Motor too low
 

I recently bought a 1998 Z272 Shabah with a 5.7L merc cruiser installed. Its been rough and when I recently had my risers changed, the Marina technician said that my motor was installed too low, causing water to flow past the flapper and into my cylinders. He said that this was a major problem with Mariahs and a primary reason why they went out of business. Is this a problem or fact that anyone has heard of? Thanks, Tony

Re: Motor too low
 

News to me but I am kinda new here.

Re: Motor too low
 

Never heard that AT ALL. Mariah went out of business like many other boat manufacturers in 2001 because of the downward sales trends in the boating industry. I even spoke with Jimmy Fulks, the CEO and founder of Mariah, and he explained that was the main reason Mariah ceased production and closed the factory in May of 2001.

Chances are if the motor was truly in fact mounted too low, it means it has either been removed or replaced by someone who didn't know what they were doing and how to properly align it. The internal flappers can wear out and disintegrate if they're not replaced at regular intervals, and are a very cheap and easy part to replace. Personally I'd get a second opinion from another boat mechanic before I'd let that guy work on my boat.

Re: Motor too low
 

I second Shabah's opinion with that guy.

Re: Motor too low
 

I will throw a 3rd in there. I wouldn't want anyone who said something like that to work on my boat.