Maxum 4600 SCB Limited Edition (2000)

Daily Cruise capacity 8 People Overnight Capacity is 4 People It is no secret that one of the greatest challenges in production yacht building is keeping the line moving. Building boats that have long lists of options creates inconsistency and bogs down the process. With that in mind, Maxum introduced the 4600 SCB in 1998 and priced her aggressively with a reasonable standard equipment list. The boat offered modern styling, attractive interior appointments and pleasant performance (“Maximum Return,” April 2000), all for less of an investment than many yachts in her category. While the boat was successful, Maxum noticed a trend: most 4600 SCBs were being delivered fully equipped. And so the new 4600 SCB Limited Edition was born, a compilation of small refinements including powder-coated window frames and a beefed up list of standard features, including Cummins power. The Limited Edition’s most significant new feature is her fiberglass hardtop. This attractive, practical solution replaces the SCB’s low-slung arch, which served little purpose. The hardtop, whose finished interior surface is fitted with lighting and speakers for the Bose sound system, provides a proper footing for antennas and adds valuable all-weather real estate. The air-conditioned bridge (one of the Limited Edition’s few options), when fitted with an isinglass enclosure, will cool the summer swelter. Aft on the bridge are an L-shape lounge, a table, a wet bar and a sunpad area. The helm has adjustable split-bench seating with a flip-up bolster. Visibility is excellent for an enclosed bridge design. The dash panel is finished in simulated burl wood and outfitted with analog instrumentation and Teleflex hydraulic steering with a tilt wheel. A remote switch at the helm commands the Lewmar vertical mount anchor windlass at the bow. (While such systems are common these days, I still feel it is important to secure ground tackle manually.) The standard electronics package includes a 24-mile radar, a digital depth sounder and a VHF radio. Serious cruisers should consider the optional package with the 48-mile radar/GPS plotter, autopilot and hailer. The Limited Edition’s interior arrangement is essentially unchanged from that on the SCB, whose saloon and open galley needed little improvement. An upgraded entertainment system with a flat-screen TV and Bose surround sound stereo requires less space and created room for a settee opposite the sofa.