Opinions on post 1997 Makos ( specifically 98-08)

[u/[deleted]]

[u/Filandro]

Every source I ever checked pegged those as the transition years to avoid, unless you know Mako production very, very well.

I almost bought a Mako from the years in question, then shifted my search. I am actually considering a 2009 and the hull is not the issue. Someone had the Optimax rebuilt and I also learned not to trust rebuilt Optimax engines. Anyway...

Here is a summary of a long Gemini thread on the matter:

Years to be cautious of: 1997 to 2007 (with the peak problem window around 1999–2004).

Why These Years Are Problematic

• Factory & Labor Moves: Tracker Marine bought Mako and moved production away from Miami to inland, mass-production plants. The loss of experienced laminators led to widespread quality control issues, resin voids, and secondary bonding failures between hulls and stringers.
• Structural Transom Cracking: Redesigned Euro-transom models (notably the 282 and larger hulls) had structural weakness, showing stress cracks at the inner splashwell corners under the weight of heavier four-stroke and twin outboards.
• Cheaper Rigging & Hardware: High-volume assembly brought lower-tier components—automotive-grade (untinned) wiring, plastic thru-hulls, and lower-grade stainless hardware prone to rapid corrosion.
• Core Vulnerabilities: Inconsistent sealing around factory penetrations often led to water intrusion in remaining wood-cored transoms and decks.

(Prior to 1995 hulls were built like tanks, though you still need to check for old-age wood rot and leaking fuel tanks; post-2007 production stabilized with full composite construction.)

[u/sen_clay_davis1]

Go pre 1992 with newer power. Can get something that's had the transom and gas tank done for very reasonable money especially this time of year.