[ColoradoDiablo]

Just saw this:

1997 20 foot Mariah Z198 Shabah bow rider boat and matching trailer

[mikeyt]

Nice boat. That blue color really stands out though.

[ColoradoDiablo]

Looks funny without the graphics too.
JMO

[cunning193]

Hello all! I'm new to the forum and brand. With little research, the brand is impressive. I live local to this Poster. After seeing their add on craigslist, I joined the forum. This is the exact boat that sparked my interest overall. Can anyone provide insight on whether or not this is a good deal? I was thinking $8,000.00 based off of my research. I do not want to insult the seller with an unreasonable offer. Thanks!

[ShabahZ280]

Seems like a pretty reasonable deal. However I'll agree it does look a little funny without at least the Mariah logo & shields on the side. To get a pair of both, you'll end up paying probably around $150 on ebay. So keep that in mind, and you could use it in negotiations.

Boat looks to be in great shape, with low hours. I'd say you could start with 8k and see where things go from there.

[cunning193]

Looks like NADA average retail is 8k. Low retail is 7k. I asked the seller to help me understand why 9.2k is a fair price and he basically restated his original add. With emphasis on the throw ins like the extra prop and such. He did indicate that he would drop $500 don't think the bank will take add ins into consideration. Paying above average retail would constitute a nearly flawless boat. Can't imagine a 17 year old boat being that pristine. Might just have to look -.- . Thanks for your input.

[ShabahZ280]

Don't ever buy a boat sight unseen... Drive and take a look at it, and ask if you can do a sea trial on it, just to see how it performs on the water! If the seller doesn't want to allow you a sea trial, that's your first red flag. Offer to give $20 for fuel and see if that works. If not, then he's hiding something...

Go over it with a fine-tooth comb before making any purchase deals. The things to pay close attention to are the woodgrain dash gauge cluster, the fiberglass seat backs, and the storage compartment lids because these were custom made in-house by Mariah and they can't be replaced. If there's any damage, that sucks. They can be repaired, but you'll likely never find a true replacement. I paid over $800 to have my dash gauge cluster repaired on my Z250, and I don't recommend doing that. Just pay close attention to the details, and if it comes up good, then go for it!