In addition to the obvious buying power this affords with suppliers, Maxum boats benefit from the company's willingness to invest in engineering and technology. Numerically controlled routers cut structural bulkheads, non-structural interior partitions and joinery. Fiberglass lamination and assembly are done by hand. Woven and stitched fiberglass reinforcements are used, and closed-cell foam coring stiffens the hull sides, decks and superstructure. A vinylester skin coat reduces the chance of blistering.
Stringers are fiberglass-encapsulated wood, and plywood bulkheads are resin coated.
What all this adds up to in the Maxum 3500 is a roomy, attractive, solidly built boat from a company dedicated to consistency in fit and finish. Not only is her price attractive, you know you'll get what you pay for. Sound levels were acceptable, and she was responsive and predictable at speed. Our test boat had 310 hp 7.4 L MPI MerCruisers. With the 7.4s, we recorded a cruising speed of 22.5 knots at 3500 rpm and a maximum speed of 30 knots.