2600-2700 SE

The market for big trailerable cruisers is as competitive as any in the marine industry. This is the sweet spot for many buyers, the intersection of size, comfort and price where over 20 manufacturers slugged it out for market share a few years back. Introduced in 2006, the Maxum 2600 SE (called the 2700 SE in 2008–09) is a single-engine family express with stylish lines, agile handling qualities, and a generic mid-cabin interior. No, she doesn’t have the “space of a 30-footer” as Maxum’s marketing hype claimed, but she does have an unusually large cockpit for a boat this size. Below deck, the inviting cabin—with cherry wood trim, enclosed head with shower, and a U-shaped lounge forward—will sleep four adults in reasonable comfort. The Corian galley counter and built-in microwave are nice, but galley storage is minimal. The Maxum’s open transom design and extended swim platform make boarding easy, and the optional sport arch folds down for trailering. Note the swivel double helm seat with flip-up bolster. The tiered, easy-to-read dash gauges are also a plus. Cruise in the mid 20s (35 knots top) with a single 320hp MerCruiser I/O.