|
I'm finally a Mariah owner!
For over two months I've been trying to bring this boat, and I finally did. She's a 1995 Z202 with a Merc 350. We are taking her out this Sunday for the first time.
Anyway, time to get the rubbing compound out and start working on getting that oxidation off. I'm sure I'm going to have a ton of questions, but I want to ask about a small chip in the gel coat on one of the chines. It's the size of about a dime, and is to the fiberglass. I'll try to get a picture up soon. Here she is! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...14-21-44_7.jpg |
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
Congrats. I bet Sunday feels a long ways away! :)
|
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
I have the same boat with a 5.0L LX. Let me now what you get for speed with the 350.
Danny |
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
Quote:
|
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
Looks sharp! I recommend the meguiars marine stuff. Worked pretty well on mine.
|
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
Hey, welcome to the club! Beautiful boat you have there. I'll second the Mequiars 3 step as a good oxidation remover kit. As for the chip in the hull, there is a how-to on hull repairs with Marine-Tex. courtesy of one of the website founders.
The 202 and the 5.7L (350) are a nice combo. Top end will depend on on prop pitch, load etc. With my current prop I've hit 53mph on the GPS with 1/2 tank of gas an 2 people on board. At that speed it drinks the gas like a 5 year old does Kool Aid... :shakehead: |
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
I don't know what I cruise at. Maybe 35? I think I can hit 50 by myself. I've had 47 on GPS with a full load of people, but I haven't checked GPS by myself.
I have a 21P high-five for water sports. I know if it had a 3 blade I would be well into the 50's. Danny |
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
I've got a stainless Turbo M14 1/4x22. Does that sound good for this boat?
I'll upload a pic of the gelcoat tonight. Back to waxing... Steve |
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
Here's the chip. Am I OK to go boating this Sunday? I plan on taking care of this next week.
Is one day of boating going to hurt anything? This chip looks like it's been there for a while. Thanks, Steve http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...-47-32_288.jpg |
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
You aren't excited to get on the water at all are you? :)
Doesn't look too big. Guess you'll find out Sunday how much water, if any, it takes on. |
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
WHAT A BOAT!!!! I freaking love this thing! My wife and myself just got back from our 5 1/2 hour maiden (for us) voyage. We launched with no problems and headed down the river. As soon as we got out of the no wake zone, I eased it up on plane and was amazed at how smooth it rides. 30 MPH was so smooth and effortless for this boat. Even in fairly choppy water from wake and wind was so smooth! It handles waves better than anything I've been in. I also noticed the torque and power of the engine.
Anyway, on the way back to the ramp (30 minute ride up the river from the lake), I was able to start playing. For most of the day, we were cruising at 25 MPH. But on the way home I was able to play. 35 MPH felt perfect. 40 MPH still felt great for trying to make good time. WOT with two my wife and myself and 2/3 fuel was 53 MPH. All speeds were off the GPS. The speedo was reading 3-5 MPH faster. I burned just over 15 gallons of gas for the day. We did a ton of cruising around, so I feel pretty good about the burn. Anyway, only problem we had was towards the end of the day, we shut the engine off for a quick swim and the engine almost didn't start. Battery was nearly dead. Fortunately, it started. I'll pick up a new battery this week. Another problem was the idle speed. The tach says it's idling about 400 RPM. It's also idling rough, like it's going to quit. Sometimes it did. Should I just adjust the idle speed? Or is it something else What's normal idle speed? Also, the steering wheel had a lot of slop. 1/8 turn of play. Also, the wheel was "centered" at 90 degrees. Once it was back on the trailer, the out drive has about 1" of play from left to right. We did take on more water than I thought we would. After a few hours, I checked the bilge and there was a few gallons of water in there. I don't know how normal this is or if it's something to be concerned with. I'd like to take care of the steering problem. I just hope it's a simple fix. Anyway, I appreciate all the help! Steve |
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
Welcome to owning a boat (bust out another thousand).
My boat doesn't take on any water. I would take a look at that. As far as the idle-you can't just turn it up or down like a car. I would have a marine mechanic set it as there are specific things that need to be done. It probably needs a tune up and adjustment. I would have hime check the shift cable and bellows. Also-how is your engine temperature looking? I would make sure your getting enough water through the engine (impeller). Hard telling the last time that was changed. Don't think you have to do everything at once. Pick your battles and it won't seem so expensive. It sounds like everything is there and working. You just might need to do a little maintenance. Aren't these boats awesome! It's hard to beat the Mariah look when polished up. Danny |
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
Yeah with EFI you cant adjust idle.
Make sure you have the bilge blower on at anything under cruising speed. My blower wasnt working and the engine would die since it wasnt sucking the exhaust fumes out. An easy thing to do is replace spark plugs if you are so inclined. That would be a good place to start. Maybe add some Sea Foam also. |
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
The temps looked good. On the cool side of halfway on the gauge. The impeller is definitely on the list.
I was running the blower often, and it didn't seem to help. Other than idle, it was running great. A tune up is also something I'll be doing this week. Where can I find a manual on how to do a tune up? Like a Merc manual or something? I'm going to fill up the bilge with the plug in this morning and see if I can find out where the leak is. First thing I'm going to do is get a new battery. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions. Thanks, Steve |
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
Check the alternator wires too, I couldnt figure out why my well charged battery was having trouble and realized that the wire on the post from the alternator had become very loose and overheated and has almost disintegrated from the heat. Anyways, replaced and rewired and thought it would be wise to make sure this connection was good as well.
I do think the new battery is a great idea though. And congradulations on a nice ride. |
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
Quote:
its going to have to be ground out to repair, so you could just buy some marine 2 part epoxy at napa and smear it over the hole for this weekend if your really worried |
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
UPDTATE: I couldn't get the thing to leak in the driveway, so I took it to the river for a quick trip. I did get a new battery and it cranks quickly. I also brought my muffs and a hose and ran it in the parking lot while they tested the charging system. Everything checked out.
I found the idle problem only happened after I was up on plane for a few minutes. I idled through the no wake zone for probably 10 minutes or so, then eased it up to 30 MPH for a mile or two. Then I idled again and it was doing pretty good. I ran it fairly hard on the way back to the ramp. Only a few minutes at about 40 MPH. Seems like once it really gets up to temp, it doesn't want to idle. It's running very rich, you can smell it. Again, it's only at idle. Is there a diagnosis on these things? I wasn't sure if these EFI boats are OBD 1 or not. I'm still planning on changing the plugs, wires, cap and rotor, and go from there. The thing that really disappoints me is I have leaky bellows. The marina told me they were just changed, along with the gimbal bearing just a couple of years ago. I guess they weren't being honest, because after only 15 minutes, the water in the bilge was almost at the bilge pump. Probably another 15 minutes and I would have been able to pump water out with the bilge. I'm going to see if the marina can help me out. If not, I guess I'm going to figure out how to change these things myself. I'm still thrilled about this boat. I love the compliments I get at the boat ramp. Anyway, I'm bummed that it's taking on water. Other than that, I love this boat. I'm never selling it. Here's a picture I took this afternoon. Subway should pay me for this one! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...-19-07_456.jpg |
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
I would recommend replacing all the bellows if you are tackling that job. Do the bellows leak while the drive is in the down running position or only when it is lifted? I had one years ago with a slight crack that would only allow water in while in the raised position. It allowed me to enjoy the boat until I could get them replaced like a week or so later. Also for your battery... Make sure you have a large battery with a decent amount of cold cranking amps. My first Mariah was purchased with a brand new battery in it but he had put a smaller one (maybe 600ish CCA) in probably fine for a 4 cyl or outboard but caused problems with the 5.7. It just didnt have the juice to turn that engine over sometimes leaving me to get a jump sometimes after anchoring out for an hour or so. I put a larger battery in and all was well.
|
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
Dang it, I just bought a new battery with 500 CCA. It was just like what I pulled out of my boat, so I thought it'd be OK. It was on sale for only $59.95 with a 2 year warranty.
The boat was in the water, drive down, and idling. Not good, huh? Steve |
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
Unless you plan on putting a 2 way switch in and having 2 batteries I would take it back. Even then I would consider doing it anyway. If you have an advance auto store near you they have online coupons and you can pick up in store. You could get a much larger battery for probably $75ish and be more confident.
|
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!
Quote:
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!
Quote:
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!
Quote:
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.
|
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
Here you go.
US Coast Guard 33 CFR Sec. 183.420 Batteries. (a) Each installed battery must not move more than one inch in any direction when a pulling force of 90 pounds or twice the battery weight, whichever is less, is applied through the center of gravity of the battery as follows: (1) Vertically for a duration of one minute. (2) Horizontally and parallel to the boat's center line for a duration of one minute fore and one minute aft. (3) Horizontally and perpendicular to the boat's center line for a duration of one minute to starboard and one minute to port. Long story short, get a battery box. They're less than $15, they mount right into your engine compartment, keep the battery covered, stay straped down on the outside, AND they even carry them at Walmart. :wink_thumbup: |
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
It's got a box, well the bottom at least, no lid. But there's no place on the floor back there to mount it. There's a strap, but it's that's it.
No hook or anything for the strap to attach to. I'm missing the attachment point. That's what I'm looking for. Steve |
Re: I'm finally a Mariah owner!
You may just have to buy the new box with strap. It comes with two small plastic pieces and screws that allow you to screw the plastic pieces to the floor and this keep the strap fixed in position, and then the box and lid go in place and then strap just connects with quick connect fitting. One of my straps failed at the connection and I defaulted to a long piece of sticky back velcro.
You could even take an old nylon ratchet strap and screw it to the floor and use that, anything to keep hold of that puppy when you jump!:D |
| All times are GMT. The time now is 10:50 PM. |