Maxum 2400 SR3 Review
MAXIMUM MUSCLE
There have been occasions when the world's biggest boatbuilder, Brunswick Corporation, could be charged with imitation. That's not to say it copies its competition, but rather that it shares various hulls and technology across its stable of more than 20 boat brands.
Some bowriders with different badges have the same hull, perhaps a little more glitz in the fitout, maybe a bigger engine. But by and large they travel the same way.
Not so the new 2400 SR3 bowrider, Maxum's biggest bowrider, yet its smallest boat designed especially to take a big-block V8 petrol engine. So if it's speed you want, it's speed you can have. And though you will pay for it with bigger fuel bills, the deep-vee hull is sure to deliver consummate driving pleasure.
While the demonstrator we drove was bundled with an upgraded MerCruiser, the 350 MAG MPI 5.7lt V8 that puts out a handy 300hp (223kW), the 2400 SR3 can be paired with a big-block 375hp (280kW) 8.1lt 496 MerCruiser if you're chasing eye-watering speed.
In fact, at least two 2400 SR3s with the biggest engine option exist in shareboat fleets in Sydney, presumably as fast getaway machines for their owners to find their own place in the sun on thronging weekends. Put the throttle down and say goodbye to the lumbering weekend fleet.
Yet the boat we drove with the 300hp petrol engine was no slouch either, topping out at almost 43kts or 80kmh. And with a sharp 22 degrees of deadrise, you can tame bumpy water and hightail it across the bay, the harbour, upriver or along a channel without rattling your crew.
What's more, the Bravo 3 sterndrive leg with a counter-rotating propeller offered plenty of grip in the bends. This will come in handy for watersports, since you can whip the boat around and not wash off too much speed. Yippee.
However, the 2400 SR3 isn't just a point-and-shoot boat. Thanks to its especially big inventory, it's a dayboat par excellence with greater creature comforts and amenities than you otherwise expect in a factory rolled bowrider - a cut above.
Even in standard guise, the 2400 SR3 ticks an awful lot of boxes. Yet as it's imported here, with a premium package for Australian waters, it's an even better run around for scooting about local waters with the family and friends in tow.
FULLY FEATURED
One reason for the extensive standard-issue fitout on the 2400 SR3 is that Maxum is trying its best to woo discerning buyers prepared to pay for a premium rig in the dayboat market. But another reason is that this is a big boat able to carry a lot of goodies.
The 2400 SR3 is right on the trailerable limit, with a 2.59-metre wide beam that requires a permit and a maxi 4WD tow. Fear not, however, as you are in good company. More and more people are happy towing top-end trailerboats like this 2500kg rig. A top-shelf dual-axle trailer with hydraulic brakes helps, too.
Of course, the upshot of lugging the big rig around is that you get a lot of boat once it rolls of the trailer and hits the water. The importers added an extended boarding platform to increase the waterfront real estate, a deck shower for après skiing or wakeboarding wash offs, an upgraded six-speaker stereo with amp for more doof-doof to keep the party pumping, a depthsounder so you can mosey into shore, and more.
A high volume boat, with an 11 adult passenger capacity, the 2400 SR3 is not only the biggest bowrider in the Maxum stable, but it's something of a hybrid. That is to say, it's a cross between a deckboat and a bowrider that strives, successfully I should add, to be all things to all people.
In the bow, there's a deep dedicated anchor well, but also a lift-out centre cushion with non-skid step below, a clever removable bowroller, and then a fold-down ladder, like you see in deckboats, so you can step ashore with dry feet.
Stainless steel fittings are in abundance, including grabrails and drinkholders, and struts that make the windscreen doubly sturdy.
There are also trick LED courtesy lights, premium upholstery, and plenty of storage spots.
The moulded well up front can double as a second icebox. And with the optional upholstered infill cushion, the bow seating area converts into a sunpad. Without it, you can add the supplied moulded table and create a second lunch setting perfect for the kids.
But with a high and dry bow, the 2400 SR3 is big enough to carry a couple of adults up front. And even at low speeds, I consider there's very little chance of putting water aboard. This makes it a good rig for traversing busy harbours and big exposed bays.
SWEEPING COCKPIT
Like all good boatbuilders, Maxum uses a wraparound Taylor Marine windscreen with safety glass panes, centre opening section, and a wind-dam across the companionway so, with bow cover, you can turn the boat into a runabout and keep the cold wind out in winter.
Under the windscreen to port is a step-down moulded compartment, a WC, with pump-out head - it can be optioned to an electric model - and enough space to double as a private changeroom. Maxum doubtless knows this feature alone will endear the boat to the fairer sex.
Behind the dash on the driver's side is a big dry storage area in which you stow infill cushions, the boat's table, safety gear, and so on. There's room, in fact, to stretch out and sleep here. Though few people will bother, it could come in handy for tired kiddies.
Clip-in carpet adds to the luxury of the cockpit, as does the co-pilot glovebox featuring a chiller space big enough for a bottle of champagne. With six drinkholders about the cockpit, the 2400 SR3 is destined to be a real party boat.
The huge underfloor ski and wakeboard locker will keep the cockpit uncluttered and, with the lid shut, you get a sweeping amount of floor space. The boat's inherent stability and high sides ensure it's a safe boat for the kids to gas about, too.
Dayboating amenities include a moulded sink with recess nearby for the supplied portable icebox for carrying the lunch. There's a handheld cold transom shower and facility to fit the moulded lunch table before the L-shaped lounge for up to six.
The engine box lid lifts on a gas strut, facilitating easy pre-departure checks, while a lift-out cushion let's you create a thoroughfare through to the extended swim platform. The boat also comes with a boot in which you can carry a roll-up tender, fishing or dive gear.
DRIVE TIME
The twin bucket seats hug your hips and have flip-up bolsters so you can sit up high and get a better view over the windscreen for close-quarters manoeuvring. A big spread of racy Faria engine gauges, 12V outlet for the handicam so you can record the wakeboarding action, and JBL stereo add some sporty spice.
Turn the key and the V8 announces its intentions. A minimum plane of 2100rpm underscores the efficiency of the hull. After which, acceleration is stunning. At 3000rpm, the 2400 SR3 shoots to a nice level cruise of 22 to 23kts (about 41kmh) after which, at 3500rpm the boat slots into the groove at 26 to 27kts (49kmh) and a fast cruise of 31 to 32kts (58kmh) at 4000rpm.
Above 4500rpm there's noticeably more engine noise, though at 5000rpm and 40kts (74kmh) the V8 is purring if not roaring. A top speed of 42 to 43kts (78kmh) is pretty exciting in a boat of this size and I can only imagine how the 2400 SR3 travels with a big-block V8.
But as it was, the 2400 SR3 packed plenty of punch. And passengers - you can carry 11 aboard and share in the fun if you want. Take it to the max.
WHAT WE LIKED
Great finish
Plenty of eye candy
Big sun lounges
Extra accommodating seating plan
Stainless steel fittings for saltwater use
Huge cockpit with sink, WC and enclosed berth
Stable, dry and seaworthy hull
Plenty of acceleration thanks to V8 upgrade
Very well supported thanks to one of the biggest boat importers and retailers in Australia
Resale or trade-in value should be pretty good
NOT SO MUCH
You are paying a premium for the upgraded finish
Big wide hull to tow and you need a permit
V8s are not known for being frugal
Clip-in carpet needs better fastenings
Specifications: Maxum 2400 SR3
HOW MUCH?
Price as tested: $98,800 w/ upgraded MerCruiser 350 MAG, upgrades in the Avante package, tandem trailer, regos, and safety gear
Priced from: $94,200 including MerCruiser 5.0lt MPI and tandem trailer
GENERAL
Type: Monohull with constant moderate deadrise
Material: GRP hull w/ composite stringers and foam flotation
Length overall: 7.32m
Beam: 2.59m
Deadrise: 22º
Towing weight: Approx 2500kg on road
CAPACITIES
Rec. max. HP: 350
Weight: 1982kg w/ base engine
Fuel: 265lt
Water: 37.9lt
People: 11
ENGINE
Make/model: MerCruiser 350 MAG MPI
Type: Fuel injected four-stroke V8 petrol inboard
Rated HP/kW: 300/223 at 5000rpm
Displacement: 5.7lt
Weight: 430kg
Drive (Make): Bravo 3 sterndrive
Propeller: Counter-rotating duoprop
SUPPLIED BY
Avante Marine,
210 Silverwater Road,
Silverwater, NSW, 2128
Phone: (02) 9737 0727;
1300 AVANTE
Websites: www.avantemarine.com.au; www.maxumboats.com
Originally published in TrailerBoat #233
Find Maxum boats for sale.