Another Try - Maxum 2700

[Doc_Vegas]

OK guys, we are still doing our research. Although more than we wanted to spend, this boat seems like a good deal. Has everything we wanted. I looked at it yesterday, very dirty and some algae to deal with, but otherwise in good condition. The shop will run and test it before we would take delivery (if we worked something out).

http://www.boulderboats.com/pre_owned_detail.asp?veh=1011487

The other boat we looked at yesterday is a 1995 Bayliner 2655 in a slip. I posted about it before, actually it has a 5.7L engine, not a 5.0 as I described. Was in nice condition. Two damaged areas on the hull where other boats hit it at the gas dock, but the price at $7k is tempting....

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks again!

 

[captmello]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

Your all over the place with your shopping!! I'd take the Maxum.

Seriously, if your budget is 7 - 25k you may as well spend more. You get what you pay for. There are unlimited boats in your range. Good and Bad.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

You mention the Maxim is more than you want to spend,i noticed it doesnt come with a trailer......are you planning on keeping it in the water...trailer it? either option is expensive, a trailer for that length & weight can add 3-5K depending on trailer, slip fees can run to 8$ a foot per month.......

 

[Doc_Vegas]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

With any cruiser more than about 24', I would probably slip at Lake Mead regardless. Yes, the cost is a bit steep at around $300/month to slip a boat this size. Perhaps the real killer is being locked into paying high gas prices and maintanence fees.... We are still debating on what to do, but the Maxum really has everything we want. It has the generator so we can run the A/C for a summer night on the Lake (necessary with Southern Nevada temps), and it has a fabulous layout. The cost, though, is far in excess of what we hoped to spend for our first boat.... I guess we will keep thinking it through.

Any other thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

Is that algae growth on top of the botom paint? And if so, why?

The price does look pretty good, unless I am missing something. Offer substanially less and see what they say.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

Is that algae growth on top of the botom paint? And if so, why?

The price does look pretty good, unless I am missing something. Offer substanially less and see what they say.

Yup,sure is.That happens alot when the incorrect paint is used and the boat is pulled & not repainted, the biocides have lost there effectiveness.

 

[torcano]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

Exactly one year ago I was looking at a 2003 Maxxum 2700 SCR. They were selling for around $50,000. It is a nice boat with a wide beam that really makes it feel much bigger than 27 feet. If it is in good condition, that's a good price for nice boat. Nicer amenities than the Bayliner.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

Yup,sure is.That happens alot when the incorrect paint is used and the boat is pulled & not repainted, the biocides have lost there effectiveness.

That's pretty much what I figured. That always makes me a little wary. If they could not keep the bottom paint maintained properly, did they skimp on anything else? Also, if there is enough growth, it will cause the boat to not reach full WOT RPMs and that "lugging" of the engine will cause valve damage to the engine. A compression check is in order.

 

[QC]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

Great Lake Mead boat and I agree on the Gen. For me the algae doesn't bother much and is one of the reasons the price is right. Those things can be cleaned. I understand Tilliam's comment on maintenance indication, but again, what's the biggest concern? Oil changes? I just don't get that worked up about that stuff anymore. Maybe she has been lugged, but I would bet she is a reposession and that she wasn't run that way . . .

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

doc;of all the boats you have come up with the max 2700 looks like the one that will best suit your needs.it has all the apointments you will need.
the only thing i would add to what QC said is take a squirt bottle of soapy water and wet down a few spots on the bottom where the alge is.then rub it of and make sure that the bottom hasnt been eched.
if it passes that and a survey then happy boating
mabe i'll see you down there. stared down monday but the ABS light on the yukon came on just out side of town

 

[Doc_Vegas]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

We are on the edge about getting this. Absolutely, it has everything we really wanted. However, I originally started this search with a $10-15k budget! Now we are looking at about $28k out the door. The algae power washed off the boat. It is a repossesion, so it sat for a long while in the water at Lake Mead, is it still a bad sign that algae grew after a very long time of sitting still in the Lake?

Again, it seems the algae all came off with a power washer. The told me for around $500 they will thoroughly clean/wax - detail - the boat. For around another $500 they will change all the fluids and get it to the water.

For my wife and I, we will need to swallow the approximately $300/month slip fee, insurance, and who knows what other fees. Fuel costs sound ominous, but again, I know that goes with the territory.

Any suggestions on insurance carriers? I have a vague estimate based on information from another boater, but his boat was significantly older and of lower value.

I truly believe this boat to be a "fair" deal, but it is a "boat-load" of money.

Thanks guys, this site has be EXTREMELY useful.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

We are on the edge about getting this. Absolutely, it has everything we really wanted. However, I originally started this search with a $10-15k budget! Now we are looking at about $28k out the door. The algae power washed off the boat. It is a repossesion, so it sat for a long while in the water at Lake Mead, is it still a bad sign that algae grew after a very long time of sitting still in the Lake?

Again, it seems the algae all came off with a power washer. The told me for around $500 they will thoroughly clean/wax - detail - the boat. For around another $500 they will change all the fluids and get it to the water.

For my wife and I, we will need to swallow the approximately $300/month slip fee, insurance, and who knows what other fees. Fuel costs sound ominous, but again, I know that goes with the territory.

Any suggestions on insurance carriers? I have a vague estimate based on information from another boater, but his boat was significantly older and of lower value.

I truly believe this boat to be a "fair" deal, but it is a "boat-load" of money.

Thanks guys, this site has be EXTREMELY useful.

Before you give one cent to the marina...check them out!!! i always look at there shop,is it neat?organized? is there equipment well maintained? 9 out of 10 times this will tell you everything you need to know about how well there going to treat your boat.$500 to detail,will it be compounded then waxed? what products do they use? $500 to change fluids? oil - lower unit & genny oil - thats about 1.5 hrs worth of work,material costs about $75....thats kinda steep......beware the bad boat mechanics/detailers...theres more out there than good.

 

[QC]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

I know nothing about that shop, so I can't contribute. But I would not give them a dime without a sea trial. I like the boat a lot, and I think she should be perfect for Mead as I noted above. Be careful though about performance expectations . . . How fast do you want to go? How fast are they telling you she'll go? My guess is a 25 - 30 MPH cruise and around 35 MPH top speed. Maybe a little faster, but despite that being a big block, it is only rated at 310 bhp at the prop. Plenty for this boat unless you are planning to run 40 MPH. Do not expect more, but verify that she runs like she is supposed to or you could end up in a big pissin' contest. If she's right, she'll probably stay right with decent routine maintenance. She'll probably get 1.8 - 2.2 MPG.

I would check in with steve201 He has a 2003 2700 SCR and loves it. At a minimum search through his posts and get a feel for what he likes and doesn't. His is powered by a 6.2 MPI which is rated at 320 bhp. Despite what some will say here, his boat should actually be slightly faster even though it is a small block. Lighter weight and 10 more horsepower. Both have a B3 so planing should be a non-issue.

Here is a test of a Bayliner 285 that may perform somewhat similarly, 300 Mag and a Bravo 3. Yes small block and 10 less horsepower than the 7.4 310, but it will be close IMHO. Remember they NEVER run as fast as the test boats, and never as fast as the day they were new. All boats gain weight, mostly stuff, but some water logging, and also the test boats usually don't run with any water, ice chests, beer, etc. No Generator!! I believe the hull specs on this 285 are very similar to the previous 2700 SCR. So she will probably not perform as well as this lightly loaded 285 . . .

 

[Doc_Vegas]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

Thanks again guys!!! Tomorrow is probably going to be "The Day" one way or the other.

My wife and I have just one child - a 2.5 year old - and we are debating on the wisdom of getting such a big boat at such a volatile time in the economy. The boat dealer is willing to work a small bit better on the price, but we are still in shock of the total costs (gas, slip, maintenance). That said, we are thinking if this is not the one, we will probably just drop the idea for a year or two.

With Lake Mead shrinking, the economy in turmoil, and a young child, maybe this is the time to save our money instead of borrowing more...?

We love the Lake and enjoyed the years we spent on the Lake when we were graduate students studying the water quality in Mead....

Anyway, it is late, so time for a bit more boat research before sleep. Keep the thoughts coming - I need all the advice I can get before I bite the bullet or pass this deal on to the next person in line (or so the shop says).

Thanks again!

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

If this is not going to be a cash purchase, I don't think you should do it. If you are shocked at the additional cost now, then your are going to be truly stunned when you have to start paying them. Quite simply, if you can't afford to pay cash for the boat, you can't afford to be a boater, at this time, or with that style of boat. My official recommendation is not to borrow money on such a fast depreciating toy. You'll lose lots of money.

 

[Windykid]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

Wait till spring and see what the prices look like with the economy and all. Does it have enough room for the play pin?

 

[bumperwave]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

Sensible advice Tilliam.

 

[Doc_Vegas]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

Thanks guys, we did buy the Maxum today. We did not take a loan, we were able to pay cash.

So, I am really looking forward to getting it on the water!

Cheers!

 

[QC]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

Congratulations!! Come back again and often. I love to simply talk Lake Mead my ownself and there is a ton of good info here. Let us know how she runs. "In God we trust all others show us your data." We want data . . .

 

[Doc_Vegas]

Re: Another Try - Maxum 2700

Thank you! These forums have been a huge help. I am active on other hobby forums and it is tough starting out as a rookie. The folks here have made a real difference in what we bought...

I am going through the manuals and paperwork that came with the boat, I was a bit surprised to see that it originally was in San Diego. I was pretty disheartened about that as I am worried about the toll of salt water, but hopefully it has been well maintained.

I will post up once I give it a good run. That will probably not be until Thanksgiving though... I am having them detail the boat and change all the fluids before we get it wet. I am going to slip it at Mead, it did not even come with a trailer, and I am probably better off anyway since my Sequoia is not enough to pull this beast...

Thanks again!