1999 Maxum 4600 SCB14m

The Maxum 4600 SCB falls into the final category and, come to think of it, San Francisco Bay off Sausalito more than rates as a dream location. So what if and I didn't have all day to wait and watch the sunset from the upper deck of the 45-foot-11-inch-long, 14-foot-4-inch-wide cruiser? As the saying goes, two out of three ain't bad.

Moving 30,400 pounds of boat through the water is a formidable job, and to get it done the 4600 SCB was equipped with two Cummins 450C Diamond Series diesels.

But forget the brawn, because the 4600 SCB is all about beauty, starting with its master stateroom with a queen-size bed and private access to a head compartment complete with a bathtub and a shower. All cabinetry in the master was finished in cherry wood, as was the cabinetry throughout the guest stateroom and main salon. (For those who prefer a lighter look, ash cabinetry is an option.) With a refrigerator/freezer, a convection/microwave oven, a hot-and cold-water sink and a three-burner electric stove, the galley should please demanding chefs, as would its Corian ® countertops. For additional stowage of cold beverages and perishables, another refrigerator was supplied in the entertainment center aft of the galley, along with a TV/VCR and CD stereo system.

The entire boat could, in fact, be viewed as an entertainment center, given that the dining and salon area could host 10 people sitting and perhaps double that standing. On warm evenings, "overflow" guests could make their way up the easily climbed stairs (thanks to well-placed stainless-steel handrails) to the top deck. Once there, they'd find a generous open area all the way aft, an L-shaped lounge that comfortably could seat six to port and yet another entertainment center with a sink and refrigerator behind the double-wide helm seat to starboard.