Marada: A Worthy Boat?

Marada Powerboats, based in Irvine, California, began producing watercraft in 1993. They created a range of bow rider and cuddy cruiser vessels suited for family boating. Marada boats have received positive reviews for their comfort, speed, and luxury features. However, some of their earlier models have been criticised for their decks and transoms, which were prone to rot due to the use of unprotected plywood.

Marada Powerboats' history and manufacturing

Marada Powerboats was originally a brand line of Armada Powerboats, based in Irvine, California. Marada first began producing watercraft in 1993, creating a selection of bow rider and cuddy cruiser vessels suited for family boating. In 2000, Marada Powerboats was sold off and operated as an independent company for three model years.

Marada Powerboats was owned by Chip Ridge and was located at 33 Eades Drive in Irvine, Kentucky. The company started making boats, yachts, and other watercraft on March 5, 1990, and went out of business on March 27, 2001.

The boats produced by Marada Powerboats were well-regarded for their performance, comfort, and style. The Marada Ultima, for example, was praised for its acceleration, tracking, and cornering ability, as well as its comfortable and well-designed interior. The boat's construction quality was also noted to be high, with smooth molds, shiny surface coatings, and straight stitching on the upholstery.

However, one potential issue with Marada boats is that their decks and transoms were reportedly left unprotected during production, leading to a reputation for rot. As a result, it is important to thoroughly inspect these areas for any signs of sponginess or rot before purchasing a used Marada boat, as repairs can be costly.

The performance of the Marada Ultima

The Marada Ultima is a 21-foot open-bow runabout boat that delivers an impressive performance. While it prioritises comfort over speed, it still achieves excellent speeds, especially for its size.

Powered by a 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) engine, the Marada Ultima can reach nearly 53 mph, an impressive feat for a small-block V-8 engine in a 21-foot boat. Its acceleration is also noteworthy, as it can go from 0 to 30 mph in just 6.9 seconds. The twin-prop drives and counter-rotating propellers contribute to this quick acceleration and ensure a steady ride at top speeds.

The Marada Ultima's handling is agile and responsive. It exhibits excellent tracking and hard-cornering abilities, making it a pleasure to manoeuvre. The boat's construction quality is also impressive, with smooth moulds, shiny surface coatings, and solid craftsmanship that results in a quiet, rattle-free ride.

The overall design of the Marada Ultima is stylish yet conservative. The exterior features a sleek, modern windshield, a swim platform, and a nearly flat transom that hints at Euro-styling without going overboard. The interior is upholstered in white vinyl, creating an elegant and understated aesthetic. The instrument panel features a full set of recessed gauges on a dark background, with a simple design that is both functional and attractive.

In summary, the Marada Ultima offers a well-rounded package of performance, comfort, and style. It strikes a perfect balance between speed and luxury, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet powerful boating experience.

The price of a second-hand Marada boat

Marada boats are no longer in production, as the company that built them, MIC, went out of business a few years ago. This means that any Marada boat you find on the market will be second-hand.

It's important to note that Marada boats are known to have issues with rot in the decks and transoms due to the use of unprotected plywood during production. Therefore, when considering the price of a second-hand Marada boat, it is crucial to inspect the boat thoroughly for any signs of rot or sponginess. If these issues are present, the cost of repairs can be significant, and it may be more economical to walk away from the purchase.

The construction quality of Marada boats is generally considered to be high, with smooth molds, shiny surface coatings, and solid construction free of squeaks and rattles. The boat's upholstery, stitching, and overall design are also well-regarded. Additionally, Marada boats offer excellent speed and performance, with some models capable of speeds over 50 mph.

When considering the price of a second-hand Marada boat, it is recommended to seek the advice of a professional or a Mercruiser mechanic to inspect the engine and outdrive, as these components may need to be serviced or checked for proper alignment and bellows and impeller function.

In conclusion, the price of a second-hand Marada boat can vary depending on various factors, but it is important to be aware of the potential issues with rot and to factor in the cost of necessary repairs or servicing.

Common issues with Marada boats

Marada Powerboats, based in Irvine, California, began producing watercraft in 1993. The company was sold in 2000 and operated independently for three years before going out of business. Marada boats are generally well-regarded for their performance, comfort, and construction quality. However, there are some common issues associated with these boats that prospective buyers should be aware of:

Rotting Decks and Transoms: Marada boats are known for their solidly built hulls. However, one of the most common issues with these boats is that the decks and transoms are prone to rot. This is because, unlike most powerboats of similar size, Marada boats had exposed plywood decks and transoms covered with carpet instead of fiberglass reinforcement. As a result, these areas are susceptible to moisture damage and rot over time.

Engine and Outdrive Issues: Marada boats with older engines that have been in storage may require servicing before use. This includes checking and potentially replacing the bellows and impeller, as well as ensuring proper outdrive alignment. It is recommended to have a Mercruiser mechanic inspect and service the engine and outdrive to ensure reliable performance.

Limited Cockpit Space: While the Marada 2102 Ultima is praised for its comfort and performance, one common issue noted by reviewers is the limited cockpit space. The design of the swim platform and rear-deck lounge pushes the rear bench seat forward, reducing the overall space in the cockpit area. This can make the boat feel cramped, especially for taller individuals.

Maintenance and Repair: Given the issues with rotting decks and transoms, Marada boat owners may encounter ongoing maintenance and repair costs. Replacing affected plywood areas with reinforced fiberglass can be expensive, and neglecting these issues can lead to structural problems that impact the safety and performance of the boat.

When considering a Marada boat, especially an older model, it is essential to conduct a thorough inspection for signs of rot, engine issues, and overall condition. While Marada boats can offer a comfortable and enjoyable boating experience, addressing these common issues is crucial to ensure a safe and reliable vessel.

Customer reviews of Marada boats

Marada Powerboats, based in Irvine, California, began producing watercraft in 1993. They created a selection of bow rider and cuddy cruiser vessels suited for family boating fun. While Marada Powerboats is no longer in business, having shut down in 2000, their boats are still sought after.

Reviews from iboats.com

A customer looking to replace an older boat enquired about the quality of Marada boats, specifically a 1999 18.5 Marada boat that had been in storage for 3 years. A moderator on the forum replied that the price of $4500 seemed good, if not low. They also advised the customer to get a Mercruiser mechanic to service the engine and outdrive before use.

Reviews from Nationalboatcovers.com

Marada Powerboats have received numerous 5-star reviews from verified customers on Nationalboatcovers.com, with 98% of customers rating the company 4 or 5 stars. Reviews praise the company's quick and easy service, the strong and good-fitting material of their boat covers, the helpfulness of their customer service, and the ease of using their website.

Reviews from Orlando Sentinel

A review of the Marada 2102 Ultima by Jim Barron and Trailer Boats Magazine in 1994 praised the boat's performance, acceleration, tracking, and cornering ability. They also highlighted the high level of construction quality, the smooth molds, shiny surface coatings, and the simple and well-stitched upholstery design. The review concluded by calling the Marada 2102 Ultima "the old man's sportsboat," noting that it offers a very high level of comfort and control with excellent speed.

Reviews from uship.com

A 1995 Marada MX-ONE Power Boat in good condition was listed for sale on Uship.com, indicating that Marada boats are still sought after even years after the company ceased operations.

Reviews from iboats.com (continued)

In another thread on iboats.com, a customer seeking input on a Marada boat they were considering buying received a response highlighting some potential issues with the boat's construction. The response noted that while the boat hulls are solidly built, the decks and transoms are notorious for rot since they were typically left unprotected during production. The customer was advised to check for soundness and walk away if there was any hint of sponginess in the boat.

Frequently asked questions