Info on Z308
 

I am new member and am looking for information on the Z308.

I currently own two boats, a Maxum 2300 cuddy and a Four Winns 258 'mini-cruiser' and have boated on the Columbia River and Puget Sound. (I know, I know, too many boats!!) The Maxum will definitely be on the market this spring and the FW may be depending on what I decide regarding replacing it with a larger cruiser, but one that can still be trailered.

There are at least two Z308's for sale, one with a single 7.4 L and one with twin engines; both are on trailers which is important to me. Here are my questions.

1. Will the single have suffiicient power to get up on plane easily, especially with a few people on board?
2. I currently have a pylon for the FW and use it for tubing and wakeboarding - is the Mariah 308 suitable for these uses? I know that it may not be the best for this use - but will it work?
3. What is the total weight of the boat and trailer? My tow rig can handle 11,500 lbs.
4. What is the general consensus re the overall quality of the early Mariah boats. To put it in automotive terms - are they VW's or Cadillacs?
5. Mariahs appear to be relatively uncommon in the PNW - is parts availability an issue? I assume that the engine, O/D, generator, water system, etc are common to all boats, but are there other issues.
6. Is there anything else I about I should be aware re Mariahs in general and the Z308 in particular?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Desert Steve

Re: Info on Z308
 

Welcome aboard! I'm not terribly familiar with "pocket cruisers", but I'll give some info/advice...

1) Depends on your definition of "easily". It will definitely get on plane, but just like any cruiser this size/weight, it will take some time. The brochure states a 496 MAG will max out at 44-49 MPH. I think the 7.4L would be right around the 40 MPH mark, or a little more with the MPI. With twin 5.7L, the brochure says 48-53 MPH.
2) Again, depends on your definition of "work". The brochure states a single engine weight at 7800 lbs, a twin at 8720 lbs. You'd have a monster wake, but it should be able to do what you're asking. You could easily swap the prop(s) with a lower pitch for watersports, but it would reduce your top end and lower the fuel economy. Just depends what your priorities are.
3) The trailer would likely weigh around 1700-2000 lbs., so you're getting close to that 11,500 lbs. limit, especially if you add all the gear, fuel, water, beer, etc. Probably not at that "dangerous" stage, but it's getting closer than I'd prefer to be.
4) The general consensus of quality is this - The original Mariah was created to compete with the Cobalts and Sea Rays of the day. The features and equipment are unsurpassed. The quality was about as good as can be expected, at a price range in the mid to upper area of boats their size. They had many patents, strong warranties, and pride (as shown by some of the original employees are even members on here). Obviously, these boats are starting to show their age, and there are new technologies out there that knock these down from being the "best"... but at the time, Mariah was easily in the top 3 of similar priced, mainstream boats regarding quality, if not THE best.
5) You're dead on with the parts availability. Engines, generators, latches, hatches, etc. were usually sourced from companies that still exist, and still have parts available. However, there are things like windshields, plastic moldings, seats, etc. were produced in-house (or just too long ago) and are hard as heck to find. But these are all things that don't matter, until you need it!! Thing is, I would challenge ANYONE to find a dashboard, windshield, or something from even a current manufacturer like Sea Ray, Bayliner, Four Winns that was built in the late 90's. These aren't like cars where you can stop in the dealership or Auto Zone for a new window switch or something.
6) Mariahs have a strong following, and this board proves it. We're all here to help each other, and most of the time in a friendly way (just watch out for that MikeyT guy :yes_grin:). You'll always have a friendly support group should anything go wrong. Mariahs were top of the line, and continue to get high marks from people that know boats.

Keep us posted on what you decide... then be sure to post some pictures!!!

Re: Info on Z308
 

Steve

Great to hear from another PNW'r. Im in Tualatin (south of Portland) and boat on both the Willamette and Columbia.

I just bought my z302 out of LA last fall and just love it. Ive stepped up the pitch on the props and have installed some smart tabs to hopefully help things work a lil easier.

I too will be installing a tower for towing the kids.

With the old 24p props, no tabs and 11 peps in the boat I can run full throttle at 53-55 and cruise at 40-45 all day.

The boat quality is 2nd to none for their age and mine after 11 years (and several owners) has held up fine (considering it all).

Re: Info on Z308
 

I've been drooling over the Z308 since I first saw it. I've done TONS of research into them, and we've got a couple members on here with them too. Here's my stab at your questions.

1. The single 7.4L in the one boat you speak of is a somewhat rare combo. I've only seen one in my multiple years of looking, and it's the one that's for sale now. Ironically, I spoke with the previous owner, before he sold it to the guy that has it for sale now. He did say it wasn't terrible as far as speed goes, but he said maneuvering it was like trying to dock a barge. If you'll be docking in a protected cove, this wouldn't be an issue at all, but with a steady current and some heavy crosswinds, it could get interesting. Of course, there's always the option of adding a bow thruster, but that'll set you back about $5k. For ease of maneuverability, I would recommend the twins. However, I have heard from many Z308 owners that the twin engine configuration is VERY tight inside the engine compartment, which makes engine repairs and maintenance a challenge, and with a generator, there's very little room under the "hood". So it's kind of a tradeoff. Maneuverability = less room in the engine compartment and twice the expense when it comes to repairs & winterization. More engine room = less maintenance and costs, but more of a challenge when it comes to maneuvering! What puzzles me is why Mariah never built a wider beam boat, especially in their MCC series. I guess they wanted to appeal to the trailerable cruiser market.

2. Watersports behind the Z308 might be interesting. I don't know if it can get up on plane quick enough, and it'll make one hell of a wake. I'm sure it can be done, I used to waterski behind my dad's 270 sundancer with a 7.4L engine and it took forever to get up on plane. If you're buying the boat with the intention for watersports, perhaps you should look into something more like the Z272, it's the biggest bowrider they make, and much more suited for watersports, especially when it comes to open space and storage for all the toys and passengers.

3. Towing, indykoch is right. With the twin model showing a dry weight of 8720lbs, you'll be very close to your towing max. You'll be getting very close to the 11.5k towing max with a steel trailer (probably 1700-1900lbs), you could buy an aluminum trailer as it'll probably only weigh about 1000-1400lbs, but they're about double the price of a steel version. Also factor in fuel, at 6 lbs per gallon, you're looking at around 700lbs just in fuel. Consider too the weight of the generator, batteries, a/c, water, cg equipment, etc, none of those are factored into the "dry weight" as measured by the brochures.

4. You can browse around the forum and find out very quickly what the general consensus of Mariah boats is. We're all big fans, but remember, every diamond has it's flaws. But with a great support base like this site, we'll help you through any issues you may run into. That's what we're all here for, to help each other out! They were very often called "the cadillac of boats", even by dealers.

5. We'll help you find any parts you need. Check out our "Mariah Parts List" for more info. But you're correct. Engines were supplied by Mercruiser and Volvo Penta, which parts are readily available now. Gensets are pretty easy to locate parts for as well. Most marine shops either have the parts in stock, or can order them as needed. But, if you've got a damage to the dashboard, gauge cluster, stainless hardware, storage compartment lids or interior paneling, those were all made in house, and replacing them will prove to be one hell of a challenge. Repair is about your only option. Just about everything else can be replaced fairly easily.

6. Do some searching here on the Z308. You'll find a few members with them, and you can read all about their experiences.

So, I hope these replies help you in your decision. Let us know what you decide, and perhaps you'll be part of the Mariah family soon! :wink_thumbup:

Re: Info on Z308
 

Steve,

1. We have twin V6's in our 308, it's no mastercraft, but it get's out of the hole pretty good - for a cruiser. Twins are always better for docking, control, etc. The draw back - no room in the engine compartment.
2. We tube the kids around, tying the rope to the back hand rail. If you were going to be serious about towing, you would need to get a device built onto the boat to tie off to. I would not reccommend wake boarding behind it until that was done.
3. We pull ours with a Titan. We have a triaxle aluminum trailer to load her on. It pulls fine, but you can tell it's there. This is a big boat, so I would not pull it long distance.
4. I would say it's a old Caddy. Sea Ray's from that time are not any nicer than the 308.
5. Other than Mariah stuff - such as seats, dashboard, etc.- Parts are easy to find.