1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

[mfeuerst]

I found a 1997 Maxum for around $4,500. I really don't know much about make and models except that Sea Rays and Four Winns are top notch. Im looking for any imput from Maxum owners. The boat has a 5.7 Mercruiser 300hp motor. The owner said it locked up in the summer, but he had done a lot of work to fix it. It also has a wakeboard tower. Listen, I don't need a fantsy boat to start out with and I am looking for a good deal but I want the boat to be able to turn on next summer. Experience boat owners, please give some imput. If Maxum boats suck, then what should I be looking for.

Thanks.

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

I can't advise you one way or another about the boat itself but I can tell you that if you like the boat and it serves your purpose, you can't go wrong. On the other hand, I'm concerned about the statement "alot of work to fix it". Did he indeed fix it or put a bandaid on a broken leg that would enable him to sell the boat. Honestly, for $4500, you should be able to get a decent boat that is turn key with no major issues.

 

[The Famous Grouse]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

I would share Todd's concerns.

What does "locked up" mean in exact mechanacial terms? As in the engine sized? Or what? If the owner cannot explain what happened, what was done to fix it, and who fixed it to your satisfaction, find out which mechanic did the work to "unlock" it, or whatever and go talk to him.

I would absolutely pay for a mechanic to look over this boat AND I would insist on a water test. Again, Todd is right on the mark in asking the question was the problem fixed or just covered up?

Grouse

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

What they both said, and another thing comes to mind. 300hp Mercruiser 5.7? I thought they were either carbed and 260hp or MPI 330?

 

[Bluepike]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

I am thinking about the horsepower too. My 1997, 5.7 carbed Merc. is rated at 220 hp. As for quality of the brand goes, for a 1997 boat, keeping up with the maintenance is more important then the nameplate on the side of the boat.

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

This time of year $4,500 will go a LONG way in used boats. Expand your search a little - maybe even as far as Indy or Lansing - and you'll come across something that isn't quite so concerning. Maxum isn't a bad boat necessarily, the question is more if "this" Max was taken care of and repaired properly.

I'd probably look around and pass on this one personally - if that helps.

 

[JoLin]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

The iboats 'crew' have pretty much touched on everything you should do before buying this (or any) boat. Pay heed to it, including the part about expanding your horizons and searching through a LOT of boats. Don't be overly concerned about branding. In the $5K range and at 10-15 years old, you need to be primarily concerned about the condition of the boat and drivetrain.

(I'm not buying the 300 HP claim either)

Good luck and above all, have fun shopping.

My .02

 

[98Shabah]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

If you're looking in that age range, take a look at a Mariah, you might be surprised. Their slogan was "Equipped like no other boat in the world". Just the Pre-2001s.

 

[mfeuerst]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

Thanks all for responding to my thread. I actually spoke to the guy this morning and got a detailed explanation about the motor "lock up." He has had the boat for 4 years. The engine finally gave out this summer, I guess one of the valves gave out and was sucked into the motor, rendering it useless. I dont know if that make senese, but buttom line is he placed the engine with a brand new one from Michigan motors. He put in new bellows, gimbal bearing/ring, 5.7 mercruiser 330HP motor, water pump, propeller, outdrive seals and gaskets etc etc and has the receipts to prove the purchases. The motor is also warrantied through next april for parts and labor, and for the next two years on parts. The warranty is transferable. Brand new engine, under warranty, I feel secure about that. I will be looking at it today or tomorrow to check out the condition of the boat. Any more opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Philster]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

Why the hell is he selling something that he just did all that work to? Because, he replaced the engine, but the exhaust, or the heads, or something else not part of the new engine is still a problem, and he can't spend another dime.

I'm not saying 'Don't buy it', but my hunch is that it needs another 1500 - 2500 dollar repair still. In all my travels, whenever someone dumps tons into a boat and then goes to sell it, it's because there is still a big chunk of dough that needs to be spent.

 

[zagger]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

As others said it is not the mark but how well it was taken care off. As for the motor the 5.7 MPI is rated at 300 HP not the carb version which is considerably less. Owning a 97 Maxum myself I can tell you it is a great running hull that is well suited for many applications, not a speed demon but a fun boat to drive.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

'97 is plenty old enough to be rotted. Check it CAREFULLY! ANY soft spots in the deck are usually indicative of more serious rot below in the stringers. Check out the transom as well as you can also. This sounds like it has the potential to be a real nice deal if it's solid and if the guys above aren't right about the motor needing some more major work. Times are tough so he may just be looking to cash out.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

do not be too tough on a new /rebuilt 350 carbed with 300hp---I bought Frisco Boaters Glastron ( yes it has 1100 pages of the rebuild) and people do "Mildly Tune" boat motors. With the cam,timming,intake,manifolds, & ignition mods.
mine(Jay's lol) is rated at 292hp & gobbs of tourque.
I have no opinions on Maxum but if the hull, transom,floors & stringers are solid and you like it-Go For It!
$4500 will buy a nice used boat. Speaking of Frisco Boater-he sold the Glastron to make room for and fund his SeaRay project.

 

[Mason78]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

Didn't Maxum shut down or get bought out?

 

[John_S]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

FWIW: I looked at the MM website and assuming it is the 5.7L vortec, with a 4brl carb, standard exhaust, and alpha drive, you are about 280HP @ prop. If everything is in good working order, should run at high 50's mph, maybe touch 60.

A far as I know, Maxum boats were last owned by Brunswick, before ending brand. They were a "value" oriented boat, and for some years/models, used Bayliner hulls.

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

Didn't Maxum shut down or get bought out?

I believe that Brunswick essentially shut down the Maxum brand and consolidated it to the Bayliner brand.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

Assuming everything checks out on paper, regarding the motor replacement, I wouldn?t proceed without a sea test, and all the other things iboats members have mentioned above. Solid floors, transom, outdrive are all huge items that may, or may not need attention. Did the seller ever define why he is selling, and does it sound legit?
You can tell a bunch about a boat owner when you go to his house to see the boat, pay attention to how he keeps his house, cars, and equipment. You goal is to not get burned buying a turd, there are tons of nice boats at that price point, don?t jump on the first one you see, this isn?t a time for impulse buying.

 

[mfeuerst]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

thanks for all the help. I didn't think about checking out the solid floors or transom, let alone know what they are. A lot of good information on this site, I'm definitely taking notes. I spoke with the guy this morning and someone scooped it up for $4,500. he couldn't wait for the weekend. Either way, I'm not worried. I'd rather take my time to look for the perfect boat. Besides, when something sounds to good to be true........... it usually isn't.

 

[DFW Miles]

Re: 1st Time Boater - Thinking about 1997 MAXUM 2000 SRL W/ 5.7 MER- ANY THOUGHTS??

I would insist on a test ride prior to buying that boat considering what has happened to the motor. If the seller refuses then you can walk away knowing that you dodged a big bullet. Like others have said, look for rot throughout the boat. Even a small amount of visible rot could mean that there is a large amount under the deck. There are a TON of boats out there in that price range, for a first boat you would probably be happier with a smaller less powerful boat that is in great shape than something that requires a complete engine overhaul or new deck and stringers or both. Always be skeptical when buying.