 2700SE (aka Bayliner 265) makes its mark is with volume and clever use of space. These are big-little boats for heading away for the day with a second family in tow and overnighting with a couple of small fry. And that is, after all, what most people do with their boats. Just add water and the rest will fall into place.

For all interstate inquiries and dealers visit www.bayliner.com.au

Specifications- MAXUM 2700 SE

PRICE AS TESTED
$165,390 w/ MerCruiser 320hp 6.2L MPI petrol engine, optional bimini top, console cover, cockpit cover, cockpit fridge, Vacuflush head system, radar/sport arch, alcohol electric stove, spotlight and windlass package, macerator, bimini enclosure curtains, entry door screen, sunlounge filler cushions, and sound system upgrade

GENERAL
Length overall: 8.23m
Beam: 2.59m
Draft: 0.56m (max.)
Deadrise: 17 degrees
Weight: Approx 3077kg (dry w/ standard engine)
Accommoation: 4 + 2 kids in cockpit
Fuel: 321lt
Water: 76lt
Engine: MerCruiser 350 Magnum petrol V8 in board
Drive: Bravo 3 sterndrive

SUPPLIED BY
Berowra Waters Wholesale,
975 The Northern Road,
Bringelly, NSW, 2171

Phone: 1800 802 444
Fax: (02) 4774 6030