Maxum Opinions?

[seatown7]

I'm a newbie who is looking at getting a small bow rider for a first boat. I've found a '92 Maxum 1900 SC in Seattle with the I/O 4 cylinder Mercruiser. Looks to be in good shape. Any thoughts on quality? Any other suggestions on reliable, well made brands? I'd like to buy the "Toyota" of boats...bang for the buck, well made, low maintenance.

Thanks.

 

[tmh]

Re: Maxum Opinions?

It's nearly a 20 year old boat, so it really make little dif. if it says "maxum" or "Sea Ray" on the side - it is what it is. IF it's been well cared for and held up well....then you have a nice boat. Maybe worth $3-4k in this market if in VG shape. maybe less.

What specific engine is it? Alpha one drive?

There are a ton of threads here with this exact question - different models but same needs - a 18-20' bowrider on a budget.

 

[seatown7]

Re: Maxum Opinions?

All I know is it's the Mercruiser 130 hp. I'm getting more info on the drive in a few minutes.

 

[rs1lollie]

Re: Maxum Opinions?

just bought a 1990 18' Maxum bowrider mercruiser3.0l 135hp with alpha 1 outdrive this summer, My boat was very well maintained, I have read that this mercruiser 3.0l is a very dependable motor along with outdrive as long as it was maintained. My boat is very easy to launch and retrieve and in my opinion is a good 1st boat.

 

[this forum wont let me]

Re: Maxum Opinions?

I agree with all of the above. Rs 1 I have the exact boat, in what I thought was in great shape, until I just saw yours. holy crap, man nice boat! I love my merc, 3.0, 4 bang-a, great she is not always drinking my fuel. ya, she could be a good 10mph faster at wot, but hey, its a 4 bang-a-. Maxum boats are equal to a bayliner, but your comment on Toyota...well, lets say it like this: bayliner=Toyota, maxum=lexus. I love the ease of the launching it, not to big, but never the little guy. I would suggest you put a keelguard on the boat, if it does not already have one. Make sure you take it for a lake run, with the owner, and with the trailer it comes with and make sure everything works! Good luck!

 

[rs1lollie]

Re: Maxum Opinions?

hey, This Forum, What kind of speed are you getting? I'm getting 45 mph @ 4800 rpm with me my wife and daughter and full tank of gas.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Maxum Opinions?

our family boat was a early 90's 23 ft. Great boat, looked good and had tons of storage everywhere which was nice. that doesnt mean it didnt have issues, they all do at one point or another. Its still in service actually. They are not making them anymore as of recently, but US marine is the parent company and they will be around for a while. Should have no problem with parts or anything though since its the mercruiser.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Maxum Opinions?

More like Bayliner=Chevy, Maxum=Buick

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Maxum Opinions?

hey, This Forum, What kind of speed are you getting? I'm getting 45 mph @ 4600 rpm with me my wife and daughter and full tank of gas.

45? Is that GPS confirmed or speedo indicated? Not disputing you or calling you a liar or anything. I just wouldn't have thought the 3.0 4cyl would get an 18' moving that fast.

 

[rs1lollie]

Re: Maxum Opinions?

From speedo, but I have been told from other boaters that I was doing that speed when we were crusing side by side. I have streets and trips on a laptop that I will confirm speed with soon. boat only weighs 1900lb plus I have a 14x20 4blade prop and trimmed to max speed. boat and hull waxed.

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Maxum Opinions?

Wow. Well I must say, I'm impressed. I wouldn't have thought that 3.0 4 cylinder would have propelled it that fast. Lucky guy.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go out and have a strongly worded talk with my 4.9 200hp V8.... It should be ashamed of itself... ;-)

 

[rs1lollie]

Re: Maxum Opinions?

What I have learned from Iboats mostly from HSWIII in the prop forum, is that a lot of people are using the wrong prop = poor performance. my alpha 1 out drive is geared for the v6 that is what they used then, looking at the service manual for my outdrive. Dont know if this helps the speed at all. I'm very happy with this setup.

 

[this forum wont let me]

Re: Maxum Opinions?

Hey rs1, sorry it took me so long here. Wow! You are about 10mph faster, with the same boat, motor, and etc... I will say I only have a 3 blade, non stainless steel for a prop. My reason, is that everything damaging under water seems to like to find me. Given that, the replacement cost of prop, verses replacing the out drive, seems like a better deal. Can you let me know what pitch you are running at, with the 4 blade prop? I believe I am running at 19 pitch, although I might be wrong about that. I have a hydro foil but no smart tabs yet, maybe next season we will see.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: Maxum Opinions?

My uncle has one and he likes it alot. The 4 banger does sound like it is going to come apart at WOT. Mine is a v8 and super smooth. But i pay for it in gas.

 

[rs1lollie]

Re: Maxum Opinions?

I'm running an mercury Alpha4 4blade alum. prop. I had a stingray hydrofoil on and read that it causes strain to the out drive, so I removed it and put on a 14x20 alpha 4 4balde prop. and it is like a new boat, with handling , hole shot, planing speed and reduced vibration.