Maxum Surprises Once Again With Their Newest SE Model

Innovation and versatility is what the new Maxum 2600 SE is all about.

By Capt. Ron Svoboda

Test Captain

Just when I thought I've seen it all in the pocket cruiser market, Maxum introduces a towable, cruising machine with the room of a 30-footer. How did they do it? With expandable cockpit seating that comes in two configurations and impressive headroom and amenities in the cabin.

Two Aft Seating Layouts

The good times start at the stern of the boat with a choice of two distinct aft seating options. The first layout has a deep swim platform that supplies space for a jumper seat to swing in place, making a great spot for parents to keep an eye on the kids while they play in the water. Additionally, by simply converting the cockpit table and adding cushions it turns the area into a large sun pad. Just under the main seat, there is a transom trunk for storing fenders or seat cushions.

The second aft seating configuration available in the SE is a dual lounger with a centerline transom walkthrough. This layout converts from forward facing seats to tandem sun pads by simply moving the seat backs. The seat bottoms also flip-up to supply large storage compartments below, keeping the cockpit organized.

Cockpit Features

Regardless of which seating arrangement, the cockpits are the same. Complete with a wet bar, fridge, and trashcan to starboard and a comfortable chase lounge located to port. For the captain, a wide helm seat swivels 90 degrees, adding another seating choice in the cockpit. Behind the wheel, the cruiser’s helm station displays analog gauges on top, accessory switches and circuit breakers below. A classy, ‘Dino’ tilt steering wheel completes the helm.

Below deck

The cabin is inviting with cherry wood trim and a U-shaped lounge forward. Just as impressive is the galley. This space provides a large countertop with electric cooktop and stainless steel sink. Generous cabinet space, microwave oven, and a flat panel LCD TV are above the counter, while a fridge/freezer combo and more cabinet space fills the bottom.

Keeping the family on board happy is important too, and with a spacious head compartment located to starboard you shouldn't hear any complaints. The fully-lined unit doubles as the shower stall and offers a large vanity with sink and full width mirror. That’s not all. This small luxury boat even has an aft cabin for the kids or your guests. The headroom is a bit low here, but still makes for a cozy bunk.

Specs and Performance

From the bow pulpit to the molded swim platform the 2600 SE measures in at 27 feet overall. She has a beam that measures 8 feet, 6 inches wide, and tips the scales at over 6,868 pounds dry with a draft of 40 inches.

As with most boats in this class, moving through rough water can be bumpy, but when conditions are ideal, a top speed of 40.7 mph can be reached from the 320 horsepower engine option. A brisk cruise speed of 30 mph can also be obtained with the big engine turning at 4000 rpm while delivering just over 2 miles to the gallon.

Of all the pocket cruisers we’ve tested recently, the 2600 SE offers one of the most spacious and useful layouts. Underway, the boat was easy to drive and maneuvered well at the dock with the optional twin-propped Bravo III drive, which is definitely the only way to go with such a heavy vessel.

• Top speed for the Maxum 2600 SE (2006-) is 40.7 mph (65.5 kph), burning 24.2 gallons per hour (gph) or 91.6 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Maxum 2600 SE (2006-) is 30.3 mph (48.8 kph), and the boat gets 2.13 miles per gallon (mpg) or 0.91 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 163 miles (262.32 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 320-hp MerCruiser 6.2 MPI.