General comments about the boat
Maximus was fitted out by J D Boats in
a Canalcraft 10-6-4-5 steel hull.
Fit-out
The inside is fitted out in the
clean, modern style in light oak.
At the bow there is a gas locker containing three 13kg Calor propane
bottles, two of which are connected to an auto-change regulator.
The fore deck has an anchor locker plus two moveable storage lockers
(one on each side) with a 675 litre stainless steel water tank
underneath.
Double steel doors lead to an open plan vinyl floored saloon, with a
Puffin stove to starboard and a cupboard with colour TV, DVD and
CD/radio to port. There are 2 chairs (that convert to beds), 1
storage footstool and a gate-leg table that stores 4 folding chairs.
The vinyl flooring continues through the galley, with a sink and
drainer to starboard and a Lec 12 Volt fridge and Stoves hob and
oven to port; with a good run of countertop and open shelves on one
side. 2 more folding chairs store upright under the counter next to
the open shelves.
The middle cabin has 2 single berths which can convert to one double
bed. Wardrobe and a shelf over the port bed with reading lights.
Storage under the beds.
The shower room has a hip bath with power shower over, a sink with
storage under, a Mansfield Traveller pumpout toilet with 40 gallon
holding tank and an Alde boiler for the central heating and hot
water. Storage cabinet with mirrors over sink.
The main bedroom has four portholes, a fixed 4ft double bed with
pocketed-spring mattress. Storage under the bed which
can extend to 4'6". There is a wardrobe at the back, plus airing
cupboard and a coats/utility area on port side of centre steps to
the back deck.
The semi trad rear deck is equipped with rear doors and a tonneau
cover for warmth and privacy, also two stools and the engine
controls.
Equipment
The Shire 2000 40hp diesel engine is in a soundproofed compartment
under the back deck. It is fitted with a two-stage hospital silencer
as well as two alternators (80 & 40A). The 12V electrical system is
supplied by a 440 AHr domestic battery with an independent 110 AHr
starter battery.
There is a mains charger for the domestic
batteries which are monitored by a Voltwatch system. 240 V mains is
supplied by a 850W Victron Atlas 12/850 inverter, and is distributed
to four sockets, one in each cabin.
The gas fired central heating is supplied by an Alde boiler with
thermostatically controlled radiators in both cabins and two in the
lounge. The hot water tank is to starboard of the rear steps, with
an airing cupboard above.
Hot water is readily available as it is supplied via a choice of an
immersion heater, the Alde boiler or the engine heated calorifier
which is situated below the airing cupboard in rear cabin.
The galley has crockery and cutlery enough for 6, plus china mugs,
glasses and the usual pots and pans, teapot, coffee pot, chopping
boards, cutlery etc.
There are 2 (10.5 tog) double quilts and 2 single quilts, plus a
minimum of 8 pillows. There is also one 4.5 tog double quilt.
A full set of ropes, mooring pins & hooks, hammer, windlasses,
anchor & chain, first line spares and general tools are available.
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We've had our share in Maximus
since 2001 and bought it from the yard, and we've had lots of happy
holidays on Maximus. Being a self run group the costs are low, and
we do some of our own maintenance as well.
Maximus is well looked after, and when we need to replace something
we have the funds to do so without needing to make an extra charge.
Last year we had a new engine, the old one was still running at
17,000 hours (thanks in no small measure to 250 hr oil changes) but
a ring had gone, and we felt it had done all we could ask of it.
The sides have been painted, and the year before the floor was
replaced. It's a good group of owners, and as we don't have a
management company, we work together, which I think makes people
care more for the boat.
We are down sizing our share as the kids are now teenagers and
really don't like 2 weeks with no or poor internet, but we intend to
buy a half share from one of the other owners and will be cruising
on Maximus for years to come.
My share guarantees
me the two full weeks that make up the Easter school holiday break
each year. BUT the other two weeks I get are dealt with by one of
the committee. Everyone puts in what they would like, and he tries
to give everyone what they ask for, and people are generally
reasonable about accepting his decision. But no share has any
priority over any other in that.
(N.B. There is
one share which is guaranteed the October half term week, so that
week is never available to me.)
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