My first Mariah
 

I saw the forum and figured I should be a part of the Mariah Club. I just purchased a 1997 Shabah 180 SE with a 3.0. This is my second boat as my first I thought it would be a good idea to purchase a Seadoo Jet boat. Well, after literally replacing or rebuilding the whole fuel system and other various parts and after only having driven it for a bout 2 hours I decided this was not the boat for us. It was a lot of fun but not a good adult cruising around boat.

So I decided to get a bowrider and this Mariah came up with its fancy crests and things. Seems to be a decent boat. I had to clean it up a little as expected with a 97. Ended up putting a 15" 17P aluminum prop and hydrofoil to help out that little 4cyl. get out of the hole.

I don't think the bilge works since the light the switch doesn't come on and I don't see water shoot out or hear the pump when I turn it on when its running or with the key on. I'm assuming it has a level type switch that will automatically pumps if it gets full.

Seems to start difficult after sitting for 1 hour or a week or more. I pump the throttle out of gear and sometimes it tries to start and I usually have to have the throttle down 1/4 to 1/2 way before it starts. It has new carb and may need the choke adjusted. I don't have a manual so I don't know the proper procedure for this motor. I have yet to check the compression but it seems to run great after warming up. I can't get on it at all until about 10 min of idle or 1/4 throttle.

I guess I need to get a manual since there is also a blown 5 amp fuse on the fuse block and nothing is labeled.

We are excited about this boat since its clean and seems like a heavy and well made boat.

Re: My first Mariah
 

Welcome to the MOC and congrats on your "new" Mariah!

Check all your fuses and replace any bad ones first.

Bilge pumps are automatic, operated by the attached float switch, but you should also be able to flip the switch on the dash and run it manually as well. First thing to check would be the pump itself and make sure the electric is powering the pump. With the power switch on, you can unplug the connectors on the bilge pump itself and test with an indicator light to make sure you're getting current to the pump. Plug everything back in, and then find the float switch. Lift it up a few times and see if it will activate. Bilges are very dirty, and the float switches are known to gunk up with nastiness, and need a cleaning occasionally. Manually lift the switch about a dozen times to clean it. If it's not coming on at all, and you're definitely getting power to the pump, then you'll need to replace it. They're not very much money, and one of the absolute essential things you need to have.

For your starting, that could be a few things. Change your fuel/water separator filter first. It's a simple and cheap thing to do, since you don't know when it was done last time. Next replace plugs, wires & rotor cap. Then get your carb tuned up. If after all of this, you're still having issues, then it may be time to have a professional go over it and see what's the issue.

The Mariah manual is useless, and you should not put any effort into getting one. It is more of a "Rules of the Road" and Boating 101 course than anything else. There is no model-specific info in there. Your best bet is to ask any questions you have about your boat here on the forum. That's why we created it! Plus we're all a friendly bunch and willing to help!

Good luck! :wink_thumbup:

Re: My first Mariah
 

Thank you for your response.

I replaced the blown fuse and it automatically blew as soon as I turned the key on. It would be nice if the fuse block were labeled, and if the manual isn't helpful then how do I figure out what fuse is to what?

I will try those things with the bilge and see what happens.

As soon as it stops raining here in Charlotte I will be putting on the new bimini top, replacing the belts or figure out what is making the squealing for a few seconds.

I'm hoping the electric choke isn't working so it will fix the hard starting.

I hope to find the water/fuel separator and replace it.

Re: My first Mariah
 

Morning Everyone

Just bought my first Mariah Z216 and it seems a gem. Looks good and looks very well made. Before buying i did some research and now am fairly happy i have bought a good solid ( (beautiful) boat.

My Mariah is almost 18 years old and needs some tlc as i want to use the cabin at night staying over in Studland/Swanage/ Cowes.

Can anyone please tell me/send me a copy of what switches do what on the dash board in the cockpit. It would be great if i could get a electrical drawing of this as well.
Also need to get a new door catch for cuddly and at the moment i have no navigation lights, Help needed

Shower rinse off does not work either

Thanks

rob