considering 2008 SX21

jjjs · 07-14-2010, 09:58 AM

Hi and I need advise. I am from Illinois and there are not too many Mariah's in this area. Probably due to the fact that there is only 1 dealer. Anyway, I want a boat to plane quickly, not splash the windshield and have a great ride. Have I found what I am looking for?

I own a Crownline which I think is underpowered so I have the above issues. Would anyone know if I installed Smart Tabs that it could make a BIG difference in the crownline?

Please review the SX21. Thanks, J

***mikeyt*** · 07-14-2010, 12:50 PM

This being a Mariah forum, we're not really interested in resolving problems with Crownline boats but the installation and benefits of Smart Tabs isn't exclusive to Mariah boats & will no doubt benefit the Crownline.

We have a review of the 2006 SX21 as done by Boating Life on our site. You can read it here.. An internet search may provide some other reviews of the particular boat you are looking at.

***indykoch*** · 07-14-2010, 01:45 PM

Oh, c'mon Mikey!! We don't have to "resolve" any Crownline issues, but surely we can utilize the opportunity to rip on them!!

Crownlines were junk when they first came out, but are actually quite nice and respected as of late. The only problem I have with them is exactly what you said - over weight and under powered (much like me!). Smart Tabs would help with a number of issues, but staying dry isn't exactly one of them. They keep the bow down, helping the boat plane faster. If you're encountering waves over the bow, you need to lift it more so than keep it down. But if you mean it's a wet ride due to water just splashing the windshield, that's really just the hull design and not much you can do but go faster!

I have a '99 Z212 Shabah, which is essentially the same hull as the SX21. Depends on the waters you cross, but I don't think you'd have any issues staying dry in that boat. I rarely have water on the windshield, and I've boated on some fairly nasty waters. Just make sure it has the HP you're looking for. I always use the rule of thumb - you've never heard a boater complain about TOO MUCH power! That size boat needs 260+ HP in my opinion.

jjjs · 07-14-2010, 05:19 PM

Thank you. I appreciate your time and answer. I joined to make sure people really loved their boat. I need honest answers since I have already made a mistake. If I was on the Crownline forum I would not be positive. The dealer underpowered the boat probably to hold down the sticker price.. I did not do research and assumed dealers would put in the appropriate engine. Have a great day.

***indykoch*** · 07-14-2010, 07:51 PM

You'd be surprised how many dealers AND manufacturers underpower their boats. And yes, it's almost strictly to keep the cost down, attract new buyers, etc. It's sad because a lot of buyers don't know it's underpowered until it's too late, others never know because they think "that's just the way it is". As with most things - knowledge is key. And now you know - so good luck!

It'll take a while, but read through some of our owner reviews and posts. Yes, we love our Mariahs!

The SX21 is a great size (at least for me). Not too big and heavy, but plenty of room. When Sea Fox took over Mariah in 2003, they "cheapened" them up a bit. But I think they're still a really good value. What part of Illinois are you in? I was born and raised in Peoria, the original Mariah plant was in Benton, there used to be quite a few of them around. I'm surprised there's only one dealer in the state. Hopefully they aren't too far away from you.

Welcome aboard!