Maxum 2100 SC Review

Every now and then we test a craft that leaves a lasting impression on the team. There is often no rhyme or reason as to why a boat does this, but it’s normally the simplest of things that make a craft stand out. The Maxum 2100SC is one such boat. Her exaggerated styling leaves an impression and creates a boat that is guaranteed to turn heads on any waterway. Plus, this stylish showpiece delivers exceptional performance and excellent day-boat facilities, all for a price tag that will appeal to the masses. 

Its not often that you find a boat package that comes in around $64,000 that can deliver a top speed of more than 50mph, with all the creature comforts to keep the entire family happy. The large swim platform will get plenty of use during the long hot summer ahead. All will enjoy the roomy cockpit with its clever mix of seating. The aft quarter seats convert into a sunpad, but in seconds ‘ ‘hey presto’ ‘ it can be turned into a handy table complete with moulded drink holders. In the cabin there’s enough room for mum and the kids without getting carried away. 

Yes, its only simple accommodation ‘ a veeberth with stepped seating and a Porta Potty ‘ but it’s enough for a long day out, or quick overnighter, but that’s the trick. Keep it simple, and keep the price down. However, where Maxum have cut down on accommodation they have certainly made up for it in performance. This beast looks and performs like an on-water missile. The optional 300hp 350 Magnum MerCruiser MPI, driving through a Bravo I sterndrive, delivers gutsy out-of-thehole performance and a top speed of more than 50mph. And that’s with only a standard alloy propeller. 

The 20-degree deadrise hull cuts through chop with ease and only overzealous leg trim restricted the power out of a tight turn. On this test day we just wanted to keep driving. The driving position was comfortable. The bolster seat creates a good mix of driving positions, with both through or over the screen visibility. This 21ft boat has performance and agility well beyond what is expected from a vessel of this type. The team found economical cruise speeds range from the low 20s right up to the 40-knot range. 

The hull is well balanced, so there is no need for the added hassle of trim tabs. The sterndrive trim pushes the nose up, allowing the boat to ride gracefully across the water on the aft third of her hull. Her 20-degree deadrise allows the craft to carve through the turns and, so long as the leg is trimmed in a bit she holds a clear line with no ventilation even in aggressive turns. From this description you can probably tell that we were impressed by the Maxum 2100SC, well you’re right. In fact, for reviews like this I reckon we should be given the boats for the weekend, or maybe two weekends. How about a month ?

This craft will appeal to a diverse range of boaters. To the uninitiated the 2100SC is a boat to aspire to. It’s small enough to handle one-up, with the room and performance to grow into. For the more experienced boater the ‘keep it simple’ (KIS) formula is often a strategy that delivers the most rewarding pleasures from powerboating. As far as her layout goes, the 2100SC has a bolster bucket seat at the helm, while the navigator’s seat boasts a back-to-back configuration that converts to a sunlounge. 

The standard option is twin back-to-back seats; however, the bolster seat does give a great driving position. Access to the bow is gained by way of the step-through windscreen and, although she doesn’t have the security of a bowrail, there are good full-length grab handles combined with deck grip that provides a good sense of security to anyone venturing forward. The test craft’s electronics are all located around the helm and included instruments that cover speed, engine revs, oil, temp, leg trim, depth, volts and hours. 

There are also switches for the horn, bilge pump and blower and the JBL AM/FM CD sound system creates a good vibe in the cockpit. The little aft centre table is a simple feature that adds ‘cruiser’ features to this 21-footer. I can imagine nipping out for a quick Sunday morning run with the family, before picking up some lunch and sharing a quick bite around the table. Then, if it were a hot afternoon, the swim platform with its integrated ladder would make the ideal launch pad for the kids, while my wife and I enjoy a kip on sunpads. 

However, for those not so keen on the sun, the Maxum 2100SC does come standard with a bimini top and full mooring covers. There is plenty of storage onboard in underfloor lockers, for longer items there’s the side pockets, while forward there are compartments under the vee-berth. There are plenty of drink holders scattered around the boat including one at the helm and four integrated in the engine box cover. Stainless steel grab handles are also well positioned and all easily reached from any seating position. Overall, the Maxum 2100SC is a wellbalanced package that delivers a good turn of speed, with enough creature comforts to satisfy the clan. 

How much does she cost ? $63,990 as tested including trailer. That’s a lot of boat for your buck. But next time we test one of these boats we will try to get it for the week or two, just to be sure that she really is OK

Words by Andrew Richardson