Re: New Buyer--Advice on Mariah 2003
Hey sheriff,
More important than the manufacturer, will be the care that the boat has recieved. Is this a salt water or freshwater boat. has it been stored indoors or outdoors, has it been covered? Any soft spots in the floor or transom - walk away. When was the last impeller replacement, this can be an annual item depending on usage. At six seasons old, you need to start watching the bellows on the drive. A ruptured ujoint bellows could sink the boat. Exhaust manifolds can last decades in fresh water, but in salt they are typcally only good for about 5 seasons.
As for the engine - just like in a car, compression and leakdown tests will reveal alot.