[LJ.]

Hello everyone it is my pleasure to become a member. I presently don’t own a Mariah but if everything goes right should close the deal tomorrow. We are considering a 1996 215 Talari it is a 21 footer and a beautiful boat much more than our previous boat a 1985 19’ Bayliner cuddy. I had never heard of Mariah boats before I had called a Larson dealer and asked about a cuddy cabin and he told me he had a 1996 Mariah that was for sale I went looking expecting to see some thing like our bayliner and was I supprised. I was not to sure with buying a boat that I never heard of then I posted on Iboats and asked about Mariah boats and was refered to this site. Good night for now and if all goes well we will be talking soon.
LJ.

[simpleaz]

Good luck with the deal. Mariah are great boats and you will see the build quality. I have a 1996 and it is in great shape.

Welcome to the board.

[mikeyt]

First off, welcome aboard LJ! Things are a little slower around here at this time of year but there is still a wealth of information and help available on our site.

Second.....you went to see a Mariah expecting it to be something like your Bayliner??? ARRRRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!

Always remember that friends dont let friends purchase Bayliners.....and now you are amongst friends.

[LJ.]

I was wonder do the run as good as they look?

[mikeyt]

Originally Posted by LJ.

I was wonder do the run as good as they look?

Yes, very much so.

[LJ.]

This Mariah is so much more that even the new Bayliners we looked at. The only concern I had was it was 16 years old but as I was told and I saw for my self it has been well taken care of almost like brand new. A few minor things like cabin light were not working and radio not working but very minor issues.

[mikeyt]

As simpleaz noted, they are well-built boats that generally handle, perform & ride very well but like any other boat, if it's not taken care of it will cause problems down the road. This one sounds like it was well looked after but i would suggest a water test before putting your money on the table. Make sure everything (switches/trim/electrics etc) works, that she starts easily and runs smoothly. Checking for any past service history documentation would be a good idea also. Little things like cabin lights/stereo etc are a relatively easy fix and are usually just a ground (bit of corrosion) issue. Some original Mariah specific items are very hard to find (glass & dash components come to mind) but most items are available thru members of our site.

[LJ.]

You think I should insist on a ride on the water first before I buy? This dealer say that he doesn’t know if he can find a owners manual I suggested that he go online and try and find one he said that the boat was so old that the chances we not to good. If he won’t agree to a test drive on the water should I walk away?

[simpleaz]

skip the owner's manual idea. not needed. Post your questions here and search. You will find all that you need. Outside of the windshield, most everything else can be found from various vendors.

Search owner's manual and you will see comments galore.

What I love is the solid feel of the boat and comfort. You can tell with just the first trip if you will like how the boat handles and also if its runs smooth. Mariahs were a little more money so most tend to be in good shape and taken care of versus other used boats you will find. Not universal but I looked at a lot before I bought my Shabah 200. It is a 1996 and I get comments on how nice it looks and runs.

Only thing I would like to do is redo the seats and deck so they are new then I will have a 2010 boat. Mercruiser 5.7L V8 is great.

[mikeyt]

As simpleaz says, the owners manual is a non-issue. Like most boat manuals, the Mariah owners manuals are very generic and not model specific so you wont find them to be much help. We do have them on-line here along with operating manuals for most of the accessories and options that Mariah installed and they are available to contributing members. For the most part though, if you have questions about the operation of a specific part or accessory, there is usually someone here that can answer your question.

The water test issue is another matter. If the dealer refuses to hinge the deal on a water test, personally i would walk away unless you are absolutely certain about the condition of the boat, motor and outdrive. I realize that depending on where you are located, it can be difficult to arrange a water test at this time of year but if the dealer wants to sell the boat he will make the necessary arrangements.

While you are here, have a look thru our Marketplace where you will find a few of our member's Mariahs for sale.