1996 Mariah Shabah Bow-rider 20.0 5.0
 

Hi...I am think about buying this boat was just wanting some input. It has like 375 hrs garage kept in great shape. Does it still have a lot of life left in. It will be my first boat just hoping not to have a bad experience. Is the 5.0 a good motor? Any input would be awesome. it is a bow-rider also. Thanks in advance.
Jim

Re: 1996 Mariah Shabah Bow-rider 20.0 5.0
 

Welcome to MOC.

When it comes to hrs on a boat I think sometimes people can get too hung up on them. For example a boat may have 50hrs on it but could have a cracked block from freezing or could have 500hrs and been taken great care of. If it looks clean and someone can show you service records it is probably decent. I would recommend taking the boat out with the seller prior to buying.

As for how much life is left in a motor... That is all dependent on use and how it was maintained. I have tinkered on a few boats with +1000 hours and they are run just fine.

Re: 1996 Mariah Shabah Bow-rider 20.0 5.0
 

Thanks for the reply. we took it out today. It has power steering but very hard to turn. Checked the fluid it was good. I am worried about buying it now. They are ask 7000 and the motor is 5.7 not 5.0. Do you think its to much the boat overall is very clean for the year. Just torn on what to do now.
Thanks again for responding.
Jim

Re: 1996 Mariah Shabah Bow-rider 20.0 5.0
 

I had that same boat. 5.7 much better than the 5.0 Check the belt that goes to the power steering pump. Is it hard to steer at idle or under full power.......The price sounds more than fair

1996 Mariah Shabah Bow-rider 20.0 5.0
 

I have the same year and model. I got mine for $4500 but interior was shot. If the boat is solid and interior is good I wouldn't let something small like a steering cable keep me from buying the boat. I have owned probably 8 18-22 ft boats and this is by far my favorite. The steering could be something simple like the cable. Does it have a fin, also known as a whale tail on the out drive? This could cause the hard steering at low speed. I had a wellcraft that was same way.

Re: 1996 Mariah Shabah Bow-rider 20.0 5.0
 

Thanks for the info. The steering is hard at idle and full throttle. I just worry about if that bad what else. I checked the belt it was on. They are checking it out Tuesday and I will decide then. But you think its a fair price and will be a good first boat?
Thanks again
Jim

Re: 1996 Mariah Shabah Bow-rider 20.0 5.0
 

I bought my 95 z212 with the 5.0 for $9,000 4 years ago. A 20ft with 5.7 for that price is fine. My boat has 511 hours and still running strong. You can't go wrong with a Mariah.

1996 Mariah Shabah Bow-rider 20.0 5.0
 

I bought my 96 z210 with a 5.7 in 2013. The trailer was rushed and falling apart. The interior was shot (look at my pics on here for idea). There was 495 hours on the motor. If it is in as good of condition as you say I would go for it. Especially if your having it inspected prior to purchase. Like 95Z212 said, you can't go wrong with a Mariah.

Re: 1996 Mariah Shabah Bow-rider 20.0 5.0
 

Ok Great....thanks for help

Re: 1996 Mariah Shabah Bow-rider 20.0 5.0
 

Thanks I looked for your pictures and couldn't find them.