The Maxum 2300 SC is one versatile boat, set up for cruising, water sports, and if the mood strikes, catching some zzz‘s. It has the same sporty characteristics as Maxum’s 2300 SR open bowrider, rising out of the hole quickly and topping 50 mph in a dead heat. But it’s the cuddy that gives the SC its extra dimension, serving as a bedroom, changing room, and kitchen. It will wind up as a stowage room, too, because the in-sole locker hatch is too small to accommodate water toys.
Realistically, how often will you actually sleep aboard a 24′ cuddy cabin boat? Once? Twice? The 2300 SC’s cabin will make that choice quite bearable, with a decent V-berth for two adults. The standard portable MSD is tucked to starboard opposite the galley, and it has a privacy curtain. The bulkheads and overhead are carpeted, and ventilation comes from a hatch overhead-though adding side ports would give the cabin better ventilation should you decide to overnight.
The consoles, seat bases, and motorbox frame are bonded to the hull, making the components resistant to stress and reinforcing the hull. A plus can be found in the PVC tubing used for limber holes: It’s sealed in place so that water won’t permeate the rot-resistant plywood core of the stringers and frames. The hull is joined to the deck with screws backed with wood blocks for bite and sealed with putty.
Maxum also offers the 2300 SC as a Control Max Premier Edition ($43,888 with a 260-hp MerCruiser 5.7L Bravo Three). The Control Max system allows you to maneuver your boat by moving a joystick in the direction you want it to go. The stick activates thrusters in the bow or stern, allowing for easy docking, quick evasive maneuvers, and handling in close quarters.
HIGH POINTS: An extended swim platform comes standard. The adjustable helm benches have flip-up bolsters so you can sit or stand. There’s a remote oil filter for easier service. A lockable glovebox by the helm is good for stowing small valuables.
LOW POINTS: Aft seat benches are not part of the molded structure but are screwed into the deck. The sole stowage locker hatch is too small to fit skis and wakeboards. Tiny and unfinished stowage bins under the V-berth.
TOUGHEST COMPETITOR: Check out the Crownline 230 CCR, which sells for $44,979 with a 300-hp MerCruiser MAG MPI. The 230 CCR has a different cockpit layout, with a wraparound bench extending forward along the port gunwale and one bucket seat at the helm. Like the Maxum, the 230 CCR has an extended swim platform.
LOA……..23’11” ****
Beam……8’6″
Draft (max.)…3’0″ ****
Displacement (lbs., approx.)……..3,400
Transom deadrise……..22°
Bridge clearance…..5’3″
Minimum cockpit depth………2’7″
Max. cabin headroom……4’6″ ****
Fuel capacity (gal.)……..70 ****
Water capacity (gal.)…….10 ****
Price (w/standard power)……$36,203 ****
Price (w/test power)…..$41,366
STANDARD POWER: Single 220-hp 5.0L MerCruiser Alpha V-8 gasoline stern drive.
OPTIONAL POWER: Single MerCruiser gasoline stern drive to 320 hp.
TEST BOAT POWER: Single 300-hp MerCruiser 350 MAG MPI Bravo One V-8 gasoline stern drive with 350 cid, 4.00″ bore x 3.48″ stroke, swinging a 24″-pitch propset through a 1.5:1 reduction.
STANDARD EQUIPMENT (major items): Extended swim platform; JVC AM/FM/CD stereo; digital hourmeter; digital depth indicator; 12v outlet; portable MSD; snap-in cabin carpet; convertible top; nav. lights; battery shutoff switch; power-assisted steering; remote oil drain; six 6” ss cleats; ss ski-tow-eye.
