Maxi 1000 Information, Review, Specs

Produced by Maxi Yachts, a builder with a long-standing commitment to quality, the Maxi 1000 reflects the company's ethos of prioritizing safety, comfort, and speed. The brand, founded by Petterson in 1972, has consistently produced vessels celebrated for their robust construction and excellent design, a tradition clearly evident in the Maxi 1000.

History and Design

The Maxi 1000 entered production in 1992 and continued until 1999, with approximately 110 units built. Its design stems from the singular vision of Pelle Petterson, whose influence is a defining characteristic across all Maxi models. Petterson, an esteemed Swedish sailor and America's Cup challenger, aimed to create yachts that seamlessly combined comfort, safety, and speed. This philosophy is clearly reflected in the Maxi 1000, designed as a performance cruiser that offers rewarding sailing alongside comfortable accommodations. There is no indication of significant MkI or MkII variations during its production run, suggesting a consistent design throughout its build years.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Maxi 1000 is recognized as a quick, seaworthy, and solidly built vessel. With a reported sail area of 505.9 sq ft and a displacement of 9921 lbs, the calculated Sail Area to Displacement Ratio is approximately 18.2. This figure suggests a yacht that performs well in light air while still possessing enough sail power for spirited sailing as the wind builds. Her Ballast to Displacement Ratio of roughly 0.33 (3307 lbs ballast / 9921 lbs displacement) indicates a moderate level of stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze. The Displacement to Length Ratio, calculated at approximately 167 (Displacement in long tons / (0.01 * LWL)^3 where LWL is 26.9 ft), positions the Maxi 1000 as a relatively light to moderate displacement boat, contributing to her excellent performance capabilities.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the Maxi 1000 for its excellent sailing performance, ease of handling, and balanced helm. The fractional sloop rig, with its smaller headsails, makes tacking easier, which is advantageous for cruising and shorthanded sailing. The cockpit mainsheet system further enhances ease of control. She is described as being quick and offering a comfortable motion, even in various sea states, a testament to her well-balanced design.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance focus, the Maxi 1000 offers a thoughtfully planned interior layout designed for comfort and convenience, suitable for extended cruising or shorter trips. The boat features a maximum headroom of 6.23 feet, providing ample space below deck. The interior is nicely finished, often featuring cherrywood or solid teak and teak plywood coated in marine lacquer, which contributes to a quality feel that has stood the test of time.

Typically, the layout includes a spacious fore cabin with two bunks that can be extended with an infill cushion, providing ample sleeping space and generous stowage beneath. The salon offers comfortable seating, often with a U-shaped settee and a table, alongside a well-appointed galley. Storage solutions are integrated throughout the boat, with shelves and lockers providing practical stowage for provisions and personal gear. While specific details on ventilation are not consistently highlighted, the overall design aims to create a livable space for cruising. The single head is typically well-arranged and functional.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently commend the Maxi 1000 for its solid construction, excellent build quality, and high-quality fittings, contributing to its strong resale value. Many appreciate the boat's ease of sailing, particularly with the self-tacking jib setup, which makes single-handed sailing manageable. The strong owner's association is also a frequently mentioned positive, fostering a supportive community and organizing rallies.

While generally well-regarded, some owners note that, as with any vessel of its age, certain maintenance items may arise. For instance, issues like limescale buildup in the holding tank have been reported by owners. However, serious structural problems are uncommon, reinforcing the reputation for robust construction. Overall, owners consistently praise the Maxi 1000 as a reliable, enjoyable, and well-performing cruiser.