[ShabahZ280]

I've never tried that, but I'd like to see how it works out for you, so keep us updated!!

[dwmax]

Originally Posted by indykoch

dwmax - not real sure if the thru-hull exhaust would get in the way or not. If you look at the pictures on www.swimplatforms.com/212_mariah.html it looks like they might clear it underneath the platform. I know the new SX21 can be ordered with both, so I'd assume it works (with the factory one at least). I think it would drown out the exhaust noise a little... but then again... it could cause an echo and make it louder?!?!

I was worried it might drown it out. Its definately a possibillity, but if you could keep me posted as to wether or not the new mariah platforms will work on our boats or not that would be great. Thanks Darrell

[indykoch]

I'll let you know tomorrow. I received a response today from the dealer saying the hull of the SX21 is different than the Z212 Shabah. So I gathered about 8 photographs from Mariahs for sale ranging from 2005 to 2008 that show it's the exact same mold as my '99. I'll be sending him the pictures tomorrow and asking him to simply sell me a swim platform, I'll even give it to him for free if it doesn't fit my boat (that's how sure I am that it's the same mold). Hopefully he responds tomorrow - I'll update this post as soon as he does.

I can kinda see why Sea Fox Mariah tries keeping their hands clean of the old company, but they're acting like they don't ever want a future customer from the old Mariah boat owners. That's terrible in my mind.

[ShabahZ280]

I know, it is a shame they won't support the older Mariahs. But they should expect massive inquiries and disappointment, being as they kept the name and all the trademarks. It seems to me if you were going to buy a company's old assets, you'd at least keep them in stock. From what I've heard, they just tossed all the old molds & jigs so they could redesign the interiors. That's all good on their part, but why not keep the originals so you can support the original mariah boat owners? I'm quite sure they'd have a steady business going with just that!

What's confusing for me is for my size boat, I'm not sure which company has my mold. Challenger's 250FPS and SFMariah's SC25 are almost identical.

Keep us updated on what the dealer says!!

[indykoch]

Well, I sent him the attached photos of a 2007 transom and mine (the photos with dates are my boat). The dealer agreed completely that these are the same hull molds. He said he'd have to use a HIN number to order a part like this, but he had an SX21 in stock that he may be able to pull the number from. Then he informed me the price would be around $1500!!!

I told him I could get the custom built one for that amount, and figured a mass produced (somewhat) option from the factory, without labor, would be considerably less! I'm waiting for that response. Either way, looks like about $1500 that I'm not terribly excited about parting with.

So now the question - do I get the custom platform, which looks like really good quality, would come with a warranty, but probably have longer lead time... or do I get the factory platform, which has "Mariah" molded into it, no warranty of any sorts (since it "won't fit" according to them) but probably shorter lead time????

[ShabahZ280]

But remember, the logos between our Mariah and the new ones have changed. So you'd have a discrepancy there. And personally by the look of that last photo, it doesn't look very streamlined, it just looks kind of "stuck" on there, and with rubrails? They don't even match up. Between the two, I think I'd choose swimplatforms version. The version for the z212 they have on the site is totally sexy and would look sweet on your boat, especially if they colormatched the edges, which i'm sure is additional.

[WetWilly]

Hi indykoch,

I agree with ShabahZ250, the platform in the last pic looks "slapped" on, there's no continuity between the hull and platform. Maybe a color match with the lower hull with only the top portion in white would have made it look a whole lot better....

Oh, and what's with the weird cutout above the ladder on the left side? Someone could break a leg getting their foot caught in that hole...

WetWilly

[mikeyt]

I agree. It looks an afterthought and not a very good one at that.

[indykoch]

Yeah... I'd have to agree with all of you. The factory platform doesn't look nearly as good. That hole is for access to the stern tiedown (although I don't know how much you'd actually use it).

The color matching of the "custom" one is an additional $200 or $300. Looks good, but not at that price. I'm going to try "dealing" with the swimplatforms.com guy to see if he can get the price down slightly. This one is about 3 or 4 inches closer to the waterline, has a ladder underneath the platform, and a better overall look.

I'm still struggling with adding $1500 of "accesories" to the boat for something I probably wouldn't get much return on. Granted, the looks, safety factor, and popularity of the option are highly positive aspects.

[ShabahZ280]

Tell the guy about the MOC forum, and the potential interest of quite a few of our members and maybe ask about a group buy price if we were to get enough people interested! Worst thing he could say is no, and then you just try another route to get a discount!!