Maxum 2400SC Review
MAXIMUM IMPACT
Whenever you're considering buying a big-ticket item, the all-important adage of "value for money" stays uppermost in your mind. It doesn't matter how much you have to spend - getting the most out of it is the major priority.
One of only a couple in the country, Trailer Boat had no hesitation in jumping at the chance to climb aboard when the invitation came from Berowra Waters Marine.
What made it doubly enticing was that we managed to sample it the day before it was due to be delivered to its new owner, and we are grateful that he let a shady character like myself loose on it before he'd even had a steer. I'm not sure whether I'd be doing the same thing if I were in his position - I reckon I'd be busting a gut to get a hold of my new baby!
FAST STANDING STILL
This Maxum boat's pedigree is unmistakable - its svelte, purposeful lines shout that it wants to go fast even when sitting at the dock. It's also evident that this is a well-finished product with good attention to detail.
The walkthrough at the stern opens to a spacious cockpit. The first of a number of pleasant surprises to be discovered inside is an ingenious sink and esky behind the pilot's seat.
Also included in the package is a Navman radio as well as a JBL CD player/tuner. Understandably enough, it doesn't have a fishfinder as it's not really a fishing boat - although there is no reason not to throw a line off it occasionally.
There is an independent digital depth gauge to show just where you're treading - mighty handy on the Hawkesbury River with its murky waters after recent rain.
All of this is set in aluminium bezel surrounds with an anti-glare tinted screen above the dash as well as two panels of switches including lights, bilge and blower either side of the steering wheel.
The seats are deeply upholstered and are fully adjustable swivelling types. They offer another bonus, too: the front half of the driver's seat flips to an upright position, providing a higher perch for the skipper. The increased vision is sensational, especially when docking, and the three-piece wraparound screen with opening centre does a great job of cutting the breeze.
SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
This craft is built for socialising and getting out on the water to have a ski, enjoy a picnic or spend the night away from it all with the missus. It could be mistaken for a Sea Ray, but that's understandable as both brands are owned by the same parent company.
The cuddy is well appointed and finished without being over the top, and it features inserts to form a double bed. It also comes standard with a fully functioning head complete with a privacy curtain.
There is some storage under the seats as well as a small garbage bin just inside the doorway. Security is assured with the fitment of a sliding lockable cabin door.
The transom is also a design treat, as it comes with a broad 600mm swim platform and has a two-person seat on the transom itself. This is another great idea, allowing you to prepare more easily for your ski or dive, as underneath the seat is a huge storage locker for skis, wetsuits and so on.
Another great idea is the shower in the transom storage locker, so you can wash off before clambering back onto the deck. It's serviced by a 40lt freshwater tank, which also feeds the sink installed behind the drivers' seat.
The boat's 5.7lt MerCruiser sterndrive (standard power is a 5lt V8 MerCruiser) is fed by a 265lt fuel tank - this is fine for daytripping, but it could be bigger for those long cruises.
HANDY PERFORMER
The craft gets on the plane relatively easily considering its weight and size, and it accelerates out to cruising speed rapidly. There's enough grunt there to pull up a pair of skiers without breaking a sweat.
It attains ski speed in an instant, and the big V8 burbles along at around 4000rpm for 68kmh, or fully tapped at five grand for just over 80kmh. The engine is remarkably quiet due to the soundproofing surrounds of the hatch and engine bay. Lift it during a high-speed run to sample the difference - there is truly no sound like a big V8 under power!
There are plenty of drinkholders, with a number scattered around the deck. Just as well, as the craft is licensed to carry up to 11 adults for a full day of fun in the sun. In fact, you could potentially sleep four if it were a warm night and some guests didn't mind kipping on the daybeds.
There is ample space in the cabin up front, with a generous hatch to get up to the foredeck. Also another thoughtful feature for getting to the bow through the windscreen is two moulded steps besides the pilot, so you can climb up and over the cabin top to the anchor well in the bow.
There is a number of interior layout options for the cockpit, but on this particular boat the owner ordered it with an L-shaped sunlounge across the stern. An extra insert table turns it into a large, comfortable sunbed that on a stinking-hot summer's night could be used as another bed.
The clears that are optional extras could also be fitted to provide protection from the elements, while mesh screens could stop the mozzies.
GOOD VALUE
The entire craft has a fully carpeted floor, which is removable via clip studs for easy cleaning.
The throttle is surprisingly light and responsive considering it's cable operated, although Ben at Berowra tells me that an electronic "fly by wire" digital will be a standard inclusion in the near future on all Maxum craft.
Steering is akin to what you might expect from a high-performance skiboat: immediate and light with excellent handling to boot.
After my first sample of a Maxum, they seem to be a very underrated craft. The 2400SC has good manners on the water, a nice practical layout, is built to a high standard and benefits from good quality fittings.
Best of all, it offers value. Don't believe me? Well, you try finding a new high-quality 24ft family cruiser for less than $80,000!
HIGHS
• Exceptional finish
• Thoughtful placement of features
• Value for money in a high-class speedboat
LOWS
• Anchor well seems a tad small
• Could be more storage under the cabin seats
• Fuel tank fairly small
Specifications: Maxum 2400SC
HOW MUCH?
Price as tested: $78,490 (sans trailer)
Options fitted: Engine upgrade to 5.7lt 350 MerCruiser sterndrive, bimini top with boot, cockpit cover, clip-in carpets, stainless-steel popup cleats, portable head with pump-out, wraparound sports seats, Navman radio, all safety gear and registration
Priced from: $74,390 w/5.0lt MerCruiser, or $81,490 w/ 6.2lt MerCruiser
GENERAL
Hull configuration: Cuddy cabin family sportscruiser
Length (inc swim platform): 7.92m
Beam: 2.59m
Deadrise: 22°
Hull weight: 1603kg
Towing weight: 2053kg w/ base engine
CAPACITIES
Fuel: 265lt
Water: 38lt
Passengers: 11
Accommodation: Up to four
Rec/max hp: 260/320
ENGINE
Make/model: MerCruiser 5.7lt
Type: V8 multi-point fuel-injected four-stroke
Rated HP: 300
Displacement: 5700cc
Drive: Bravo One
Propeller: 21in pitch three-blade alloy
SUPPLIED BY
Berowra Waters Marina, 199 Bay Rd, Berowra Waters, NSW,
tel (02) 9456 3200 or email info@bayliner.com.au
Originally published in TrailerBoat #188
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