[pykebaot]

Hi all, great form you have here. I am very close to purchasing a 1994 Mariah Talari 220. It has the 5.7 merc with 350 hours on it. Looks in good shape. ANy opinions on this model, or things I should look for? Thanks for any help you may have!

[kylakerat]

I have a 96 Z220 Talari and simply love it. It is a very well built boat that feels solid as a rock in rough water, no flexing or twisting in anything. I only have the usual issues with mine such as the cracked radio mounting plastic, cracking vinyl sunpad, and and occasional loose screw here or there.

Mine has the 7.4 (454) engine with a Bravo III drive. While the boat is very slightly under-propped (for better holeshot) it will run about 60 with a light load and cruises nicely at 40 to 45.

I don't know exactly how big the fuel tank is, but when gas is high, it breaks my heart to have to fill it up. When gas was near $5, I once put $200 in it to top it off, so I think it has around a 50 gallon tank. As long as you stay out of the 4 barrel, a tank seems to last forever.

As with any boat, check the drive and engine out thoroughly as they're the parts that will give you the most headache, the Mariah part should be just fine!

[Z 202]

The fuel tank in a '94 222 is 60 gallons.

kylakerat has pretty much covered it. There are some interior bits that are difficult if not impossible to find, so custom will be your only route for things like seats, upholstery, and the dashboard areas. We have a sticky thread with suppliers for most of the other parts. If it's been well maintained cosmetically, and the engine/drive check out, you should have very little cause for concern.

[abillmann]

I've just been through this, and if I were to do everything again, here's what I'd do:

0. Prepare to spend some money unless you specifically know the maintenance history.

1. Replace the impeller, have the engine oil changed, change gear lube, install new plugs, install new shift cable.

2. Have all hoses inspected, and plan on paying for a bellows job.

3. Have the gimbal bearing inspected and possibly replaced.

4. Have all the drive seals inspected and possibly replaced.


That should torch about $1500, but will make your initial experience MUCH better!

[jasfiveo]

I have a 1994 220z Talari with 7.4L 454 Bravo III and love it. I agree with changing the impeller. Just had mine overheat. Had to replace the impeller, thermostat, exhaust shutters, and two oil changes. I also agree with the shift cable. Mine needs replaced..don't think greasing it anymore is going to help. I love my boat....just remeber you will pay to play!!!!

[kylakerat]

Originally Posted by abillmann

plan on paying for a bellows job.

Call me gutter-minded, but that give me a chuckle!

Back to the topic. A lengthy sea-trial will give you a lot of info, so if the buyer will let you, take it for a good long spin. Turn the drive sharp while trimmed under to see if you have any gimble bearing or u-joint noise. Run it hard, then run it easy. Idle around for a bit after then engine is completely warmed up to see if the temps stay down. Start and stop the engine from time to time to ensure good starts.

Good Luck.