Gin Times '92 Diablo 180
 

A few weeks ago we picked up our new to us, 1993 Mariah Diablo 180. She was a one owner that was marina maintained but in need of some SERIOUS TLC!! I thought it would be fun to document her progress from start to finish so here we go.....

POs pic taken from the craigslist ad where I discovered her. OUCH! I knew Mariah is a very well made boat and holds it's value so it was worth the 50 minute trip to the Hampons to check her out.

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On our way home with a trailer with one working light and dry rotted tires.

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Home in the driveway.

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Re: Gin Times '92 Diablo 180
 

The very next day we got two new tires and a quote of $2000 and $2800 for a new interior and I started some detailing by using my wheel and some 3M compound. Someone turned the lights out on me so the detailing came to an abrupt halt.

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Re: Gin Times '92 Diablo 180
 

Here is how she looks today. All stripes removed (heat gun and peel on blue hull and rubber power wheel on the white topsides), wet sanded and power compounded. Weather permitting, I will glaze,polish and wax her tomorrow.

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Re: Gin Times '92 Diablo 180
 

As she sits on the trailer today.

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Re: Gin Times '92 Diablo 180
 

Tomorrow we have a full day out with the boat planned. So psyched. BUT, first task is to install all new switches at the helm. I ended up purchasing the switches below at a price match cost of $14.68 each switch at West Marine. Little inside scoop, if you have a local West Marine and shop there, go in and find what you need. Take a minute to look up that exact product number on your cell phone and search the cheapest store you can find it at. Bring your cell to the counter with the page up and whala, instant discount! Fuel pump at West Marine $159, online $109, matched price at West Marine.... yep, $109!

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Re: Gin Times '92 Diablo 180
 

Great thread! Looking forward to seeing more progress :wink_thumbup:

Re: Gin Times '92 Diablo 180
 

So I've been off the forum for a few weeks due to a big issue I had..... I blew up my drive! I was out one day pulling the boys on the tube when all of a sudden, nothing! Long story short, somehow I lost drain fluid and the upper gears completely stripped. It took a few weeks but I found a mechanic who only does Merc drives and ended up buying a like new drive from a newer trailered boat. While I was at it I installed a new exhaust flapper and Osco riser.

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Then my wife and I started vacuuming the rug and cleaning the inside a bit. I got so annoyed with the stains and filth of the carpet I began to tear! Well, a little ambitious, yes! See pics....

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Notice I removed the fuel tank. Here's the story ......... I found that over time ton of gunk had settled under the tank clogging up the drain holes down the keel to allow the water to drain into the bilge. I tried drilling a small hole in the lower portion at the bilge and it worked... a bit. So I got a little crazy and drilled a larger hole with a larger bit and guess what?? YEP, drilled into the fuel tank! So out she came. I epoxied the hole with two layers of JB weld two part epoxy puddy and she looks solid. I cleaned the keel and drilled the stringer holes a little larger to prevent further back up. I took the second hole I drilled and made a big cut out so I can monitor the spot puddy on the tank.

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Re: Gin Times '92 Diablo 180
 

Pretty big undertaking! Keep us updated. :wink_thumbup:

Re: Gin Times '92 Diablo 180
 

* Fuel tank repaired, tested and leak free!
*Fuel tank repair window cut out and epoxied!!
*Keel cleaned and water drain holes enlarged and epoxied!!!
*New carpet installed!!!!
*New seats installed!!!!!

Now maybe, just maybe we can get her out on the water tomorrow!!!!!!!!! :)

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Re: Gin Times '92 Diablo 180
 

Nice job! Looks awesome!

Larry

Re: Gin Times '92 Diablo 180
 

Thanks Larry. She's a bit mis-matched color wise and needs some more love but she's getting there. Before summers end I am going to give it a try to recover the trim in gray vinyl to match the new seats. Then possibly over the winter have the seats recovered to bring everything together. But now it's time to enjoy her!!!

Re: Gin Times '92 Diablo 180
 

Hey Gin Time!

I recognize that boat. :wink_thumbup:

Yeah, I think I' am now jealous of that carpet job you did. Well done, good to see some progress. After you emailed me saying that your drive blew up, I wasn't sure if you were going to keep the Diablo or just give up right there.

Glad to see you found a replacement drive!

You sure did gain a lot of extra room where the bench seats used to sit.

Re: Gin Times '92 Diablo 180
 

Thanks Ryan. I wasn't sure if I would be able to continue putting money into her once the drive blew. Fortunately the bank robbery went well (great now I will have the feds on me ass, lol) and I found a great deal on a drive so was able to press on. I will post more pics tomorrow. Spending a couple days on the water putting her to the test. Fingers crossed. Lol

Re: Gin Times '92 Diablo 180
 

Playing around with the seats and trim....

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.... in the works as I am typing... the rear sun deck cover (NASTY!!!)

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Re: Gin Times '92 Diablo 180
 

The attempt at the sund deck cover was an epic fail. lol - it's actually better than what was there but pretty ghetto. We will have a bunch of the upholstery recovered over the winter.

The good news is she is now running great! Had her at WOT at 4800 around 35MPH in 2-3 foot seas and 16 knot winds (not the most ideal conditions). The most impressive thing is she never went over the 120 degrees!! The new riser is proving it's weight in gold!! More pic coming soon...