Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
 

Oh yeah if you have the drive down and see it coming yes I would get it fixed before the next outing. They are not super hard to do as long as you dont encounter seized cables and such. You will need a buddy to help get the outdrive off as well. A clymer or seloc manual will explain it. Who knows... Maybe youtube may have a video tutorial on the job as well. Thats a great looking boat you have.

Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
 

I dropped the Mariah off at the marina yesterday. They are going to take it out and figure out where the water is coming from. They are also going to check out my steering and idle issue.

I hope it's nothing serious. And I also hope they take care of the bill. We'll see.


I have a question for you guys. The little compartment in the bow of the boat. I can see the bolts of the bow eye, along with the back of the docking lights. Is that just to be able to access these things? Or is this anchor storage. I was thinking it was storage, but then I realized that it could probably do damage up there.


Also, the compartment in the swim platform. While in the water, it's got a large drain hole in the bottom that lets a small amount of water in. Looks like one of those rubber drain plugs would fit in there. Can this be used as a secondary cooler?

One last question. While just chilling in the boat, we want the radio on. I have to turn the key to the left to get the radio to work. What else am I powering? I'm afraid this will run the battery down if left for a while.

I'll let you guys know what the marina finds. I hope it's nothing major.

Thanks,
Steve

Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
 

So did you purchase it from the marina then? I hope you get it all fixed too. I really like your color scheme. On mine, previous owners removed the striped decals between the top and bottom stripe; I like the looks of it with it back on.

As for your questions, I hope I can help. I do believe the bow compartment is anchor storage. That is where mine is. Just have to be careful take it in and out to not hit the docking lights.

The swim platform storage I think is to store ski ropes. I don't know if I would use it as a cooler though. Sometimes when we are anchored, waves off a wake will come up over the platform. If you can find a way to waterproof the lid, it might work. You can certainly do with it what you wish :)

With the key switched to accessory, you shouldn't be powering anything but the radio, unless you have other switches on. You shoud be okay.

Hope this helps!

Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
 

I did purchase it from a marina.

I was worried that the anchor could bounce around and damage the lights. I may just keep it under the rear bench for now.

Ski rope makes sense. Would be nice if we're in a tie up, and floating and swimming all day, to turn that into a cooler though. I'll have to work on that :)

I'm going to return my 500 CCA battery for a more powerful one. Any recommendations? I know a lot of people get Wal-Mart batteries and have pretty good luck with them. I would like to be able to have the radio on, while parked, for a couple of hours and not worry about the boat not starting.


I like the decals also. Unfortunately, mine aren't in the best shape. I guess they look good from far, but far from good.

One more question. In the battery compartment, I can't find anywhere to tie the battery box down. I'm thinking the hook must have ripped out, or someone removed it and didn't put it back. But I can't even find any holes as to where it was mounted. Does anyone have a picture of theirs so I can try to figure something out?

Thanks again,
Steve

Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
 

Yes the front compartment is anchor storage. I wouldnt be concerned with the lights unless you are laying the anchor on them. Its going to take a lot to make the anchor fly around in there. The rear is wet storage intended for ski ropes, gloves, etc. I wouldnt think ice would last too long in there but you could certainly use it for that purpose. It can also be used for storing empty cans while in the water.

Wal Mart batteries would be ok but I do not know what kind of warranty they have. I would think Sears would have a better warranty. Like I mentioned before if you have an Advance Auto Parts in your area use a coupon to purchase online and pick up in store. Try this site below for current coupons.
advance auto parts - Reviews and Compare Prices

Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
 

18 Months Free Replacement warranty on all Wal Mart MAXX batteries. Plus you can't beat the prices either. Had great luck with them, running them in my boat as well as my cars too.

Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
 

What CCA's do you guys recommend?

Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
 

I would get a dual purpose marine battery with a minimum of 800 CCA. Bigger is better though.

Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
 

Thanks, is it absolutely necessary to have it strapped down? If so, what's the best way to do that?

Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
 

I have been in plenty of boats where the battery wasn't strapped down and personally haven't seen a problem. You could always buy one of the battery boxes as well.