Want to get rid of the ads? Become a member by registering today.
The Mariah Owners Club

Forum Left Top

Welcome to the The Mariah Owners Club.


Opinions on z260 purchase

Original Mariah Talk

Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 06-01-2015, 11:57 AM   #1

SPINPOSI is currently offline
Posts: 1
Status: Stowaway
Join Date: May 2015
My Year: 1998
My Model: 260Z
My Engine: 454
Gallery Images: 0


Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Send SPINPOSI:
a Private Message
 
Default Opinions on z260 purchase

Hello!

Looking to buy a 1998 z260 in nice shape with 245 hrs.

Anything in particular with a Mariah I should look for or be concerned about?

Where is the best place to obtain Mariah parts?
It needs a new dash trim piece and a few minor things?

Thank you for any help with this!

Jason
Reply With Quote
  • Old 06-01-2015, 06:52 PM   #2
     
    ShabahZ280's Avatar

    ShabahZ280 is currently offline
    Posts: 3,825
    Status: Admin & Mariah Fanatic
    Join Date: Jun 2007
    Location: Cincinnati, OH
    Find me on the Map
    My Year: 1999
    My Model: Z280 MCC
    My Engine: 7.4L MPI Bravo III
    Gallery Images: 1564


    Thanks: 8
    Thanked 367 Times in 274 Posts
    Send ShabahZ280:
    a Private Message
     
    Default Re: Opinions on z260 purchase

    Welcome to the MOC Jason!

    The Z260 is a nice cruiser. I've got it's big brother, the Z280 and it's a great boat. If you haven't read up on the history of Mariah, check these articles out. Mariah Boats Inc & Jimmy Fulks Biography

    Mariah invested millions of dollars into equipment and made the majority of their parts in-house to reduce the demand on outside vendors for parts... This is a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing when they're in business and never have to rely on other companies and they can be completely self-sufficient. BUT when the company (Mariah) goes out of business, (which they did in 2001), finding replacement parts for things becomes a challenge, because no one's producing them anymore. Dashes, moldings, bow rails, radar arches, storage locker lids, ladders, doors, tables, trim panels, etc. were all made in-house by Mariah. One of the hardest parts to come by is the dash gauge cluster. These were made from ABS molded plastic, a woodgrain finish was applied, and then a clearcoat. However, after years of sun & UV exposure, they start to deteriorate and crack if not taken care of. So your chances of finding a replacement are literally slim to none, repair is the only option. In my previous boat, the Z250, I decided to document the whole process of repairing mine. You can read about it HERE . Long story short, about $800 later I had a repaired version, that lasted me a few years and started to crack again. Some people here have tried some fiberglass/epoxy methods to strengthen them up after repair and have had positive results. But you should just read up on this before deciding if it's something you want to get involved in.

    I have a small crack on mine now from the switch being pressed too hard by the previous owner, but I decided it's not worth the headaches of repairing it again. You may just want to analyze and see if the damage is something you can live with, or if it truly affects the boat, and could potentially get worse.

    As for any other parts on the boat that may need replacing, (other than those listed above), are easily sourced from different manufacturers, and we've put together a list. Mariah Parts & Vendors List

    Do you have any pics or a link?
    __________________
    Chris
    -1999 Mariah Z280 MCC, 7.4L MPI Bravo 3 DuoProp
    -2000 Mariah Shabah Z250 Limited Edition, 7.4L MPI, Bravo 1 (Sold, but not forgotten!)
    -Formerly known as ShabahZ250
    -USCG Licensed 50 Ton Near Coastal Master Captain with Towing Certification
    Reply With Quote
    Reply

    Bookmarks




    Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
     


    Similar Threads
    Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
    Considering 202 need opinions Skert2 Original Mariah Talk 5 07-12-2012 02:00 PM
    Looking to buy a '93 235 Bowrider - Need some opinions rgarrison Original Mariah Talk 5 07-23-2011 05:30 AM
    Z260 thawk Trailering and Tow Vehicles 0 08-30-2009 12:07 PM
    98 Z260 Mcc Rick Emert Introductions 1 07-17-2009 01:22 PM



    Forum Right Top
    Forum Left Bottom Forum Right Bottom
     
    Right Left
    Member Login
    Forgot password?
    Forum LeftForum Right

    About the Club
    Age of the Mariah Owners Club:

    Total Members: 18,530
    Total Threads: 12,965
    Total Posts: 68,332
    Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Subscribe to Mariah Owners Club on YouTube
    There are 605 users
    currently browsing forums.
    Forum LeftForum Right

    Find us on Facebook
    Forum LeftForum Right

    Club Sponsors
    Right Sponsor





    Forum LeftForum Right
    Right Right
    Right Bottom Left Right Bottom Right