Mariah Classic (Supra?) Questions

sjp · Criminal Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Posts: 81 City: Mesa, AZ

I have been looking for cheap wakeboard boat for a while, and I may have just found one. The boat is a 21 foot direct drive, open bow boat. It says “Mariah Classic” and “Kelvar Supertrac” on the sides. It has a 351 PCM engine, is 21 feet long, and holds 8 people. It is a 1989 and has 715 hours on it.

The boat itself looks pretty clean. The engine and interior are pretty nice, but it does have a big ding on one of the rub rails. The trailer, OTOH, has a big dent in the frame, so big that the trailer doesn’t look straight.

At first I thought “Mariah” was the brand of boat, but I searched and now think it may be a Supra.

Is this a decent family wakeboard boat? I don’t need an “intense” boat---no one in my family is that good a wakeboarder. Just a decent boat.

Are old supra’s good boats? I know they are now, but I don’t know how they were in 1989?

How good do these boats work in rougher water? I am in Arizona, where the lakes are far and few between, and crowded. In the summer time, the water at Saguaro lake gets pretty choppy. The boat seemed to have pretty low sides, and a pretty low bow. How does it handle rough water? Worse than other older boats? (like older Sunsetters or Sport Nautiques)

Any areas of concern on this boat? I know it has wood, so I should check it carefully for rot. Anything else?

Finally—one more question—what do these things usually sell for. This boat seems pretty cheap—it is really the first open-bow-direct-drive boat I have seen for under 10k

Thanks

Jared

wesgardner · Posted: Sep 26, 2005 9:56 am Post subject:

Hey sjp,

Don't know that boat specifically, but as the owner of a 1989 MC, get a compression test done on the motor (please), some wiring will need replacing, obviously you will be sea trialing it so be real conscious of weird vibration and shifting from fwd/n/reverse...if you can't evaluate the condition of the trailer, have a trailer shop do it (particularly if you're going any distance) - my Sunfish trailer is bent, but I don't care, however, if my MC trailer were bent, I'd be replacing it!

I'm sure there are some folks with direct knowledge of this boat who will chime in...

Good luck

Wes

Kewlboarder27r · Soul Rider Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 497 City: Mound

Yes its a supra and its a great boat used to have a 1991 sunsport same moter and legth that is a bultett proof motor we only had to rebuild the carb new plugs and wires and it was fine

sjp · Criminal Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Posts: 81 City: Mesa, AZ

Thanks

I went ahead and put some money down on it-- and will be taking a test drive friday. I should take your advice and get a compression test done, but I don't know if I will be able to get it done. That makes me nervous.

So does anybody else have this boat? How does it compare to the newer supras? One thing that seems odd is that the boat is only listed as holding 8 people, but newer supras that are 21 feet long hold more than 10. Why is that? Is this boat narrower or otherwise smaller than todays 21 foot supras?

Thanks

Jared

Mikey27 · Posted: Sep 28, 2005 8:42 am Post subject:

I think Haugy has one. You should try to get his attention Im sure he could answer alot of your Question

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

Somebody call my name....... Very Happy

Sip your looking at one of the best boat brands out there. I swear by supra's have owned an 89 and now currently own a 90 Mariah.
The highs and then the lows that you need to check:

Highs:
-Great family boat, reason it's only rated 8 not 10 is the hull doesn't sit as high out of the water as newer ones do, plus they were rated at that because they weren't sure of how they would handle 10. Any more than 8 is cramped anyways.

-Low bow: Yes is can submarine, but only if you are idling along or barely moving. I have only submarined my older Supra, got used to giving it a little gas right before the wave hit the boat so the nose would come up. But it's a great thing to have when you have the nose up, so you can see.
You get used to timing that.

-351 Motor. What you have is a 351w( if you're lucky it'll have big GT-40 heads, more power) but not getting to technical, you have a kick ass motor. It's built by Ford for their trucks and Big Mustangs. Solid as a rock, and parts are easy to find.

-The boat hull is practicaly indestructible, a bow rider boat hit my old Supra, ran up the back and slid back down, the only damage was a small dent/scratch that was 3 inches long, and 1/4 inch deep!!! Kevlar rocks!
Plus it's really easy to bring back any luster or color it may have lost, just put some elbow work into it with a rubbing compound (3M Marine works wonders) and it will look good as new.

-Boat's ride. Well it's a ski boat, so if you are really concerned about ride in real choppy water, a ski boat is not your first choice. But if you are in no hurry you can make that boat ride like a dream at just above planing speed. My new Mariah rides 10 times better than my older Comp. Older Nautiques and others about the same, except the Mariah is wider and longer. So it can handle better.

-Price: I got mine for 10k. A 1990 with 600hrs. Seats were in good condition, paint was kinda faded, teak needed work, no traction pads on the swim platform, and some rot in the floorboards. All in all, very pleased.

BAD TO LOOK FOR not to say it's bad, but watch for it

-Wiring, check all wiring from the engine to the lights, make sure there are no cut, worn wires, or half-ass connections. Make sure all gauges work, if oil or volt don't work, be weary and make them replace it before you buy it to check things out.

-Engine, as much as it is a great powerplant, and a hoss. 700+ hours is alot for a motor. I know you're getting a compression test done, but check the heads for wear and cracks, and a rebuild on the carb is a good idea. Look for any leaks of oil around the heads, sparkplugs, and oil caps, and check the breather hose that goes from the valve cover to the carb for excess oil. Some is to be expected, but if it's real wet in there, heads up.

-Trailer - the fact that it's bent has me very worried. A mis-aligned trailer can kill your boat, or worse take your family and car with it.
Take the trailer to a specialist, one that typically doesn't sell them, just fixes or repairs them.

-Floors - check your floor for soft spots, your boat was built on stringers, like support beams on the floor of your house. These were made out of wood, as was the floor, and they tend to rot in weather. If you feel some soft spots see where they are, if they are right where you will be walking every time you get in, be wary. It's not hard to replace the whole floor, I am doing mine this winter, but it's a task to reckoned with. If the floor is really bad, like you feel like your coming through it, walk away. Probably means the whole boat is rotting like that.

-Check the underside of all the cushions for rot. They tend to go bye-bye as well in the weather.

Summary I know it's the end I swear.

All in all, the later Supra's are awesome boats, I have never heard anyone say anything bad about them. I have converted alot of my friends to supra's after they saw mine and how it does. It's a great family boat. And a great wakeboard boat. Mine has a great wake stock, and when I put a 500lb fat sack in the back, it matches my buddies $25k Supra Launch with onboard ballast. Plenty of wake to learn on, and also a great boat to ski behind (what it was designed for anyways). Put a tower on it, and you have a severely capable boat. I have loved my older supra, and the new one I have now. Just be sure to go through it thoroughly (sp?). It's a fast out of the hole boat, great to cruise along in, and in rough water, just give it some gas to let the nose come up, and then just take your time. If you need to get across the lake fast, you will have to beat the hell out of your family.

Take some pics of it if you want, and I'll take a look. And if you have any questions, hit me up. I would be more than happy to help.

Here are some pics of mine.

sjp · Criminal Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Posts: 81 City: Mesa, AZ

Thanks for the the info Haugy

Here are a couple of pictures of the boat in question. I put a deposit on it, have a lake test tomorow. But I don't think I will be able to get a compression test done-- all the Mechanics are booked solid. That makes me nervous given the 715 hours on the boat, but I guess I will take the risk if it sounds ok.

Jared

sjp · Criminal Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Posts: 81 City: Mesa, AZ

I was sitting here looking at these pictures, pondering a compression test when I realized that you can't even see the spark plugs. Do you have to remove the manifold/risers to remove the plugs on a boat like this?

Jared

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

Yeah you can get to the plugs, it's hard, but do-able.

Listen to how the motor starts, idles, and runs. When you hit the gas is there any backpressure sounds, misfires, or lags. And once it's at max speed (you have to go as fast as it can to do this) listen for anything that sounds off on timing, like a pop, or note that sounds out of rythym (aussies told me to spell it that way) And if it runs smoothly.

I like the boat, needs some TLC but so did mine. I like how it doesn't have the stripes on the side, you can put a newer decal on it, and it will look awesome!!! I know cause that's what I am doing. Good luck on the engine test.

I am gonna get off now, I have been drinking with the aussies, it's only 5:45pm and i'm in trouble. Mr. Green

sjp · Criminal Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Posts: 81 City: Mesa, AZ

Well, it started and ran ok. At least as far as I could tell (having never been in an inboard before). There was a minor oil drip-- hopefully just coming off the valve cover gasket.

And neither speedo works. And I am not sure the tach works correctly. We were running fast, but it did not seem to be run at real high RPMs. What should the WOT be on these boats anyway?

And the trailer sucks. It is all messed up. It doesn't load right, and it doesn't really sit that well in it. One of the boards is broken. Not sure what I need to do about that-- I might look into just replacing the trailer.

But I now own it. I am in it pretty cheap, so hopefully I will do ok.

Jared

PS-- Haugy-- what kind of Tower did you put on it-- and what did it cost? And have you ever seen a monster tower on one?

Chad H · Posted: Oct 01, 2005 9:05 am Post subject:

I believe haugys is a Supra tower, or one built to look just like it if i remember correctly.

MattyBoyR6 · Outlaw Joined: 09 May 2003 Posts: 239 City: Mesa

Congrats we will be looking for you at Sag. Didn't see this boat there today (sat) but did see some guy workin on a trailer.

sjp · Criminal Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Posts: 81 City: Mesa, AZ

MattyBoy-- that wasn't me working on a trailer at Sag. I was there on friday morning giving it a test run. I don't think I will try and take it to the lake until I get the trailer fixed.

The trailer has a broken bunk board-- so I really don't want to take it anyware until I get that fixed. Not to mention the bent frame.

Do you guys know of good sources for PCM engine parts? I know the guys at Surfside said they could get PCM engine parts, and I would bet the Century Marine could get them as well-- and Century is real close to my house-- so maybe I will try them first.

Jared

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

I got my tower from New Dimensions. It's the guy who developed the Mastercraft Zeroflex, and the newer Supra towers, then went out on his own to make aftermarket towers.

Go to http://www.newdimensiontowers.com

I love mine, it cost at just about $2k installed with racks. They cut the Supra name into the tower, it looks friggin great!!!
I have seen Supra's with monster towers, they look good.
Go to monsters website, can't remember the actual URL.

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wesgardner · Posted: Oct 03, 2005 4:05 am Post subject:

Hey sjp,

Now that you own it, do a compression check just for your comfort level - you can get a gauge online from AutoZone for $25....

For engine parts you'll want to get real friendly with the kind folks at skiDIM - they are ALWAYS helpful and a great source for information and parts.

Depending on the amount of "kink" in your trailer you may be able to weld a plate to the side or something to strengthen it, or cut it and reweld....get a GOOD welder to give you his opinion...

If you don't know, I would replace the raw water impeller right now - and carry the old one as a spare - my boat is quite old as well and I don't have an overheat alarm - you can get one at skiDIM which might not be a bad idea -I think newer boats have overtemp/oil pressure alarms.

If you're getting good strong starts then never mind this - have your starter bench checked/rebuilt ($100 +/-) and maybe take the alternator in as well (alittle peace of mind)

I'm not certain but WOT is around 4300 +/-, are there any strange vibrations as you go thru the entire speed range?

Good luck

Wes

wesgardner · Posted: Oct 03, 2005 4:12 am Post subject:

Hey haugy,

Not to highjack the thread - how do you like that tower? I'm looking at LoudLiquid and the h20, but I think yours looks better - the price certainly seems good...

Here's a pic of my boat with an h20 (I think) photoslopped on it - whadoyou think your tower would look like?

I like the way yours starts at deck level up front and sweeps aft in one continuous curve - very nice...I've looked at their web site and several of the towers installed on MC's don't do that - they have a weird almost reverse curve and seem to stand up too straight...any thoughts? Also, what racks do you have?

Sorry for the thread-jack

Wes

sjp · Criminal Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Posts: 81 City: Mesa, AZ

Haugy

I have a couple more questions for you. Do you know what these boats weigh? And do you know how much gas the fuel tank holds?

Also--the boat did not come with a supra owners manual. I wonder if they are available from Supra.

Jared

/still trying to figure out an inboard.

Beaver · Posted: Oct 19, 2005 10:42 pm Post subject:

Sorry to bring up a old post but does any body have wake pictures of these boats? and how much weight are you running?

flatwater · Posted: Oct 20, 2005 12:19 pm Post subject:

Beaver

Attached pic is a 89 Sunsport ( similiar ) 2 ppl + bench tank ( 350lbs ). Sorry but I can't find the pic with 1900 lbs, I will keep looking.

Beaver · Posted: Oct 20, 2005 6:06 pm Post subject:

Thanks. So if i were to put around 1500 pounds in it the wake would be sick? Put say 300 or so up front 350 or so on each side of the engine and around 500 in the back i would have my self a really nice wake? We are considering a older direct drive but my parents want a open bow so theres not to much. I was sold on a mid 80's Nautique 2001 but parents don't liek it because there wont be enough room. Now the opnly problem is finding one of these Supras around. Any more wake pictures with more weight? How do these boats handel weight? I know i would have to change the prop. Thanks for your help.

dustin · Newbie Joined: 19 Oct 2005 Posts: 13 City: fort wayne, in

Any update on these pictures? I too am looking at buying a supra in the spring (91 sunsport), and am wondering on the wake. I have searched and search but can only find a few pictures. are these wakes good enough to flip and spin on? (i am very beginner) thanks! -dustin

Nauty · Addict Joined: 12 Feb 2004 Posts: 827 City: Lake Dallas

dustin · Newbie Joined: 19 Oct 2005 Posts: 13 City: fort wayne, in

Just curious still if anyone else has more pics of the wake on these. I am looking at a 1991 Supra SunSport. Also, which is bigger (length and width) the SunSport or the Mariah. I am a big fan for lots of room in my boats. Thanks!

Mikey27 · Posted: Nov 14, 2005 4:11 pm Post subject:

I believe that the Sunsport is only 19 or 20ft and the Mariah is somewhere around 22ft. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

Here are some of a Mariah without the fatsacs filled, with just 5 people.
When I fill up the two 500lbs, it rivals my buddies launch. Laughing

Mikey27 · Posted: Nov 15, 2005 8:01 pm Post subject:

haugy, WTF is on that dudes head in the first pic?

Beaver · Posted: Nov 15, 2005 8:08 pm Post subject:

seems to look like some littel alien eyes and sunglasses or soemthing. Okay and why the chiken on the tower?

ballywho · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 05 Feb 2005 Posts: 1725

It's Gary dude, for Spongebob.
_________________
Ferrari Mondial

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

Mikey, beaver that's me with Gary from spongebob duct taped to my head Laughing

And the chicken is this hat I have, it's hilarious!!! Laugh

I'll put up a better pic later.

Beaver · Posted: Nov 17, 2005 8:52 am Post subject:

haugy, do you have any other pics with weight?

Neller0414 · Newbie Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 3 City: White Lake

sooo...how much is cheap for one of these boats? what about a 89 comp, since a lot of u seem to know what you are talkin about. a buddy will sell me his 89 comp with a 351, in real nice shape...just wondering what people actually pay for boats like this. btw great info from all of u helpin this dude out (even though this is prob an old thread), sure will help me out when buy

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

Neller0414, A good 89 comp can be bought for $7500 to $8500, depending on condition. I looked at an immaculate one last year for $8500.

I used to own a comp, great boats, I just needed more room.

Neller0414 · Newbie Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 3 City: White Lake

oh...damn...so 4g is a hell of a deal then? its a great boat, runs great, looks fine just needs a waxing, hes got a tower with it, 1500lb ballast i think too...trailer is great no rust and its straight ive never hear of someone having such a messed up trailer as that other guy lol! yeah after lookin at some other similar year ski boats, i figured this was a pretty good deal. just wish it was open bow, but i think for this deal i cant pass it up.

know anyone that wants a 3 seater jetski? gonna have to sell one toy to get another lol.

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

Neller0414, $4k!! Yeah thats a good deal. 1500lb's of ballast!?!?! Holy moly!!! Be careful you don't stop too quick. I had 1000 in my old comp and the back end was almost underwater.

pilot_ryder · Posted: Apr 20, 2006 3:26 pm Post subject:

nice chicken in the picture