Soon to be owner

CrnCnn · 09-30-2012, 04:21 AM

Hello,

My wife and I are looking to purchase our fist boat outside of our canoe. We are looking at buying a 1991 Shabah. I am trying to find out more information about the boat. The owner said that it ran great a year and a half ago before she parked it. She is the aunt of a friend we have known for years so I trust her. She doesn't really seem to know much more about it in regards to the specific model. The sticker on the boat said Shabah is all I know at the moment. The motor is supposed to be a 350 I think.

Any tips on how to find out more info by looking at it would be appreciated.

Thank you

Clint

kruthes1 · 09-30-2012, 10:26 PM

There is a ton that needs to be looked at but first off where has it been stored for the last year and a half? If outside covered or not? What condition is the interior in ? Is there any standing water in any of the storage compartments? I guess it really all depends on how much you are paying for it and how mechanical are you? If at all possible I would find a friend/realative that knows boats to go with you to inspect it. If you dont know anyone I would take it in to a shop to have it checked out. It will cost you a couple hundred but could save you thousands if you buy a rotted or mechanically problematic boat. Just my 0.02

***ColoradoDiablo*** · 09-30-2012, 10:32 PM

Hello , and welcome to MOC!

I would check:
For soft spots in floor(very unusual for a Mariah)
Keel and underside of boat
Outdrive Oil for level and contaniments
Engine Oil for level and condition
Trim pump operation
Was it winterized
Was the fuel drained or stablized at least(fuel issues with boats sitting a long time can be a big headache sometimes)
Upholstery for rotten panels
Start her up on muffs

Number 1 thing is take her to the lake and run her. But if it hasn't run in a year and a half it needs maintenance done before much of anything.

If I'm not prying how much does she want for it?

Larry

***mikeyt*** · 10-01-2012, 12:21 AM

Welcome aboard! There were no "Shabahs" in 1991 so you might want to check the hull ID#. The last two digits are the model year.

CrnCnn · 10-01-2012, 01:07 AM

Thank you for the input everyone. Where is the Hull ID located? Is it on the back? I thought I saw a number plate riveted to the back near the ladder.

Edit: After a search I see that it should be there on the Starboard side. I will head over tomorrow and check it out.

CrnCnn · 10-02-2012, 03:50 AM

It appears to be a 96 and the window decal said/used to say Z200.

***mikeyt*** · 10-02-2012, 12:02 PM

I thought it looked a little newer than a '91. Then u are looking at a 1996 Z200 Shabah. Being a "Z" series it should have some little 'goodies' on it such as power drivers seat, power rear hatch, windshield wiper, window defogger etc.

CrnCnn · 10-03-2012, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeyt

I thought it looked a little newer than a '91. Then u are looking at a 1996 Z200 Shabah. Being a "Z" series it should have some little 'goodies' on it such as power drivers seat, power rear hatch, windshield wiper, window defogger etc.

Is there a list somewhere that it came with? or would it be an as ordered type of thing?

***mikeyt*** · 10-03-2012, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrnCnn

Is there a list somewhere that it came with? or would it be an as ordered type of thing?

All "Z" series were not made exactly alike but they were an upscale Mariah with only the "LE" series further up the line. While some "Z" items were standard equipment such as digital air & water temp readouts, windshield defogger, docking lights, custom 2 tone gelcoat, power drivers seat, power hatch, digital info centre,, instrument dimmer switch etc they could be opted out of and there were probably a few more items that could be added.

For your particular Z200, it weighs in at approx 2550lbs dry, 40 gal fuel tank, 28" draft and with the 5.7 you should get into the low-mid 50's. Things to watch for is the checking to see if the digital info centre works (we have manuals etc available to contributing members) as the circuit boards can fail over time as well as the outdrive trim sensor which is failure prone on Mercruiser outdrives and a b**** to replace. Most of us just live with the trim indicator staying in the full up position and trim by feel.