[chadepperson99]

I'm currently looking at two boats a 2000 258 and a 2000 238 both are Mariah Shabah's, I'm can't really decide which way to go any help will be appreciated, thanks

Some facst on each:

258 is a 7.4 mpi, bravo III, 220hrs., interior is supposed to be in great shape with a few scratches on the hull, bimini top, cockpit cover, camper package, no service records, but the seller says dealer has always done the maintenance he doesn't keep the receipts.

238 is a 5.7 f.I., with a alpha I (I think), 404hrs, one rip in back bench, with a couple of scratches on the hull, had new injectors, new battery, new lower unit, receipts to show all the work, cockpit cover only.

I going this Monday and Tuesday look at them, so I'm taking each of the owners descriptions at their word, I can get the 258 for about $2500 more, but I really don't know if its worth it, thanks for any suggestions.

[ColoradoDiablo]

Welcome to MOC chad!
When it comes to boats...........or anything else for that matter , taking the seller at their word is a crap shoot!
Take a look HERE for some good info on buying a used Mariah.

The "I don't keep receipts" would scare me from the 258.
Ask who the dealer is and talk with the tech if possible.

The 238 has more hrs it seems , and only a 5.7L(bet it's a Bravo) , but it'll be easier on the wallet at the fuel dock.

Remember , a boat is a toy that requires a lot of maintenance , both preventative and "normal to do things".
Once you look them over , and water test them , you will get a feel for how well they were maintained.
You might even want to get a surveyor to take a look at the one you ultimately decide to go with.

Once again , Welcome!

[chadepperson99]

Thanks for the reply, when he told me that about the 258, I thought it was weird too, but I planned on asking him where he had it serviced, and drive to the dealer and talk to them. Do you really think that 238 will be that much better on fuel. The reason I ask it that what I can find is the 238 weighs 3950lbs (dry weight I'm assuming and) the 258 4200lbs (dry weight), yes the 5.7 should burn less fuel than the 7.4, but basically your pushing same weight, my thought is the 238 will be running higher rpms burning about the same amount as the 7.4, I may be completely wrong this is just my opinion.

Has anyone else had the 5.7 in the 238, does it feel under powered?

[ColoradoDiablo]

WOT on both are 4400-4800 rpm per Mercruiser specs.

[chadepperson99]

I'm not planning on WOT all the time, my thinking was just cruising around 30, like I said I may be completely wrong, but theory is based on a few pickups I've owned, the frist new truck I ever bought had a V6, it was way under powered and got worse gas mileage than the last 2 V8's in the same body configuration, I was hoping to find some owners with both the same model and motor options and how the performance and fuel economy was, thanks

[ColoradoDiablo]

Comparing a pickup to a boat is like comparing grapes to watermelons.
There is no coasting , going downhill , overdrive , etc.
The boat is constantly under power period.
Do a search , you'll find lots of info.

[99 Mariah 258]

1999 Shabah 258 7.4 MPI Bravo 3..... I just bought my boat and I think I burn 25-30 gallons a day ..8 hr day maybe half the time cruising and some WOT runs......I actually thought it would burn more gas but I wasn't expecting hybrid fuel consumption...Fastest my boat has run was 50 on a calm day.Overall I'm happy with my consumption and I feel like my boat runs perfect but I'm still going to change plugs,wires,cap & rotor soon........

I bought my boat from ebay....The seller was Sundance Marine in central Florida and the boat was a trade in on a 42ft regal and it was from Arizona ..It had 200 hrs on it and no service records were included.The Marina said the Boat was fully serviced and ready to go with brand new manifolds and risers.....I changed the oil and drive oil and both looked pretty fresh.Maybe you should have a mechanic check out the boats.


Curious about the price of the 258 you're looking at..........I don't know how well equipped the 238 is but my 258 really is like a Cadillac and everybody looks and comments.....I love her

[doaclnr]

If your worried about gas then don't buy a boat. They are all pigs! When its empty you have to fill it up... lol

[chadepperson99]

Originally Posted by 99 Mariah 258

1999 Shabah 258 7.4 MPI Bravo 3..... I just bought my boat and I think I burn 25-30 gallons a day ..8 hr day maybe half the time cruising and some WOT runs......I actually thought it would burn more gas but I wasn't expecting hybrid fuel consumption...Fastest my boat has run was 50 on a calm day.Overall I'm happy with my consumption and I feel like my boat runs perfect but I'm still going to change plugs,wires,cap & rotor soon........

I bought my boat from ebay....The seller was Sundance Marine in central Florida and the boat was a trade in on a 42ft regal and it was from Arizona ..It had 200 hrs on it and no service records were included.The Marina said the Boat was fully serviced and ready to go with brand new manifolds and risers.....I changed the oil and drive oil and both looked pretty fresh.Maybe you should have a mechanic check out the boats.


Curious about the price of the 258 you're looking at..........I don't know how well equipped the 238 is but my 258 really is like a Cadillac and everybody looks and comments.....I love her

2000-Mariah-Shabah-258.jpeg258
$_3.jpeg238

I can get the 238 for $2500 less, they are equipped pretty much the same

[chadepperson99]

I ended up buying the 258, will post some more pictures soon!

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps8y8t0ghg.jpg