[95gts]

Hi all, I'm a new Mariah owner from Arnold Missouri. I've been around boats most of my life (thanks to my father) and recently bought my father's 1998 Mariah Shabah 182 3.0L from him after drooling over it for the past 9 years. The boat has 212 hours on it now and has been stored indoors for he last 9 years, it's in near mint condition. I've lurked around the forums for a while, but this is my first post.

My wife, kids and I are thinking about a little trip to Rend Lake in Illinois this weekend, which many of you know is right by the town where the original Mariah factory was.

[ttownmatt]

Welcome! That boat does look mint.

[95gts]

I forgot to add a neat little story.. Back in 1996 I was all of 19 years old and went shopping for a waverunner.. I ended up buying from a dealership that sold waverunners and high end luxury boats, St Charles Boat and Motor. I recall roaming the showroom gawking at all of the beautiful boats while waiting for a salesman to help me, but I don't remember what brand they were. Well, a couple days ago I found the article that ran in the St. Louis Business Journal in mid 2001 about the Mariah plant closing down in Benton Illinois. There was a quote in the article from the owner of THE ONLY Mariah dealer in the St. Louis area at the time, that dealership was the same place, St Charles Boat & Motor. To think, I was gawking at Mariah boats 14 years ago and didn't even piece that together until just now after having become a Mariah boat owner.

[mikeyt]

Welcome aboard! Glad to have another Mariah fan!