How to Make a Maxum Deck Boat Faster

The Maxum deck boat, a Brunswick Marine brand no longer in production, has some constraints on its performance that come from its hull design -- as do all boats. These include the maximum horsepower the vessel can handle. There are, however, no constraints on other changes you can make to parts of the drive system that will increase your Maxum deck boat's speed significantly and enhance the enjoyment of your boating experience.

Things You'll Need

  • Scrub brush
  • Soap
  • Water
  • Putty knife
  • Maxum operator's manual
  • "Test" propellers
  • 5/16-inch box-end wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure the engine is the largest permitted for the boat. Check the "Capacities" label, located at the bottom-right side of the transom for information on the maximum allowable horsepower for the Maxum deck boat's hull configuration. Ensure the engine is in tune and well maintained.

    • 2

      Clean marine growth, if any, from the hull, using a scrub brush and a mixture of soap and water. Scrape stubborn algae from the hull with a putty knife.

    • 3

      Visit your marine dealer and borrow a set of test propellers that will fit your Maxum boat. Test the propeller currently on the engine by operating the boat at wide-open throttle. Look at the tachometer and note the rpm. If the engine is operating at its maximum rpm -- consult the Maxum Operator's Manual for the maximum rpm -- when the throttle is at WOT, the installed propeller is the correct one.

    • 4

      Increase the pitch of the propeller -- the second number in the group of numbers on the propeller, separated by an "X" -- if the motor tries to go beyond maximum rpm at WOT. Increasing the pitch by 1 inch lowers the engine speed by about 200 rpm and increases the speed through the water. Switch between test propellers until the motor operates at maximum rpm while at WOT.