Tested By Capt. Ron Svoboda

On a chilly morning in November, we started our evaluation of the 1900 SR3 at the stern with the ultra-functional transom trunk. This self-draining compartment provides the perfect place to store wet skis, vests, and tow lines. It’s supported by a single-mount gas strut which makes it easy to open. Accessing the hatch can only be done from the boat’s swim platform which is standard and includes a telescoping ladder.

Layout

On the cockpit side of the transom is a molded engine box which is flanked on both sides by padded seats. The seat bottoms can be removed and replaced in a notch located at the top of the gunwale in order to convert the aft seating into a beam-width sun pad. There also a slick, pull-out drink holder for refreshments positioned in the center of the sun pad.

Another good idea is that the one-piece engine hatch easily lifts to reveal unparalleled access to the boats engine. This makes servicing and seasonal winterizing a joy, something that can’t be said about too many boats.

Also uncommon in a boat of this size, is the 1900 SR3’s optional 5 liter V-8 power plant that packs enough horsepower to pull the biggest skier or towable you can find on the lake. Or you can just blast around all day with a boat load of your friends without compromising much performance. Our test crew really enjoyed this big engine option and highly recommends it over the standard V-6 MerCruiser sterndrive.

Seating

About the only downside to this bowrider are the convertible lounger seats that are in the cockpit. The seats provide comfort for four and a sun pad for two when extended, but they are a bit of a challenge to convert. On the other hand, between the seats is a large ski locker for quick access and stowage of your PFDs, boards or boat cover.

Behind the Wheel

Maxum’s helm is first rate and is presented in a stylish, silver-toned dash panel with easy to read analog gauges. Instrumentation is complete with a digital depth meter and stereo remote, all within easy reach for the pilot. Power switches are conveniently located in a panel below the gauges and behind the tilt steering wheel. I was glad to see that Maxum used a light colored steering wheel cover instead of black, which can be brutal on a hot day.

Meanwhile, on the port side, the passenger has a large glove box that conceals a self draining cooler for beverages and a stereo along with a 12 volt power plug for cell phones, air pumps or spot light usage. As for the rest of the cockpit, the boat’s side coaming panels are nicely padded and provide additional storage and extra cup holders.

At the Bow

At the front of the boat, the bow area offers seating for three adults with wraparound two-toned padding. There is good storage space under either side of the flip-up seat cushions, as well as an anchor storage fixture under the removable forward seat bottom.

Performance

The 1900 SR3 performed well on our test run and delivered a top speed of 55.1 mph at 4800 rpm. We found her most economical cruise speed to be around 32.7 mph turning 3000 rpm.

When taking into account all the standard features, sharp styling, plus the impressive performance and handling of the big V-8, I would have to say that Maxum’s all new 1900 SR3 is going to be a big hit this summer as it supplies lots of smiles per mile.

• Top speed for the Maxum 1900 SR3 (2009-) is 55.1 mph (88.7 kph), burning 18.5 gallons per hour (gph) or 70.02 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Maxum 1900 SR3 (2009-) is 32.7 mph (52.6 kph), and the boat gets 4.09 miles per gallon (mpg) or 1.74 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 103 miles (165.76 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 260-hp MerCruiser 5.0L MPI gas sterndrive.