[mikeyt]

I would make whatever changes you feel that would add to the looks of the boat. In the world of these type of boats 'original & unmolested' have very little meaning nor does it add any value.

[Andy b]

resale value!
not in it to make money!........
someone once told me that if your worried about how much it's going to cost then don't buy a boat, buy a kite.

[ShabahZ280]

Originally Posted by Andy b

someone once told me that if your worried about how much it's going to cost then don't buy a boat, buy a kite.

Very true....

If you think the modifications will improve the look and your happiness with the boat, then go for it. I will tell you though, the 180 Diablo was the basic entry line boat in the Mariah line. The factory didn't "fall short", the Diablos were their budget boat, so it didn't include things like bow rails, stainless vents, or midship cleats. It's not going to have all the fancy things like the "Z" models, but it's still light years better than any competitor's entry line, and your boat still looks much better than any of 'em!

[Andy b]

I must say guy’s it’s nice to be amongst such a nice open minded bunch of people.
Maybe I’ve spent too much time restoring old motorcycles, where some people get so upset if you even use the wrong bolts on something!

As for the Diablo, I’m under no illusions as to what it is. I know it’s the budget model and yes you’re so right when you say it’s still far better than the alternatives.
I always considered that my Sea Ray was well built, but it’s not a touch on the Mariah.

There are very few Z’s over here, in fact I think I’ve only ever seen 2 others and one is in the same boat yard as mine.
The chances of owning one are a very far off dream for me, but hay ho you never know….

I really am enjoying owning this boat, even though it has only been for a short time so far.
And yes I did wait a long time for the right one to come along.
The fact that this one almost fell into my lap was a bonus.

There are a few things that I want to add to it to make it mine, nothing much just some personal touches.
Just someone stop me before I go putting a raccoon’s tail on the arial!!!

I am happy to share my journey with the boat with you guys if you are happy for my ramblings to be put up here on this fine forum?

[mikeyt]

Or for us North Americans who can remember this.... a tiger tail from your gas tank cover courtesy of ESSO in the '60's.

[Andy b]

Originally Posted by mikeyt

Given you are in the Solent area, you are not far from one of the original Mariah vendors. Southwater Marine in Hamble, Southampton used to sell original Mariah's way back when. If you are in the area, David Allen is still in charge and welcomes Mariah owners to stop by and say hello. Tell him we sent you!

As for any 'dum ass' questions.... feel free to post away!

Originally Posted by Andy b

the previous owner of my boat bought it from there. i was planing to pop in and see if they could give me any history on my tub.

So with the weather still raining and not much progress being made on the boat I went over to Hamble today to pop in at southwater marine,
When I got there all the doors were closed up and nobody in site, nothing strange there given the time of year.
Went into the marina office to ask a few questions to be told they stopped trading at the end of November!
No answer to the phone number, but the website is still up and running so I’ve dropped them an Email.
I hope they are not another victim of the economy!
Sad times

[Andy b]

So the weather finally broke long enough for me to get out and do some work on the boat today.
Fitted the plotter and VHF Radio/Arial,
also upgraded the stereo with a Kenwood CD player I had kicking around in the garage.
I noticed a couple of things about my boat today,
There's not a lot of space for extra's in the cockpit of a Diablo
it's supposed to be fitted with a fixed steering wheel and it got an adjustable one
also I didn't think the Diablo had midship cleats which mine has..... Bonus

[ShabahZ280]

PM me your hull ID and I'll check the factory build sheets to see if those items were specially ordered on your Diablo!

[Andy b]

cool,
It would be nice to know a bit about my boat.
Every avenue i've tried so far has drawn a blank!

PM sent

[Andy b]

Today is a good day
many thanks to all thoughs involved with helping me get these
would'nt be able to do it without this place, THANKS