Identify the Maxum?

[Sunsetrider]

I am looking for alternatives before getting into a bidding war for a 1988 Chaparral 178 . . . and in anticipation of losing the war I am looking at this somewhat confusing offer on " a late 90's (1999?) 17.5 ft. Maxum with a Merc 90hp OB Bowrider" - l'd post a pic but I cannot for the life of me figure how to drag and drop the pic - maybe because I am on Linux? - but here is a link to the ad:

http://belleville.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-boats-watercraft-powerboats-motorboats-Maxum-Bowrider-17-5ft-with-90hp-Merc-and-trailer-W0QQAdIdZ288450272
I want to be able to do some research on this boat but there doesn't seem to be any such boat . . . it seems that quite a few boat owners don't know (or care) exactly what they have.
.
I have to say that based on my Marina Owner's advice I am attracted to the OB. He claims that maintenance and service on the many I/Os at his marina are his annual bread and butter; he begs me to get an OB (he is a friend more than a supplier). But 90 hp seems a little weak for a boat of this size, although there is nobody in the family who wants to tube or such activity.

Can anyone identify this model? Any opinions on the boat or the ability of a 90 to push it along? The asking price is very attractive . . . . although I would rather have the Chappy despite the age diff.

 

[tschmidty]

Re: Identify the Maxum?

It's either a '91 or '92 I believe. It looks just like my '88 except the extended swim platform which is something bayliner added in '92 or thereabouts. Bayliner went to a more rounded windshield shape in '93 I think. Model wise it will be an 1800S or 1800SR. Typical construction for the age so take a look at the floor, etc.

For the outboard it's a mecury which is good, not a force which people don't seem to be crazy about. As far as getting it along, hard to say. They aren't heavy hulls and it will get you around for sure. No speed demon, but you should be able to hit 32-38 or so depending on load I'd think. Nice thing about an outboard is it is always easy to repower if you get motivated. If I were looking at a smaller boat like that an outboard would be my choice also.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Identify the Maxum?

Based on it's appearance, I would be VERY surprised if it wasn't rotted out. That era Bayliner/Maxums weren't particularly well built to begin with and that one clearly hasn't had much care.

 

[hostage]

Re: Identify the Maxum?

That looks nothing like my 2000 Maxum, mine looks light years ahead in design, etc. I am pretty sure they did a new design for 2000, but the tschmity is right about the windshield. The early 90's one were not as curved like the new ones and the ones in the late 90's. This is mine from Y2K:



so yeah it looks like a big difference.

-Hostage

 

[TBarCYa]

Re: Identify the Maxum?

I can't speak about the early 90s but later model Maxums have a full fiberglass liner whereas the Bayliner equivalents have wood floors. Since it's a Maxum, you may luck out on the floor but definitely have a good look at the floor since that's typically where neglect shows first.

 

[tschmidty]

Re: Identify the Maxum?

It'll have a wood floor, same as the same era bayliners. I actually think it looks like it was pretty well cared for.

 

[Piece715]

Re: Identify the Maxum?

I would agree with TBar about checking things out but I wouldn't say that the floor is the first sign of neglect. Usually when there is a soft spot in the floor u can be pretty sure that the stringers and transom are in trouble too. By the time the floor gets a soft spot the damage has been done to the stuff ya can't see. Granted this all depends on care of the vessel. Just make sure you check out everything before purchase.

 

[hostage]

Re: Identify the Maxum?

I looked into this a little more and I can say without a doubt that is a 1700 XR or an 1800 XR pre-1994. After 1993 Maxum used a curved windshield, while before that they used the more box looking windshield. The XR is the indicator that it is a outboard. I found some early 90's listings for 1800 XR w/ a 90hp and a 1700XR w/ an 85hp motor. This might help a little:

http://www.maxumcustomercare.com/ click the link on the bottom "site link"

Ask him for the serial #:

MF = 1700 XR
MA = 1800 XR
Last Two Digits = Year

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: Identify the Maxum?

Thanks for the effort and great info guys. I now have a much better idea of what I'm looking at. I am not going to follow up further with him until I have taken my run at the Chaparral. I just have more confidence in the brand, and it looks better cared for generally. I know he is a very motivated seller (aren't they all?) and wants it out of his driveway. I would like to see it in mine.

BTW - he also didn't know what size boat he has. His ad describes it as 18 ft, but it is a 178 . . . . 16.5 ft. Better for me in the boathouse/towing departments.

Thanks again!

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: Identify the Maxum?

Well the Chappy chap turned up his nose at my offer of 3350 (it's a 98 after all) so I'll take a closer look at the Maxum. I need to be convinced that I can make it shiny and that the floor is solid (I better research the method to do that) but I lack confidence in the seller . . . late 90s?? I guess in some sense 1992 is later than 1991. :facepalm:

My local marina guy has a somewhat oxidized Thundercraft with a merc I/O Alpha One and ratty canvas, but he has maintained it and vouches for the engine (just replaced the bellows). *sigh* Re-upholstery will set me back a grand on that one . . . . sorry, just rambling. Wife isn't interested.

 

[zagger]

Re: Identify the Maxum?

He has it listed as a 1999 - NOT!!! I had a 97 1800sr (I/O) and it was light years ahead in design. I would not trust this guy for anything he says. He is already lying about the year! Also IMHO a 90 is small for the boat.