[CIRCUMFERENCE]

Hello,

After looking at and researching thousands of boats, I recently purchased a 2001 Mariah Z 275 ST. The boat is far from mint condition, but I love the layout with the large rear deck area, center cuddy, and open bow. The boat was re-powered in October of 2012 with a 383 stroker engine and runs very well. The Bravo three, dual prop out-drive was also rebuilt at that time. The previous owner also added captain's through hull exhaust that can be switched on / off from dash.

The boat appeared to have taken on water at some point as I had to recently replace the 125 gallon gas tank due to corrosion at bottom weld joint causing a fuel leak. There is also a visible water line under the cushions in the center cuddy, probably part of the reason for the re-power.

When I open the rear engine hatch I see a beautiful 383 stroker engine in a damp engine compartment. I am concerned about potential transom rot. When researching I thought Mariah put very little to no wood in the hull's of the pre 2002 boats? Does anyone know if there is wood in my transom? Do I need to be concerned about transom or hull rot at all? There does appear to be some wood with the some of the glass wearing off where the batteries sit on either side of the engine. The motor mounts also appear to have about an 1/8th inch crack in them? The last thing I want to have happen is this beautiful engine falling though the back hull and transom of the boat.

I keep the boat in a dry storage and have had it in the water about six times now and it has taken on water every time at varying degrees. Nothing that the bilge pump has not handled, but somewhat concerning to say the least. I have replaced the drain plug and put some 5200 around the area before mounting a new one. Can anyone give me some assurance that the hull and transom cannot rot in this boat? The bilge and rear drain area always appear to be wet and damp...

Needless to say, I did get what I felt was an awesome deal on this boat vs book value, but I am hoping I am not going to have to completely rebuild it...

Had it out in the the ocean yesterday and was very impressed with comfort, handling, and performance...

This is my first boat ownership experience. Any insight anyone has is greatly appreciated...

Thank you...!

Mike

[CIRCUMFERENCE]

Drilled hole in transom down by trim tabs to mount a couple round blue led underwater lights... Some wood came out on the drill bit. So much for the idea that the transom is solid fiberglass... Anyone have any insight on this subject, hull construction, transom constructions, etc?

[Motoxxx43]

I cant say I have experience with the transom and wood but I may have some ideas for you and the water you are taking on. Have you looked at the bellows? Next time she is out of the water trim her all the way up and have a good look at the rubber hoses on the outdrive. If they are hard or appear to have dry rot it would be smart to replace them and do the gimbal bearing while you have it apart. Especially considering the fact it was submerged. Having a different motor and some motor mount issues that would be an excellent time to check the alignment of gimbal and coupler as well.

It may not be a bad idea to have some professionals have look at the items in question.

[ShabahZ280]

Mariah used Greenwood Forest XL Marine wood in their construction as a base panel (which is a super high grade marine plywood above the standards of most manufacturers). It had a limited lifetime warranty, and unless the raw wood was consistently exposed to water, you shouldn't have anything to worry about, there's layers upon layers of fiberglass over the top of it. Mariah didn't skimp on their construction materials, they used products that were way more expensive than what the others were using in order to build their boats to last.

I'd still have a professional take a look at it. Most marine surveyors will have the equipment to measure moisture and can tell you of any potential areas of concern.

[CIRCUMFERENCE]

Greatly appreciate the feedback so far guys! The motor mounts are cracking and out drive is getting water in it, boat still taking on a little water in bilge, usually not enough to turn bilge pump on. Mechanic is having to pull motor and will have to fix motor mounts and re glass entire engine compartment as he thinks the motor may be shifting a little on the mounts and causing misalignment and water leaks... 383 has a lot of torque... Sure hope that wood is still in descent shape and he can just glass over it again without having to rebuild stringers, etc... See attached pics of what we are looking at:












Appreciate any and all feedback... TY...