Hello Mariah Owners / Guru's
 

Hi,
My name is Joe and I reside in Delaware, I currently own a 2005 Bayliner BR185 Bowrider named "Emily Girl" after my daughter. I've joined this group to gain very valuable knowledge about the 1999ish Mariah Z260. I am looking to purchase one, with two ladies who love boating like me the lack of a head on my Bowrider is becoming an issue, especially with my 11 year daughter and 81 year old father. I've just started the visiual inspection, no survey or engine/trans inspection yet. I want to know from you Mariah owners and vast experience with the brand what are the gotchcas I should look for. I do know the cabin door will not open (or I just don't know how to operate it). The battery(s) are dead and it was only 31 degrees when I climbed aboard. I'd appreciete any and all nuances on the gorgous looking vessel.

Thank you so very much for your time.

-Joe

Re: Hello Mariah Owners / Guru's
 

Welcome aboard Joe. You'll have to realize that the word 'Bayliner' is usually followed with a few expletives around here but since you are planning on getting rid of yours we'll let it pass this time. ;)

Original Mariahs are generally very well built boats and if they have been properly maintained by previous owners they will be a very enjoyable boat to own and operate.

As for the Z260 there isn't much in the way of model specific items to look for but some in general. Make sure that cabin door works and isn't broken cuz finding track/latch/replacement doors can be difficult. Interior trim pieces and glass are the two hardest things to find for any original Mariah. Make sure all of the electrical items work properly, particularly things like the outdrive trim & trim gauge because replacing the sensors usually means removal of the outdrive along with the rear hatch lift actuators/motors. Mechanical & electrical items can usually be found since they are common to other boats. Interior vinyls can be a little pricey to put right if they are damaged because Mariah used extra heavy PreFixx vinyl so they want to be in good condition. Above all, an on the water test run is always a good thing!

Best of luck and let us know if you go ahead with the purchase!

Re: Hello Mariah Owners / Guru's
 

Welcome to MOC! :)
Mikey has got it covered well I think.
Ask for maintenance records is the only other thing I can think of off hand.
Can you post us some picks?:wink_thumbup:

Re: Hello Mariah Owners / Guru's
 

Thank you Mike for a place to start. Are Mariah's still being produced?

Re: Hello Mariah Owners / Guru's
 

Larry, these are pictures of the side during Delaware's last night snow storm.

Re: Hello Mariah Owners / Guru's
 

You can read about this in the FAQ link but the short story is that the original Mariah Boat Co went bankrupt in 2001 & the assets were auctioned off. Sea-Fox Boats bought the Mariah name along with some of the molds for boats under 25' and produced their own Mariah boat from 2003 until present. The two boats are not comparable nor are any of the parts interchangeable and Sea-Fox provides no support for the original Mariahs.