New Characteristics Set the SR3 Series Apart From the Pack

Tested by Capt. Brandon DeNatale

At the U.S. Marine Dealer meeting held in Ft. Myers the company introduced their new SR3 series of sport boats. I was lucky enough to get to test the 1800 SR3, which is the smallest in the 3-boat lineup. The new SR3 models all have three important characteristics in their design such as, more space, more storage, and an integrated water gateway. All of these will make a big impact on how your family spends their time on the water.

Layout

The 1800 SR3 might be a small package but it’s full of large features. With the SR3 design the beam has been moved forward along with a narrower dash pod both of which offer more room in the cockpit. Along the transom there is a large L-shaped bench seat with storage and engine access below. There are several handholds conveniently placed where you need them. One of the main features besides the open cockpit is the walk-thru transom. The starboard aft seat cushions remove to expose the walk-through, which extends all the way to the stern. This keeps people from stepping on the seats and getting everything wet. Back on the stern the integrated swim platform adds almost two feet to the length of the boat. Back here there is a storage locker for skis and wakeboards or other wet items. There is even a built-in seat that allows you to put your board on before you even get into the water. A ski eye, concealed ladder and CD stereo controls finish off the area.

Cockpit Features

Back in the cockpit we found the solid fiberglass liner had excellent non-skid under the snap-in carpeting. Both the helm seats are comfortable bucket seats with bolsters. I found these to be a great advantage since the windshield was short and although not in my site, I preferred having the wind in my face. Over at the passengers seat the large glove box features the CD stereo and plenty of space for all of your personal gear. In between the two seats there was an impressive ski locker with a removable liner that will easily hold all of your skis and other gear.

Behind the Wheel

The helm on the 1800 SR3 is sleek and stylish with its non-glare custom molded dash and silver plated panels. The seat and the steering wheel are adjustable for maximum comfort. The ships system switches are easy to locate, but kept out of the way to keep a clean appearance. The gauges are set back and easily readable thanks in part to the custom dash visor. The analog instruments display fuel, oil pressure, speed, hour, trim, batteries, and even water temperature. Everything you need is here including 12V accessory outlet.

Bow Seating

In the center of the two helm seats there’s a padded storage locker for extra equipment such as skis or cleaning brushes. The wide walkthrough also provides easy passage up to the bow. Once up in the bow you’ll notice the comfortable padded loungers that feature padding on the sides so you can use them as loungers when you want to lay back and relax. There are also plenty of handholds to provide support. Under both side seats I found good storage for things like cushions and life preservers. There are also cup holders for your beverages behind each seat. Under the forward cushion I found the anchor locker perfect for holding a small anchor and line, and the large stainless steel cleats are just the right size for the job on this boat.

Performance and Ride

Maxum’s 1800 SR3 is an exciting family sportboat. With more room than a traditional 18 footer you’re able to accommodate more passengers and have more amenities than you ever thought possible. For anyone that is looking for an entry-level boat with all the extras you will need, or just in the market for a new boat, the 1800 SR3 will keep water sport enthusiasts and speed freaks happy.

The 1800 SR3 measures in at 20 feet 1 inch with the extended swim platform. And with a beam of 7 feet 7 inches and weight of 2,500 pounds you can easily trailer the boat to your favorite destination. Our boat was equipped with a 220-hp MerCruiser 4.3 L with an Alpha One drive, which delivered excellent performance. There are two other engine choices including the 135-hp MerCruiser 3.0L that comes standard. If you’re just getting into boating then the 135-hp might be the way to go. If you’re like me and want all the performance and power you can get to pull even the largest skier out of the water, then I would suggest upgrading to the 220-hp.

The hull draft is 1 foot 8 inches, which means you can pull up to your favorite beach for a picnic and enjoy the day on the beach. The hull features a deadrise of 17 degrees and this is what lends to the great responsive handling and soft ride associated with this boat.

• Top speed for the Maxum 1800 SR3 is 46.0 MPH (74 KPH), burning 14.1 gallons per hour (GPH) or 53.37 liters per hour (LPH).


• Best cruise for the Maxum 1800 SR3 is 25.1 MPH (40.4 KPH), and the boat gets 4.74 miles per gallon (MPG) or 2.02 kilometers per liter (KPL), giving the boat a cruising range of 119 miles (191.51 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 220-hp MerCruiser 4.3L Alpha I sterndrive.

Maxum 1800 SR3 Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
CD Stereo
Trailer
Exterior Features
Carpet: Cockpit
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Tower: Watersports
Canvas
Bimini Top
Cockpit Cover

= Standard = Optional

Test Results   (Printer Friendly Page)

Test Power: 1 x 220-hp MerCruiser 4.3L Alpha I sterndrive

						Range
RPM	MPH	Knots	Total GPH	MPG	NMPG	Stat. Mile	NM	KM	KPH	LPH	KPL	dBA
650	2.9	2.5	0.5	6.13	5.33	154	134	248	4.67	1.9	2.61	64
1000	4.4	3.8	1.0	4.27	3.71	108	94	174	7.08	3.8	1.82	67
1500	6.3	5.5	1.4	4.38	3.80	110	96	177	10.14	5.3	1.86	71
2000	8.0	7.0	3.2	2.52	2.19	64	55	103	12.87	12.1	1.07	74
2500	12.2	10.6	4.7	2.60	2.26	65	57	105	19.63	17.8	1.11	78
3000	25.1	21.8	5.3	4.74	4.12	119	104	192	40.39	20.1	2.02	79
3500	31.5	27.4	6.7	4.72	4.10	119	103	192	50.69	25.4	2.01	83
4000	38.0	33.0	9.1	4.17	3.63	105	91	169	61.16	34.4	1.77	89
4500	43.6	37.9	12.5	3.49	3.03	88	76	142	70.17	47.3	1.48	91
5000	46.0	40.0	14.1	3.25	2.83	82	71	132	74.03	53.4	1.38	94

Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions

Test Power: 1 x 220-hp MerCruiser 4.3L Alpha I sterndrive

Time To Plane	N/A
0 to 30	N/A
Test Power	1 x 220-hp MerCruiser 4.3L Alpha I sterndrive
Transmission	Alpha I
Ratio	N/A
Props	N/A
Load	Load: 2 persons, Fuel: 1/4 full, Water: none, Gear: minimal
Climate	Temp: 85 deg. , Humid: 82%, Wind: calm, Seas: 1-2ft.