Just purchased 1998 Maxum 1900 SRL

[twerner]

I'm purchasing a 1998 Maxum 1900 SRL this week. Any advice out there on this model? Any advice on owning a Maxum in general?

I haven't had a boat in some 20 years. Kids keep asking, so I caved. This particular boat had one owner (grandfather took his grandkids around for rides and tubing). It has the 3.0 MerCruiser, which I wasn't entirely thrilled about - but it is in incredible shape. Interior looks brand new, clean engine, not one scratch on the hull. The only flaw I see is the slightly faded exterior paint that I think is from being on a boat lift all summer. In winters, it was professionally winterized, wrapped, and stored. The dealer inspection looks clean (other than a dead battery and some buffing they did on the stern).

Looking for advice on what I should expect, known problems, and how to take care of this boat... Thanks! Tom

[mmwjr]

Tom welcome aboard.

Do you know when the impeller was last replaced?

Being new to I recommed getting a handheld IR temp sensor and measure the exhaust which is water cooled and engine t-stat to compare to helm gauge

[twerner]

Thanks Mike. You're suggesting I do this before purchase? Is this to see if engine not being cooled properly or something?

[mmwjr]

I would do this before buying then once at the beginning of each season.

Is it a freshwater boat? If so exhaust should be ok. If saltwater then scale builds up and clogs water passages resulting in hot spot that will lead to failure.

Impeller should be replaced every 2 years

[twerner]

This is helpful. It's been used freshwater only. In fact, original boat owner didn't have a trailer. He just hired winterization service to take it into storage.

Any suggestions for inspecting or preventing problems with hull or wood rot? Assuming Maxum's have wood hulls? I didn't see any wood in the back (transom), unlike the bad wood I discovered on another boat I almost purchased (Bayliner).

[mmwjr]

There is wood laminated in the transom and stringers. Unless fiberglass deck there is wood under the carpet. Check for soft spots in the floor.

If the boat was kept covered it should be good

[twerner]

Thanks. Let me know if any other suggestions. Appreciate the advice.

[twerner]

Lastly, let me know if the 3.0 Merc is a dog with this boat or if it does a reasonable job. With 2 in the boat, I got it to 45 pretty easily, over 50 when trimming motor. I don't care about speed as much as I do pulling the kids around on tubes, knee boards, etc.

[mmwjr]

Tubing and knee boards should not be a problem until the kids approach adult hood.

Water sking will be an issue if you have passangers onboard as well as the hole shot will be slow.

[mmwjr]

Hopefully others who have a boat close to this model can give their opinion.

[itsabowtime2]

3.0 is a very solid engine. What you give up is torque vs. the 4.3 or V8. You can always switch to a 4 blade prop for quicker hole shot and hold place at slower speeds.

[twerner]

Thanks for the tip. Figuring I got the boat to 45mph with the 3-blade, how much speed reduction would there be with 4-blade?

[twerner]

I got another tip to switch to a 4-blade prop. I should probably invest in one of those regardless. Again, I feel the price was pretty good on this, even if I have to size up the engine in a couple years (local estimates I got were <$2K). Kids are 7, 9, & 12. Got a few years before the oldest challenges the boat I think. Glad I found this forum.