[Rich331]

Hello all. Browsing through this site, what a great resource for Mariah owners!

I am looking to get back into boating and am looking at used openbows. I found a 1997 Mariah 210 SE w/ matching trailer. 5.7 Merc & out drive, captains chairs. Pics looks nice, claimed to be stored indoors. Without looking at it yet, I am already concerned about how many hours are on the boat, 589. That seems a little on the high side. Price $8,300

Question: If the boat checks out, should I be that hung up on the hours???

Thanks for any input

[Minnox]

That is not allot of hours. That is only about 40 hours a year, the charter boat I mate on is only run part time and we run about 300+hours a year. The most problems with boats occur from not being used, so I would like a boat with some hours on it because you know it has been used and not sitting with all the gaskets drying out and seals dry rotting.

[rayzorback]

I just bought a '97 210 Shabah Limited Edition and don't even know (or care) about the hours as boats last much longer than cars/trucks. As long as the maintanance has been done and it has been well cared for it should be fine IMHO. The price seems pretty good if it is in good shape. Just my 2 cents worth

[Rich331]

Thanks Minnox. Doesn't a charter boat usually run more consistent at a lower rmp? I would think the constant starting and stopping of a ski boat at higher rpms would be a lot harder on the motor. Am I off base on this?

[Rich331]

Thanks Rayzorback. I'm going to look at the boat hopefully tomorrow. I do think the older generation Mariah's are beautiful looking boats. I remember seeing them back in the late 90s' when I was cruizin around in my old 80's something StingRay. I looked like a Nissan Sentra pulling up next to a Cadillac. (nothing against Sentras)

[rayzorback]

My previous boat was a 1996 Shabah 180. I had it for about 10 years and never had any trouble out of it. I LOVE Mariah boats and wouldn't consider buying anything but one.

[Minnox]

Yes you are correct we run hard going to and from then idle most of the day. I guess I was trying to say was we still run 300+ hours in one year where you have about 40 hours a year. So lets say the boat was used about ten times a year for 4 hours each time on average IMHO I don't think that is allot of hours, even if it was allot of starts and stops and high RPM's that motor should have plenty of life left. You may want to get a second opinion and hire a boat surveyor to look over the boat and make sure those hours weren't hard hours and not being taken care of properly. Like Rayzorback said if there are maintenance records and you like it GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!

[Rich331]

Good point. Thanks

[rayzorback]

To me..... The price seems good. I payed more than that for mine (But it is a beautiful Red LE) and needs some upholstery work on the back bench and front bow seats. BTW... Does anyone know close match for the "Buckskin" color?

[ShabahZ280]

The original material is made by Nautolex and would be your best bet as far as the look and feel of the original. The cost is a little more than standard vinyl, but it'd be a perfect match. Some of our members have sourced the materials and posted the info here on the site. Do a search for "Nautolex" or "Prefixx" and you should find what you need!