[redmini]

'
redmini

G" day everyone, this is my first time on the forum. I live in Brisbane Australia and looking to buy a used Mariah 18 SX 2005 or 2006 model. Any help good or bad about the boat would be great and what to look out for.

Thanks.

[mikeyt]

Welcome aboard redmini

We have a few Aussies on our board (xr6st, gwb166, Shilo, Mayal, mashymariah & Dudders) and at least 2 of them have boats similar to what you are looking for. And, xr6st is in Brisbane so I'm sure they'll chime in sooner or later. Have a look in our 'New Mariah' section though as there are a number of discussions on various issues there.

When you get an opportunity, feel free to 'pin yourself' on our member map!

[dudders]

Gidday Redmini, welcome to the forum. All the guys here are very helpful and with a wealth of knowledge (not me though).
Should you decide to purchase a Mariah you really wont look back. Great to drive and handles exceptionally well. Better than a Bayliner, but what isnt?
There is a dealer in Sydney (Con - name not occupation) that is very helpful and apparently visits this site from time to time. They can supply parts etc if you require.
Mikey is correct, one of our members (XR6ST) lives in Brissy, check out his pin on the member map and also his photos in the Gallery to get an idea of where he lives and what his boat is like, or send him a PM (Private Message) to get more details from him, I am not sure how often he comes to the site though.
The only issues I have had with my boat have really just been minor. The glove box lid came off on our first trip out. Perhaps something to look at when you check over the boat. The motor will be Mercruiser so any boat dealer should be able to check it out for you. Have a good look around the forum to find out more.
If you want any specific info on the new Mariahs just ask away mate.
Good luck with your decision.
Tony

[redmini]

"G" Day mates,
Thanks for your replys. Mikey and Tony. This will be my first power boat and SX 18 with 150hp engine looks good.

Regards Trev

[mikeyt]

Originally Posted by redmini

"G" Day mates,
Thanks for your replys. Mikey and Tony. This will be my first power boat and SX 18 with 150hp engine looks good.

Regards Trev

You might want to reconsider that power plant if you are going to do any skiing or wakeboarding etc. The 4 banger is okay for cruising (at slow speeds) and 180 diablo will tell you "it sips fuel" but the 4.3L is a much better option.

[dudders]

Ditto what Mike has to say - we both run the 4.3ltr V6 and is awesome powerwise and still quite fuel efficient - I wouldnt use 60 ltrs in a day - most days its 40 or less.
Is there one for sale with the V6? If so compare the 2 and you will be surprised.
Good luck.
Come on Australia day.

[redmini]

Redmini

Thanks mates, will look at 4.3 ltr sounds the best opinion. Is the SX 18 good in the Australian Sea or is it hard work.

Sorry for late reply.

Trev

[dudders]

Gidday mate, the sea swell would be fine on the boat, but a choppy sea over a couple of feet can slow you down and make life a little uncomfortable sometimes.
Trim and speed will determine your ride, so you really just have to adjust as the seas predict.
The boat really handles brilliantly on anything less than a foot and the bigger motor really helps, although by what I hear, the 3 ltr is still a great power plant.
Its up to you and what you want and can afford in life.

[redmini]

"G" day Dudders,

thanks for your help your a star. Need to get looking for my SX 18.

Trev
Brisbane Queensland Australia

[mashymariah]

Welcome. Sorry i havent replied but with the warm weather have been busy out in the boat. You wont look back and as stated no other boat compares. I have an SX18 2006 model and have had no issues with it apart from bilge blowers. This i believe was just through lack of use before i bought it. The boat really handles well and i find the open sea is great fun. As stated before it can be tricky working out speed and trim but i took it out over xmas in 1m swell and when working with the waves it went fine. I have the 3.0 litre mercruiser and find it no issue. Skiing and wakeboarders get up fine. One issue i would say is that if you are looking look at getting smart tabs fitted as discussed before in this site. I have them now and find they really do help. Good luck and if you're ever in S.A. come around for a beer and bbq.