[Robert B.]

Are the dry weights on NADA right? And if so, what makes the '01 models so much heavier than the '99 models? With the same beams, they list the 202 at 2,975 vs. 2,500 and the 212 at 3,275 vs. 3,000.

Also, does anyone know the fuel capacity on the 202, 212, and 222 for 99-01?

Would love to find a good boat in this timeframe with a 5.7 liter FI engine.

Thanks!

[mikeyt]

Not sure but given the significant differences i would assume that there was a change in the criteria for weighing boats? As per the brochures:
fuel capacity 1999 weight 2001 weight
202 50 gals 2500 3150
212 47 gals 3000 3425
222 50 gals 3450 3720

[ShabahZ280]

There was a change in the weight measurement of boats set forth by the ABYC or the USCG around that time. I remember reading about it, however I can't remember the reasoning why. It also affected the maximum capacity ratings too.

[Robert B.]

So are you saying that you think the relative weight of these boats is the same and the only thing that changed is the way they measured them? A 20% difference in weight is a huge change with a constant power supply and potentially affects what boat I'd be willing to buy. I was thinking they did something different in how they were manufacturing them between the years, or additional equipment, or something like that. Thanks!

[Robert B.]

I am seriously considering a 2001 Z202 with a 5.0 EFI engine, but am worried about this weight issue. Right now I have a '92 1800Z with the 4.3 that is 2,500 lb, has 175HP at the prop, and is underpowered for skiing with more than 4 people in the boat. I have been looking for a clean z202 from '99 to '01 with a 5.7 for two years. The 5.0 EFI (fairly rare from what I have seen) is 240HP compared to the 250HP of the 5.7 with a carb. That seems close enough, but I am worried about the 26% increase in weight from 2,500 (of both my current boat and the '99 202) to the 3,150 that the 2001 is listed at, compared with the 37% increase in power (175HP vs. 240HP).

So a few questions for anyone who won't mind helping me think through this:
1) Am I thinking about this the right way; relative increase in weight vs. power? The best reference point I have is my current boat where I know both the weight and power - and know I need more power.
2) Do you think a 240HP 5.0 EFI engine is well powered for a 3,150 lb., 20 foot boat? I'm looking at 65 extra HP vs. 650 extra pounds and hoping to come out ahead in hole/planing power.
3) Are there any known issues/concerns with the 2001 Mariahs, being the last year that they made them?

This site is a great resource. Thanks in advance for your help and advice!

[ColoradoDiablo]

I'd hook up the Z202 to my truck , take it to the nearest weigh station and find out what it weighs for myself.
Gotta be one around Lake Dallas.

[Robert B.]

Thanks. Problem is that the boat is 1,000 miles away. So it is when you get picky. That is why I have been looking for 2 years. I'm close to pulling the trigger, but just don't want to find out the boat doesn't have enough power when that has been the point of my search from the beginning.

[ColoradoDiablo]

If you got 5-6 people in the 1800Z plus a skier , your doing good to start with!
Buy the Z202 , change the prop to a 4 blade SS , throw on some Smart Tabs , and have fun!!
You won't regret it.

[ColoradoDiablo]

After reading your other post , here is what you need Robert.

2001 Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI Bravo 300 HP 5 7 Engine Low Hours Very Clean | eBay

Drop it in your 1800z,
Change the gearing in your drive and load up the buddies/gals

Right now you have a 14.285 lb to 1 hp weight ratio with your 1800z
Go to the Z202 and you got a 13.125 to 1 ratio
Go with a 350 Mag in the 1800z you got a 8.333 to 1 ratio

[Robert B.]

I'd like to find that engine in a clean '99 to '01, z202. Oh, and while I'm wishing, I'd like it cheap too!

Your 14 to 1 vs. 13 to 1 ratios make sense and that is before I put any extra people in. My family is 4, 2 adults and 2 growing kids. Kids are 10 and 8 and just getting bigger. I'd like to be able to take out another family of 4 and be able to ski/tube. If I add 500 lbs. (the 4 of us) to my boat for loaded weight and 1,000 lbs. (twice that for 8) to the new one, I get a ratio of 17 both ways. So, based on that, the new one loaded with 8 of us (4 kids) should perform about like my current one does with the 4 of us - making a lot of assumptions that everything else (like the 1-2 extra feet of hull-length) washes out neutral.

I appreciate the help thinking through this. If anyone else has thoughts on if a 5.0, 240HP engine is enough power for a 3,150 lb. z202 with 8 people, even just gut feel or personal experience, I'd welcome the input.

I love the sports cockpit layouts. Just need to decide how much HP I need vs. how long I want to keep waiting for the "perfect" boat that I can also afford. Thanks again.