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For the most part, Maxum hulls were the same as those of Bayliner, with different decks and interiors to differentiate the brand. It was marketed as an up-scale version of a Bayliner
Maxum Marine unit launched its first new boat model to be designed independently from sister company Bayliner.
US Marine executives split the Maxum line off from Bayliner in January to help Maxum develop a more distinct identity.
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That is crap.
Which idiot told you that CO2 only makes up 0.039% of the atmosphere?
If you are in Gloucester, think about how you are going to use the boat. If its for cocktail cruising in the harbor and an occasional trip out, it is fine. However if you intend on using out of the harbor on anything other than a perfect day you and your wife are going to wish you had that Parker. You will destroy that boat in no time in the typical 1-3's on a nice day. That being said even a SeaRay in the range will get the snot beat out of it.
I am up the coast from you- the waves are big and the water is cold that is why you don't see many SeaRay's / Maxums/ pretty boats in this area.
Bayliners and Maxums have been manufactured in the same facility in Pipestone Minn for some time The cruiser lines share hulls, decks and windshields on many models; and others are totally separate and different. Maxums have upgraded materials and more standard equipment. Bayliner, Maxum, Sea Ray--Chevy, Pontiac, Buick---same idea
Side note: You have a beautiful boat! How does it handle with a single inboard?
Thanks.
It handles fine until it's time to back into my slip with any current or wind. I'll get the hang of it eventually.
We just took a week long trip from Charleston up the ICW and the upper Waccamaw River to Conway, SC. Great time, the boat ran fine and all systems were fine (battery ran out in the camcorder and I forgot the charger). Three nights in marinas, four on the hook. Over 200 miles, 57 gallons of diesel.
Bayliner, Maxum, Sea Ray--Chevy, Pontiac, Buick---same idea
That just about covers it. If you buy a Sea Ray, what engine and drive do you get? Mercruiser, right?
What engine and drive do you get with a Bayliner?
So with a Sea Ray you get upgraded appliances, carpet, upholstry, etc.
I'm not saying a Sea Ray is a bad boat, I have friends who own Sea Ray boats. I also have friends who own Bayliners. They are happy with their boats and have just as much fun as the Sea Ray owners, just with a little less style.
If you are in Gloucester, think about how you are going to use the boat. If its for cocktail cruising in the harbor and an occasional trip out, it is fine. However if you intend on using out of the harbor on anything other than a perfect day you and your wife are going to wish you had that Parker. You will destroy that boat in no time in the typical 1-3's on a nice day. That being said even a SeaRay in the range will get the snot beat out of it.
I am up the coast from you- the waves are big and the water is cold that is why you don't see many SeaRay's / Maxums/ pretty boats in this area.
As a side note..........I would never purchase a boat with an I/O for salt water use unless it was trailered or rack stored.
IMO until you get into the larger ones with inboarrds, Bayliners/Maxums/SeaRays in the >35' range are generally for inland lake or Great Lake use.
While I agree small cruisers are not ideal for heading out 20 miles each day to fish for tuna they are far from Lake boats. They are what they are. More amenities less for lack of a better word "sea worthiness" I/O engines are fine I know the recent trend is all out boards but I have owned at least 5 I/O boats kept in salt water 5 months a year and never had an issue. in the 80's I bout an old 22 Glastron that had an I/O with already 800 + hours on it. I had that boat in salt for 7 years easy I barley maintained it and it never once gave me a problem. Again are they as good as an outboard for heavy ocean use in all weather no but they are fine for ocean use even in a wet slip
I had an 01 2400 bow rider and I couldn't wait to get rid of it. The access for the I/O was terrible. Even though I consider myself to be mechanically inclined and try to do my own maintanence, I just could not get to the water pump and ended up paying a mechanic. The boat had a ton of storage but I was just never happy with it.
........ I/O engines are fine I know the recent trend is all out boards ...............
It's not a "recent trend", manufacturers are still making and selling I/Os as in the past. A lot of people on this forum don't like I/Os but a lot of people on other forums are fine with them.
You really have to look at the type of boat that suits your needs and go with whatever power is available. You're not going to find a 25' sport cruiser with outboard power and if a sport cruiser fits your family's needs, an outboard powered center console would be a poor choice.
If it can be said that a Maxum is a fancy Bayliner, then it too can be said that a Sea Ray is a fancy Maxum.
Tcerrato, I motor about in a '04 Maxum 2400 SC3, which I purchased this year, with 72Hr's. It is by no means a fancy boat - lacks adornments compared to more expensive boats, but it serves it's intended purpose well; that of a pleasure boat/party boat/ski boat/tubing boat. I can put 7 bodies on deck, toss all their stuff in the cuddy to keep the deck clear, have it on plan by 2600/2700 RPM (350 Mag + B3) in short order, and take it across the Chesepeake Bay. Fit and finish is accepable, space utilization is above average I think - mostly well thought out, access to the I/O is reasonable, access to the battery completely sucks, quality of the vinyl is good, decent - if not the best - quality hardware is used where it matters most. For where I boat it seems to ride just fine. If I'm getting too bounced in choppy water I just slow down to where it's comfortable since I'm not in a particular rush to get anywhere. And oh, it'll top out around 50.
first of all im just going to come out and say it: i am the expert on maxums. i used to work at a dealer for bayliners/maxums/trophies/meridians, quite possibly in the same place were #1 stunna works, btw i should come in and meet you sometime #1... anyways they ARE IN FACT basically identical. they have different color schemes and slightly different layouts IN SOME MODELS but for the most part i would put them at 99% "identicality." the part numbers for the hardware is the same blah blah blah, you have a maxum and i feel sorry for you, you didnt know it was your first boat what an amazing pile of dogsht it is and how you got fooled into buying one.
heres what the tcarraro needs to know: its pathetic piece of junk that no one wants. its built to a whole new level of cheapness from what you are used to, with plastic hinges and all. it rides like a shopping cart and you will begin to hate it as it quickly falls apart around you.
searays are in fact, better.
__________________ Top Gun 1992 Donzi 22 Classic 454 King Cobra
I've put 30 hours on mine this season. Nothing has fallen apart, or off. Have not experienced a single problem or failure of any kind with the boat. Indeed, the hinges are, in fact, stainless steel and they run the entire length of the rear "trunk", the engine cover (which employes dual gas struts to hold it open), the center deck storage compartment hatch, and the anchor locker. Cleats are SS and are thru bolted with backing, has a SS center cleat in the anchor locker. The cabin door rolls true in its tracks and latches, still. Engine mounts are SS and thru bolted on the stringers. Cockpit grab handles are plastic but are also thru bolted with backing while the rear handle above the swim deck is SS, thru bolted and backed - as is the water sports tow hook. Windshield supports are SS and solidly mounted with backing. Bimini top frame is SS and the material is from Sunbrella. I will conceed, however, that the latchs for the various compartments are plastic - as they are on the Sea Ray 260 Sundancer that is kept right next to my boat.
I will also conceed that I may not be a good judge of "ride", as I only boat in the rivers that feed the Chesepeake Bay - and in the bay itself, so not a lot of big water. Again though, for how I use the boat and for the conditions I boat in, it seems to do the job without issue.
first of all im just going to come out and say it: i am the expert on maxums. i used to work at a dealer for bayliners/maxums/trophies/meridians, quite possibly in the same place were #1 stunna works, btw i should come in and meet you sometime #1... anyways they ARE IN FACT basically identical. they have different color schemes and slightly different layouts IN SOME MODELS but for the most part i would put them at 99% "identicality." the part numbers for the hardware is the same blah blah blah, you have a maxum and i feel sorry for you, you didnt know it was your first boat what an amazing pile of dogsht it is and how you got fooled into buying one.
heres what the tcarraro needs to know: its pathetic piece of junk that no one wants. its built to a whole new level of cheapness from what you are used to, with plastic hinges and all. it rides like a shopping cart and you will begin to hate it as it quickly falls apart around you.
searays are in fact, better.
Well, that's such an obviously biased opinion, it's not really much use in the discussion. Did they fire you?
I have a Maxum slipped on one side of my boat, a Bayliner on the other side, and a good friend has a Sea Ray about four slips away. Other friends have Sea Rays and Bayliners. All enjoy their boats, none have any unusual problems.
I've always felt that a boat, regardless of brand, and if used for the purpose that it's intended, is a good boat if well cared for. It can be argued of course that some brands use better gelcoats, and higher grade vinyl, hardware and fittings. Amenities and layouts are a personal preference in my opinion.
Expecting an 18' Bayliner to hold up to Gulf Stream crossings every weekend is of course absurd. Using the boat on inland waters and lakes however would provide years of enjoyment. For years I've read about boats "falling apart," but of all the folks that I know that have owned entry-level boats, I've yet to see it. Even a 60' Hatteras can be broken in the right conditions.
I've seen the same issues that plague entry level boats rear their heads on high-end boats as well. Determine your intended use, and then buy a boat within your price range that meets those needs, and has been very well taken care of. Continue with care and maintenance, and years of enjoyment will follow.
__________________ Scout 245 XSF - Yamaha F250 (Current)
Boston Whaler 130 Sport (Prior)
Panga Marine 18 Skiff (Prior)
AMF Slickcraft 23 (Prior)
Regal Ventura 23 (Prior)
Sea Ray 300 Weekender (Prior)
Pacemaker 31 Sportfish (Prior)
How does it handle with a single inboard? 
