[slydog]

Hi, what are the main differences between these 2 models?
I saw the R18.9 at the store and liked it but someone has an 2008 SX18 on sale now.

Does the SX18 have a 190 HP Mercruiser 3.0 engine or is it a Volvo?
Is it enough to get the boat to 40MPH with 2 people on board?
Are the motors reliable?
I am new to boating and am in no way machanically inclined, so I want to buy something new and very reliable.
Any other comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated as well
Thanks

[WetWilly]

Hi slydog,

The R18.9 is a little larger than the SX18 but I mean by inches only (4 in length and 2 in width), but whats interesting is that the SX18 is a little heavier. The R 18.9 is a bit more upscale so it's outfitted a little nicer that the sx18. Click this link to go to SeaFox/Mariah Boats and you can check out the specs for both models.

As for the I/O (Merc verses Volvo) it depends on what is offered by SeaFox/Mariah and the 3.0 does not have 190HP, that's the rating for the 4.3L V6 which is the largest motor offered for the SX18 where as the largest motor for the R18.9 is a 4.3L rated at 225HP.

Both models are rated to do over 40 with the 4.3L (45mph for the SX18 and 50mph for the R18.9)

WetWilly

[slydog]

Thanks WetWilly !
I must say that the Mariah website showing only the largest engine and HP for all boats and not the standard engine does not help shoppers to make a decision at all.
I'm stuck between a new SX18 with a 3.0 at CND $19,600.00 and an new R18.9 with a 3.0 at CND$25,000.00. Both include trailer and bimini top.
I'm pondering if the R18.9 is really worth that much more?
We will have a 1 mile rapid to go through on a river before reaching the lake from the marina close to my house.
If I need to go with a 190hp, I have to look at the used market then
Any input would be much appreciated:

[dudders]

Hi slydog, I have the SX18 with the 4.3 carburettor model 190 hp motor.
Its fantastic and goes very quick, we love it, tow lots of toys and can easily handle 6 to 8 people (a little squishy with 8 adults mind you).
Mio has the 3ltr model and loves his as do some of our Scottish mates, they will be able to give you a better idea of performance from the SX18 with the 3ltr donk.
Which ever way you go, do a test drive first.
Good luck, you wont look back after you've had a Mariah!

[mikeyt]

There's no question that the 4.3L performs considerably better than the 3.0L and if you like to wakeboard / waterski / tube etc then the 4.3L makes that job much easier too. The 3.0L is very easy on gas though and if you are simply a 'cruiser' then that motor will satisfy your needs and be easier on the wallet. Both motors have been around for a long time now and are very reliable.

[WetWilly]

Mikey's right on the money, our old SeaRay 18.5 had a 3.0L (back then it was rated at 140hp) and it's still running after 15 years with no issues from the motor. It was a great motor for cruising, fishing and tubing (no more than 2 tubes in the water at a time), but for skiing, wake boarding or knee boarding, it was slow out of the hole even when propped down. I wished we had gotten the 4.3L back then, but it wasn't offered. The V6 would have been a great balance between fuel economy and performance for that size of boat.

WetWilly