I doubt if the trim gauge is faulty. That problem usually lies in the sensor located on the outdrive. Sometimes you can get lucky by taking the sensor apart & cleaning it then carefully putting it back together. Again, corrosion is the most likely issue.

Concerning the backing plate, if there is one, and Im sure there must be, how do I access it? I mean, if I back all the bolts out will a plate drop to the bilge where I cant reach it? Or is it glassed in place? I am half-tempted to cut access hatches in the floor. I hate not being able to access parts of the bilge.

Hi JoshuaHynes, that's a good question. The Backing Plates appear to be screwed to the bottom of the deck prior to being drilled for the pedestal mounts, as seen from this photo


http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...kingPlates.jpg)


This picture is from the collection “Factory Photos” ShabahZ250 put up here: http://www.mariahownersclub.com/foru...hread.php?t=75


As you can see, you might be able to access them from the ski storeage hatch area. As for finding out is they are truly attached to the bottom of the deck, remove all but one bolt, swing the pedestal base enough to expost a bolt hole opposite of the remaining bolt, reinsert another bolt and tighten only half way. Now loosen the remaining tight bolt halfway as well and see if the plate tries to drop. If it does, you've got two bolts holding it from dropping completely into the bilge.

You know ShabahZ250, if I didn't know better; from some of these pictures, I'd say they were building our Talari...

Oh, before I forget, I want to personally thank you for these pictures as photo # 9 showed me how to remove and repair the exact same piece (color too) that the gentleman is holding in the bow area!

WetWilly

That's what we built this board for. Sharing helpful information! I'm just glad to see it's coming in handy for everybody! :)

Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like the only reason to use wood anywhere in a boat this size is to punish whoever is the owner 10 years later?

:yes_grin: lol. If i still owned my sea ray, I would agree with you! I had to replace a section of the floorboard that covered the gas tank and part of the bilge to the tune of around $500. The price was expensive because of the pressure treated lumber and the labor. A year and a half later, it started getting spongy feeling again, along with about 3 other spots in the cockpit. "Time for an upgrade"... Now I've got a fiberglass cockpit!

I replaced the floor on a boat recently and when I was done I realized that I would have spent the exact same amount if I had used Starboard instead of marine plywood and all that fiberglass. I would have had to support it with additional stringers, but I would never have to worry about rot.

I've never seen a boat with a wood floor that I couldnt find rot if the boat was more than 5 years old. Im really shocked that manufacturers use wood for floors even today.

Congratulations on your new boat and welcome aboard.

Did you know Prince Charles once owned a Mariah? I think it was around 1995 or 96.

We actually have pictures of the boat being delivered to Buckingham Palace towed behind a Rover! It's pretty cool!

It's on page 9 of the Winter 1997 company newsletter. Also shows a Mariah on the River Thames! We have a copy in the Promotional Materials Archive... but you'll need to be a contributor to check it out.

i cant find those pictures:confused: