Maybe it's just me...

abillmann · 06-01-2009, 02:34 PM

...but it seems like my '91 Mariah 1900ZS (and other older Mariahs, too) sits in the water at a much more pronounced angle than other brands. While mine does have the larger V6 in back--and thus, more weight--it seems like the bow is fairly high in relation to Sea Rays, Four Winns, etc of similar vintage. Then again, the seating is the sport configuration (meaning even more weight in the back). And the seat construction, hatch, and motor compartment are about as solid and heavy as I've ever seen -- built like the proverbial brick sh*thouse.

On my boat, the back platform is literally inches off the water. It doesn't seem "wrong," but just a little weird. It's not listing or anything like that.

So is this normal? Where a lot of boats, at no-wake speed, are virtually flat in the water, mine has a definite tilt. Is this a Mariah thing, or have I answered my own question by stating how much weight is in the stern?

Maybe add a bag of salt pellets somewhere up in the bow?

Don't worry... there's no additional water on board -- it's not leaking or sinking.

What's your take?

depman160 · 06-01-2009, 07:25 PM

I have a '92 2000Z and haven't noticed an issue with mine.
I have a 5.0L V8 in mine and when tied to the dock, sits fairly level.
My swim platform also sits only a few inches off the water and if standing on the starboard side, the hole in the little cubby hold on the swim deck pushes underwater and fills up, but then drains right out if I move away.

Anyway, it may just be the style of your boat, or maybe you are just thinking too much about it!

abillmann · 06-01-2009, 10:12 PM

This isn't my boat, but mine looks a lot like this. (Note the position in the water.)

***indykoch*** · 06-02-2009, 07:54 PM

Yeah, Moondance has a 502 big block in the back of that though...

Are you certain there aren't any water issues? A water-logged transom and/or stringers could definitely weigh down the back end. That, or just tell MikeyT to get out of your boat

abillmann · 06-02-2009, 08:18 PM

Definitely no water issues -- it was out of the water for nearly a year, had a thorough inspection by a qualified inspector, and remains dry as a bone as I type. In a weird way, I was kind of hoping for a leaky plug or something that would quickly explain it.

So maybe it IS just me. Other very experienced boaters and friends have seen it and no one has mentioned anything. Like I said, it doesn't look wrong, per se. I guess that's better than people pointing and laughing!

jeffryb · 06-03-2009, 01:18 AM

My 93 1900Z sit's like that in the water and I love it.I've got the 4.3 lx and I think it's just how the older Mariah's were made. My wife love's it cause she can sit on the swim plateform and put her feet in the water. Just think of it as we have one sweet boat.

stereoman405 · 06-03-2009, 09:04 PM

FWIW I thought the very same thing when I started looking at Mariahs, just based off of pics online. I've only had mine out a couple times and wasn't paying attention to see if it holds true for mine. Seemed like it was more pronounced of some models. And yes, the added weight of the construction would make a difference. I imagine fuel load would make a difference as well.

abillmann · 06-03-2009, 09:11 PM

Ah yes... fuel.

So to recap the weight back there:

1. Big V6
2. Seats across the back
3. Hatch, hatchlift motor
4. Full tank of fuel

Yeah, I guess it makes sense that the bow is tipped up a bit!

Trim tabs and a hydrofoil, anyone?