1994 or 1999 Mariah?
 

Hello!

My name is Brian Jaschen and I have been boating with friends on their pontoon boat now for a few years. We are looking to get our own first boat.

Looking at a 1994 Mariah Z212

or a 1999 Mariah Shabah 202

Not sure which to go with. I have a ton of information back from the guy on the 1999. Regular maintenance, small spots in the captains seat seam letting loose, full cover, bow cover, cockpit cover and trailer all included.

The 1994 I just emailed on as there are only 2 photos of the outside of the boat. I live 2-3 hours away from either of these so wanting to do research before making the trip to see/test them out.

Recommendations? Things to watch out for? I would also be pulling this with a 2006 Nissan Frontier Crewcab SE 4WD. Any concerns there? Weights are about 2500 and 2700 lbs respectively.

Thanks in advance for any help! I am excited to get my own boat! (especially my 7 year old).

Re: First Boat shopping - Need input!
 

If it were me, I'd be looking at the newer of the two. Just read another post where a guy had to re-do the wood floor on his '95, and our old 1989 Imperial had rotten floor and stringers, ended up selling the boat to a boat junk yard. My '99 is all fiberglass floor, so no rotten floor, no carpet to sweep. Has floor drains so I can was the floor with a hose when it's dirty. Newer electronics. Service records would be a great selling point, however you can usually tell how well a boat has been kept up just by looking at the interior.
Don't know where you're at, but I'm trying to sell my 1999 Jubilee 204. It's in the for sale section.

Re: First Boat shopping - Need input!
 

Thanks for the heads up. I actually talked to the guy that owns the 1994 and it sounds like it needs absolute ton of work.

I'm in Des Moines, IA - Your Jubilee looks great! Probably a little out of my price range though :) - looking to stay around $7,500 or under

Re: First Boat shopping - Need input!
 

Got ya, understand. Nada and Bluebook say it's worth between 9-9800. Don't have to sell it, but really want to get into a Shabah z275 or z302 mid cabin! Good luck with your search. It's worth waiting for the right boat, it's easy to get burned!

Re: 1994 or 1999 Mariah?
 

I'd go with the 99. The 94 is for sure carburated. My z222 is fuel injected, not sure it all the 99 motors are efi, but that was one of my biggest decision makers on my purchase. Wanted the fibreglass floor, no carpet and fuel injection.

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Re: First Boat shopping - Need input!
 

I think we have made our decision - ultimately to go with a deck boat - best of both worlds! Thank you to everyone that has contributed their input - it is much appreciated!!