[StevieT]

I have a Bravo 3 on my 250LE and have much more confidence with control of the boat docking and especially loading on a trailer. I typically stay in the sweet spot area of Rpm 2500-3000 and fuel effeciency if my goal. I would definatley go back to a Bravo 3 after owning one myself !.

[Motoxxx43]

I was wondering if this cover over the ladder is something one can get for the back of a 2000 Shabah? As it sits the rails are exposed and with a swim platform on back they could be bothersome. Just as an example.
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...ps343eceb4.png

[StevieT]

I am unaware of any ladder cover and the one I have has a strap with a snap to retain. Your posted picture looks the best way to achieve coverage .

[ShabahZ280]

I haven't ever seen one for the Z250. My Z280's got one, and I've seen them on many others, but I think the Z250's never offered that, they just had the molded "hump" in the middle.

[Motoxxx43]

After giving it a lot of thought I decided to go with it. I did a substantial amount of research into this particular Mariah. With the help of ShabahZ250 a lot of questions were answered. First off, the boat I was looking at is not a "Z". That was nice to know because there is a big difference in book value. I did happen to find multiple lists of things the "Z" came with and what the standard 250s came with. The one I brought home has a fair amount of goodies that continue to surprise me. It is also extremely clean and well maintained. The previous owner clearly cared for this boat. There is a big difference in how a machine looks when kept clean treated well as opposed to a machine that was abused and half-ass cleaned prior to selling. My brother and I went over it closely and could not find any hairline cracks in the fiberglass to the exterior. Just one area in the cockpit has a small amount. The trailer even has new tires. All things that made the 1700 mile round trip worthwhile.
In the photo you will see the power house that towed the vessel home! Actually, this Mariah is a lot bigger than I anticipated. Heavier too. I should have made arrangements to use a buddies diesel. My '99 managed to tug along about 60-70mph most the trip. Hills killed it down to 35, especially Raton pass. A week or two before I called a lot of places for rental use but few allowed towing and those that did want it rented for 4 days minimum at a rate higher than my fuel cost in my f150. Pretty sure my fuel was under 500$ round trip getting about 8-9 mpg. Not terrible if you think about the fact I usually get 12-13.

[StevieT]

The 2000 Mariah LE 250 has a 7.4L with a bravo 3 and control is a single lever and works fine for me. It's simple and easily to operate at any speed. I am not saying it's the best setup it works fine for the average boater like me and I am thrilled with my Mariah which was built 90 miles west of were I live.They are recognized as quality built boats that will stand the test of time !.

[ShabahZ280]

Congrats Motoxxx43!! Lookin' good!!

[blockp]

Originally Posted by Motoxxx43

All things that made the 1700 mile round trip worthwhile.

Hey, this makes me feel more "normal" for just finishing my 2200 mile round trip to pick up my new Jubilee! Got home last night from SC. I'll post a quick pic in a new thread.

[Motoxxx43]

Originally Posted by blockp

Hey, this makes me feel more "normal" for just finishing my 2200 mile round trip to pick up my new Jubilee! Got home last night from SC. I'll post a quick pic in a new thread.

Oh yeah, driving to pick up a new toy is something Im use to. Some of my friends at work think it is kinda crazy to travel so far to pick up a "boat" or a "motorcycle". As if I could just find something similar closer... Not the case. Classic car guys know what I mean. I have been all over picking up machines. All part of the adventure!!
I sold a sport bike this summer to a guy who lived 3 hours away. He wanted me to deliver. Then he tried "halfway". Needless to say he ended up coming to pick it up- on 4th of July!! Pretty sure he bought it to resale it for more. Oh well, I had my fun on it.

[Motoxxx43]

So I took it out today. I just had to. It was a sunny 60* and there was no wind. I had just changed the fluids and had to see how the boat cruised. Started her up and the exhaust note sounded pretty good. Not loud but not quite. Got her out on the open water for a cruise which was very smooth. Felt strong throughout the entire RPM range. We noticed the Stereo only works with the key "on" meaning the actual hours on the motor is not 300 because the hour meter keeps running with motor off. Ill have to wire it correctly when I put in an updated head unit. With a half tank of fuel she got on plan just as fast as my SC21 which was very surprising. I dont plan on using this boat for wakeboarding or tubing much, if at all. The gear ratio is 1.5 and prop is a 19p Mirage plus. That set the WOT at 4600 RPM which is the upper end of the 7.4 limit. GPS speed indicated 46. Think Im going to go to a 21p or something around that. The motor got it to speed so effortlessly and felt like it wanted more "bite" in the water. Plus the RPM at WOT could come down a bit.
After going through the boat yesterday really good we found an abundance of goodies. Windshield wipers, defrost, full instrumentation, power seats, enough lights throughout to signal extraterrestrials, rope lighting in the cuddy, super plush vinyl(?) in the cuddy, a bimini that is about 3 feet over head and prob 8 feet long and literally brand new, microwave, and power inverter. There are probably things Im missing but I think that covers the gist of it. So far pretty proud of her.
I have plans for some things prior to the season starting like fixing the skeg and some minor interior things.