Need help removing interior side panels.
 

I have a 1996 Mariah 180 Shabah 18'. A critter chewed it's way thru a screen vent on top of my main boat cover. When it tried to exit it chewed both side panels near the rear of the boat and chewed up a folding sun cover up front. The sun cover and main cover are history but I need the side panels reupholstered.

I removed the snap covers and snaps that are held on with screws. I can't seem to remove the Emblem that says Mariah or the side panels themselves. I have tried to lift upwards and pull outwards without any luck. I forced a screw driver between the panel and the fiberglass and there seems to be some type of plastic connectors behind the panel.

Does anyone have an idea how I can remove the panels so that I can take them up and have the reupholstered? The attached pictures show's what the little sucker did and where the panels are located.
Any help would be appreciated.

Re: Need help removing interior side panels.
 

Good question, I asked for some help with the same issue in my 98' 202 a couple of weeks ago. No answers yet.

Re: Need help removing interior side panels.
 

I have no idea how the 180 walls/side panels are secured but on my 250 once the rear bench is out and the front seats are out the panels come out pretty easy. My panels had screws on the outer edges and I located them by popping my head into the side compartments and looking for the screws coming through the fiberglass. I would recommend taking it easy and not prying on the stuff if it is not comping off easy. I recall a few screws were concealed under a vinyl strap or even a little button cap. Hope this helps.

Re: Need help removing interior side panels.
 

My rear bench seat houses the engine compartment. The top hinges up and the seat itself folds forward. So the rear seat isn't in the way and the front seats are bucket seats with plenty of room between them and the side panels. So the seats aren't the problem. Someone told me that they think they are bolted from the backside in a channel that is mounted to the side. The problem is that I have only have access to the rear and it would take an arm 12 feet long to get to all of them. I going to check again and see if it is cut out underneath where the bolts are. Next I'll give the local boat shop a call and see if they have any ideas.

Re: Need help removing interior side panels.
 

If you are talking about the panels at the top of the gunnels, on my 1996 190 the panels are attached with aluminium clips mounted to the fiberglass sides and attatch to panels through a hole in the plywood backing. They are removed by pulling upon panel and tilting bottom out while lifting them off. If rain ever stops here on Long Island I will uncover boat and post a picture

Re: Need help removing interior side panels.
 

Agree, they should just lift off. I've removed mine several times for various reasons.

Re: Need help removing interior side panels.
 

Here is the starboard side panel removed to show how clips are situated. hope this helps

Re: Need help removing interior side panels.
 

Just got done with this project this weekend. My '98 202 had button covers, and screws hidden under them for the first panel. The remaining side panel that went from under the dash to the back had screws hidden in the carpet and through some more obvious holes at the top.

Overall, took me 3 hours on the first to get it off and then only 45 minutes on the other.

When in doubt, try to look behind. I ended up pulling one screw all the way out in the carpet because it stripped and I had no other choice.

Re: Need help removing interior side panels.
 

Hey baholtz..... Thanks for going first. I am about to take the interior out of my '98 202 to get it all re-done. Everything in mine has to go.... From the front rails to the engine cover/ sun deck. I am still out trying to get quotes for the upholstery. I also want to get snap-in carpet. If you have any specific insight into taking the interior out, shoot me a private message.
Thanks


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Re: Need help removing interior side panels.
 

Phil,

Did you start on your interior renovation? Reviving this thread cause I'm searching for vinyl colors to repair the front seats.