Considering Restoration of 99 Z252
 

Hey guys, great forum you have here! I am considering the purchase of a 99 Z252 in very rough conidtion. I don't know the history of the boat but I would guess it was in or around the LOZ area as the salvage yard it is in, is near there. Anyway, I have always like the Mariah boats and am looking for some ideas on a ballpark price to get this boat back to respectable condition. I don't need it to be perfect, just a respectable. My brother-in-law does fiberglass refinishing so he will be taking care of that part, are there any decals still available? Any idea where I could find seats? Are other parts still available? Thanks!

Vehicle View - Crashedtoys - 1999 Mariah Z252 - 357451

Re: Considering Restoration of 99 Z252
 

You've got yourself a project there. Seats, interior panels, trim pieces and fixtures are no longer available new unless you get lucky on ebay or someone here has parts to spare. Re-doing the existing interior vinyl is likely somewhere in the $2k range. A full set of canvas tops is likely somewhere in the $2k range also. Gauges, switches & electrical items are still available in the marketplace & on ebay and decals can be purchased from one of our members (95 z240 Talari). You might want to have the boat surveyed though just to be sure that there is no hidden damage to floor stringers/transom etc.

I'm sure a few others here will chime in with their thoughts too.

Re: Considering Restoration of 99 Z252
 

Hey, what is the going price for a boat like this in good condition? Nada says $9-$10K?? If I can get it bought for around $3-4k I think I could make it work. what do you guys think?

Re: Considering Restoration of 99 Z252
 

If you could get it in the $3k range and you can get the fiberglass done for free, I would be all over it. You don't have to put factory seats back in, as there are aftermarket buckets that would work for under a grand. $2k for a new interior, a few hundred for decals and minor trim and you would be in business, of course if you need a trailer that can get pricey unless you can modify a used one. If you can do most of the work yourself you should be fine, but it is not a project for the weak at heart. If you are planning on paying a shop for the work I would pass as they would go for the jugular.

Re: Considering Restoration of 99 Z252
 

The other concern is the motor, outdrive and fuel system. The ad says it was winterized in 2009, but how? I would plan on a complete engine/drive clean-up: first start it and make sure there are cracks in the block. Did they treat the fuel? Ethanol is a killer! Certainly replace all oils, filters etc. Make sure the outdrive is solid - there should not be any play in the props. Spin them by hand to make sure they move freely. Yes the exterior stuff is going to be some $$ and time consuming, but if the 7.4 or outdrive are not up to snuff then you're talking serious $$. If you can, do a compression check. These engines are beasts and take a lot of punishment and just keep going.

Re: Considering Restoration of 99 Z252
 

I bought the boat and refurbishing it this week. Out drive needed a gimble bearing and well see how it looks after polisihing and finding seats. Boat and out drive sound great. Any info or pics on seats would be great. Thanks, jim