1997 Mariah Z222 Shabah for sale--Worth it?

Rallysport91 · 03-04-2014, 10:21 PM

Hey guys I don't own a Mariah yet, but am looking for a good one. I spotted this Z222 and wondered what you guys thought of the boat and the price point the current owner is asking.

1997 Mariah Z222 Shabah

Z210 Shabah LE · 03-05-2014, 01:45 AM

Hello,

I noticed that listing as well as I live near Lee's Summit, MO and saw it advertised locally. In my opinion, the red Limited Edition Shabah Z is the best looking color combination that Mariah made. Of course I'm I little biased due to the fact that I own one. I Purchased a 1997 Z210 Shabah LE last fall in Kansas for $12,500.00 with only 120 hours on it.

The Z222 listed is a little longer (of course, "size matters") and is also equipped with the Big Block power train. So I'd estimate that it should be in the range of $14,500.00 if I were negotiating with the seller. If I were the seller, I'd suggest taking you for a test ride to get as much out of your wallet as possible once you heard the captains call exhaust and noticed the speedo hit 62 MPH!

I find that most of the boats in this area are typically in above average condition as they spend a lot of time on shore and not getting beat up too bad on the bigger lakes. If stored indoors then the interior should be in good condition for its age with those hours. Overall, it looks pretty good in the pictures but I would never buy a boat without a personal inspection and test drive.

I'm on my second Mariah Shabah Z and have been very happy with both! Can't go wrong with a well cared for Mariah (up to 2000 model year). Just my opinion, for whatever it's worth. I also sold my first Shabah Z for the same amount that I paid for it nearly 7 years later.

Bottom line, it's only worth what you/someone is willing to pay for it. This one has been on the market for a while so maybe the seller will be willing to negotiate a little...especially considering how cold it has been lately!

PS: make sure that it includes all of the covers and Bimini top and that they are in good condition if you are going to pay top dollar. Cobalt boats has a saying "Buy the best and you will only cry once". I happen to believe that motto also applies to the original Mariah's which are "Equipped like no other boat in the world"!

Good luck and let us know how it works out.

Mike

Dredd · 03-05-2014, 03:41 PM

Great looking ride. I agree with Mike, the price doesn't sound far off at all considering the power package. I don't think it's a 70mph boat on GPS but I always think those 22'ers with the big block must put a big smile on the captain's face.

Rallysport91 · 03-06-2014, 03:56 PM

Thanks for the replies! I am still trying to convience the better half that this boat would be a vital addition to our family

I am trying to arrange a viewing and test drive next week, any advice on what to look for on these boats?

Andy b · 03-06-2014, 06:28 PM

Just neglect, if looked after these boats will last you a lifetime.....
Ask for service history and basically look over the boat for signs that it not been cared for.
Mariahs if looked after will be as good today as the day it rolled out of the factory

Rallysport91 · 03-07-2014, 02:49 PM

You guys have any idea what these sold for when they were new?

Motoxxx43 · 03-07-2014, 10:30 PM

I checked NADA and it shows suggested list price at $34k but who knows how accurate that is. The book on it showed 15,500-17,900 with options I selected.
Looks like a lot of fun to be had to me.
Make sure to go over it really good I suppose. I looked over mine really well and got a substantial amount of money taken off the asking price due to outdrive needing work. Furthermore don't forget to inspect the trailer!! That mistake is costing me $1500 to put new axles, brakes, etc on. Especially if you have to tow for a distance.
It worked out for me I got to go look at an inspect and 3-4 weeks later I made another trip out to buy it.

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Rallysport91 · 03-07-2014, 11:46 PM

Thanks for the info! I am supposed to take the trip next weekend (weather permitting) for the test drive. I have experience with Alpha one drives, but not Bravo III's so some of that configuration will be new to me. I will try and take a good look at everything and see how it performs on the water.

I will let you guys know how it goes and if I bring it home or not. If I do I will take some better pics than the listing.