[dkritzberg]

I am in the market to get a new (to me) boat this season. I've seen Mariahs at various boat shows over the years & have always been impressed, but was never in the market at the right time. I came across a nice looking Z-272 Barchetta that seems reasonably priced. I like the idea of a BIG bowrider & this one definately qualifies. My question is how well has this model held up? I had my Bayliner (A 92' Capri 1850) for 14 years & despite Bayliners rep, was very pleased with how well she stayed together & ran, (with TONS of abuse I might add). She was a bit well worn but still looked & ran pretty good when I got rid of her. Are there any issues that I need to keep an eye out for? Do I need to worry about checking any specific seals? What should I expect as far as performance is concerned? (Mercrusier 454 385hp. Not sure what the OD is though, looks like it may be an Alpha 1).

Thanks in advance

[ShabahZ280]

Welcome to the board!

The Z272 was one of the most tried and true models of the Mariah line. It ran from 1995 - until the end in May of 2001. I spoke with a factory worker who helped design the Z272 and said they used to all joke that the Z272 is the only boat you could drop off a 4-story building, and put it straight in the water, and it'd still be the best built and best looking boat out there.

As far as any issues, you'll most likely just need to have it checked out by a certified mechanic. In fact, since it's over 26ft, you should most likely have it surveyed. It'll cost a few hundred dollars, but having a professional inspection of the whole boat would be worth it before you buy.

The Mercruiser 454 with 385hp is the "454 Magnum", which is a performance engine, and it won't be mounted to an Alpha, but a "Bravo". Expect performance numbers in the 54-60mph range.

And if you're upgrading from a Bayliner to a Z272, expect QUITE A FEW more options. The Z-series was the top of the line, and Mariah's slogan was "Equipped like No Other Boat in the World."

[dkritzberg]

Very nice.. That's the kind of info I was hoping to hear. Actually I'm changing from a 2005 Chaparral 220 Ssi. (Sigh....nice boat. BUT too expensive.) She had a top end of 50 to 55 with the 5.7 VovloPenta swinging a 19" duo-prop Seeing the same kind of numbers on a boat thats 5 ft longer & 1100 lbs heavier is awesome. But considering the output of the 454 it makes sense.

I'm looking forward to a sea trial here in about 3 weeks.

[Jason_Smith008]

I have a 94 Z272 Barchetta that I purchased August of last year. In joining this website, I found that I have one of the first ones ever made so that was cool to know. I had a bit of a catastrophe when I first put it on the water as I smoked the 454. Before that I managed to put a few hours on it and loved it. Since then I have put a 502 mercury engine that I picked up. Sounds like the Magnum has about the same hp numbers as I have with the 502. I have had it on the water several times this year and fall more and more in love with it every time. This past weekend I had it out in a very robust wind. I wont get to lying about the swells but they were way bigger than any of my previous boats would want to take. The funny thing was I didn't hardly notice them. They smaller cheaper boats that were with me were getting tossed like a bass boat in the ocean. All of the other boats passengers were soaked by the time we got across the lake while mine were high and dry. This boat has more room than a comparable sized camper as far as storage and I can't say enough good things about it. This boat was put together very well. The only complaint I might have is the dash. The stereo area leaves a little to be desired but a trip to a machine shop and mine is solid as a rock with an aluminum face. I had to switch because I went with a larger Kenwood head unit that didn't like the small area Mariah provided. I currently am trying to get a hold of a 23 or even 25 pitch prop to try out as the original 21 seems to over rev a bit if you let it. I like the take off but want to tune it in to save the motor. I got 49 (gps) out of it the other day and it had more but I shut her down around 4500. I didn't want to replace an engine again. Anyway, I hope you get your Mariah. I can't wait to enjoy a LONG relationship with mine. I have been posting tons of pics on my Gallery so you can check some pics out if you like. Jas