[kerribradbury]

I am looking at a 1998 z260 right now for purchase and was wondering with the "no wood" construction...do I need to worry about a hull survey? Do the Mariah hulls stand the test of time much better than average. This boat is a trailered boat with 250 hours.
Also, are the lifetime mariah hull warrantys still valid?

[darkcalling]

Since yours is an orginal version Mariah aka. Non Sea Fox I would doubt the warranty is valid still as for a surveyor how great they are hull wise I have only had mine a short time but it is a 1999 and seems fine so far. I am sure someone else may have more answers for you here though.

[mikeyt]

On average Mariah hulls are extremely well built but its not unheard of to have a problem. For peace of mind, i would likely have a survey done.

As for warranty, Mariah went bankrupt in 2002. There's no one around to cover that warranty now.

[kerribradbury]

what about the new mariah/sea fox company? maybe they would honor the warranty?...they are using the name and advertising lifetime hull warranty still. I will write the company.

[mikeyt]

I dont mean to be rude but what didn't you understand? The Sea Fox company only purchased the name and some of the molds. They will not honour the warranties provided by the original Mariah Boats Inc. If Sea Fox offers a lifetime warranty on their hulls it will only involve boats they constructed as of 2003l

[ShabahZ280]

Originally Posted by kerribradbury

what about the new mariah/sea fox company? maybe they would honor the warranty?...they are using the name and advertising lifetime hull warranty still. I will write the company.

Nope, Sea Fox Mariah have made it clear many times that they don't honor the warranty for any Mariah boats made prior to 2003. They have no affiliation with the original Mariah Boats Inc, they just bought the molds, and the brand name. They've redesigned the boats and re-released them using the Mariah name, but renamed "Mariah Boat Company". They aren't offering any service, or too much support for the original Mariahs. That's primarily why we put this site together, as place for all of us to help each other.

I'd say get a survey done on the 98 Z260. If nothing else, it's a professional's opinion that you've got a good boat. They'll also tell you if it's a good idea to walk away.... If you're looking at the one located in NY, with the tan canvas, I can tell you I've been on board that boat a few years ago, right before it made the journey to NY, and was in great condition, hopefully the owner in NY took great care of it!