[Ace]

I am thinking about purchasing a 1994 240Z Talaria. I have never owned a boat before, what are the pros and cons? Are there alot of unexpected bills and maintenance costs? Anyway back to the boat. As I mentioned before, the boat is a 1994 Mariah 240Z Talaria it has the Merc Cruiser 7.4L Bravo. A girl I work with is selling it, she doesn't know much more about it, the boat was her dads and he passed away last year. The boat was used last summer and has been winterized by a boar shop.

[ShabahZ280]

It's actually called a "Talari". Plus it's a Z Series, which means it's got all the options available. It looks to be in great shape, and seems to be a good price.

If you've never owned a boat before, there's fuel costs, maintenance, winterization, insurance, docking fees, (if you store in the water for the season, there's also bottom painting that needs to be done), if you're trailering the boat and launching yourself, there's launch ramp fees and trailer maintenance costs, not to mention your fuel for the tow vehicle. The general rule of any boat is "It's a hole in the water you keep sinking money into". While that's incredibly true, and it may seem like a lot of money, we all do it! It's those perfect days on the water and the memories that make it all worth it.

[Dredd]

+1 on all that!
The only thing I would add is that the price seems right as long as there is a trailer, imo. If there isn't I would just use that as leverage to talk her down a little.

Good luck with your decision.

[theeasynine]

I have a 96 z240 And love it. You won't be disappointed with a Mariah. The 454 really gets up and goes too.

[Ace]

Thanks for all the replies, I have looked into insurance and registration fees, so I was aware of those costs. Luckily in Colorado I can buy a state pass which is $70, once I have the parks pass I only pay a $4 parking fee for the day. I was also curious what the gallons per hour would be with the 454. Obviously I will use more when someone is being pulled, as apposed to just cruising. Once again thanks for the help.

[Dredd]

I've read that as a general rule for EFI engines, divide the HP by 12-12.5 for gallons per hour at WOT. For carbed engines divide the HP by 11.5-12.
As for cruising, there seems to be too many variables to figure it out without a fuel flow meter. But if you find something, I'd be happy to hear it.

[theeasynine]

Ours will run 3 solid trips on a full tank of 76 gallons.

[friscoboater]

I am looking at a similar model tomorrow.