What we think: The 2100 SC3 sports a new look for Maxum, with a fastback transom that finishes the bold stroke of knifelike, curving lines with hip new honed edges.
To add substance to the style, new features were built in with just as much attention to detail. On the transom, the turtle deck is scooped out to create a two-person bench — a great spot to sit, relax and watch the kids swim. Under the hatch is a compartment ideal for storing dock lines and a fender or two.
We boarded over the cozy semicircular aft lounge to an “ahem” from one of the Maxum techs, who showed us the clever little tuck-away boarding door in the lounge. Our tracks on the seat wiped away easily, offering testimony to a choice of quality vinyl with durable UV protection that resists stains as well.
Snugged up against the back of the helm seat is a refreshment galley with a stainless-steel sink and a cubby for an Igloo to serve the crew on a hot day. A step to the bow is molded into the cuddy hatch. The contour continues through the helm station — more proof to us that somebody figured all the angles in CAD before they set their CNC router to work on proprietary hull and deck molds.
We like the engine choice for a fair balance of price and performance. Acceleration in our tests was tow-boat quick, and even if the top speed was a click or two shy of 50, the ride was solid and the handling nimble. Gotta break that 50 mph barrier? Step up to the 350 Mag. It’s a modest increase in cost from the test engine, and you’ll recoup it on resale.
Who should buy it: The advantage of a closed deck is the cozy cuddy that gives a napping place and a privacy area for a portable head. For performance with the ability to accommodate the occasional overnight boating trip, it’s hard to beat this arrangement.
Vital Stats * Length Overall: 20’6″ * Beam: 8’3″ * Dry Weight: 3,483 lb. * Seating Capacity: 6 people * Fuel Capacity: 55 gal. * Maximum HP: 300 hp * MSRP (w/ MerCruiser 4.3L MPI 220 hp, Alpha 1): $38,458 * NMMA Certified: Yes
Power Picks
* MerCruiser 5.0L MPI 260 hp, Alpha 1 — $40,615
* MerCruiser 350 MAG MPI 300 hp, Alpha 1 — $42,908
Also consider…
Maxum 2400 SC3
Length: 24′
Beam: 8’6″
Max HP: 375
If you really plan to boat camp, the 2400 SC3 is still trailerable and offers a cuddy more likely to sleep a pair of boaters, with two others in the cockpit under the Bimini top.
Maxum 2200 SR3
Length: 22’1″
Beam: 8’6″
Max HP: 300
For those who want the open bow on a similar-size hull, the 2200 SR3 gives a roomy floor plan with added seating forward.
Test Drive * Test Engine: MerCruiser 5.0L MPI 260 hp, Alpha 1 * Test Prop: 14.63 x 17 stainless-steel 4-blade * Test Load: People (230 lb.); Fuel (34 gal.) * Top Speed: 46.9 MPH @ 5,200 RPM * Time to Plane: 3.1 sec. * Time to 30 MPH: 7.5 sec. * Minimum Planing Speed: 20 MPH @ 2,900 RPM
