[andy4jesus]

I just bought a '96 19ft Shabah. There does not seem to be a place to store the factory top that snaps to the windshield. The engine compartment is too narrow for the rods to fit. Does anyone have a suggestion? Pics would help too.

Thanks!

[TN_Diablo]

The canvas top on our 18' Diablo fits and I imagine yours does too under the sundeck. It nestles in way back where there is probably clips for your anchor light and behind the lift struts for the deck but it's a trick to get it in. Roll the canvas around the poles, then feed it in behind the lift struts with the ends of the poles pointed toward the bow. It will be hanging out over one side of the boat and point one side downward so that it can drop drop below the fiberglass decking all the way outboard on the other side and slide in until it will clear the opening under the hatch. Then lower and rotate the thing downward bringing it back toward you. Both sides will probably be below the top fiberglass now and settled in just behind the motor where the is a relief so the hatch can close.

Your Shabah might have pull out storage in the back but I bet it still fits in there.

[Musicman_L7]

My 96 190 Shabah has the storage at the rear of the engine compartment below the stern light clips but I cannot get the top to drop in that location. Instead, I place it at a 45* angle facing down toward the drain plug into the buoy storage on each side of the engine compartment and let the top rest immediately behind the rear seat, just above the flame arrestor. It has to be put in one side first and then the other, at an angle but it fits nicely. I'm afraid I don't have a photo of it currently, but may be able to get one this weekend if I remember.

[andy4jesus]

Thanks for the replies! I think a rubix cube is more simple than this. its quite the puzzle. I have to work on it for short periods of time as this process sucks my patience like a 454 mag suck gas. I have yet to figure it out but I will try these options.

I bought this boat for 3500 bucks to try to get my family out on the lake economically. The floor is solid, the motor and outdrive supposedly work good. I started the boat with the muffs and engaged to outdrive f and rev and it seemed to work well. I am going to take it out on the lake with a friend just to make sure it runs out well before I put the wife and kids in it.

You mention a flame arrestor. Forgive my ignorance but what is that? I noticed some aluminum slot brackets that look to hold some type of compartment walls next to the engine. I did watch a youtube video of a walk through that a guy did to sell his and his were missing too. Are there supposed to be walls and a cover around the engine when you raise the sun deck?

I have to say, if the boat runs out okay, it was a pretty good deal. The trailer is pretty nice too.

[Musicman_L7]

See photo below. There should be an enclosure around the engine.

[Musicman_L7]

More photos.

[Musicman_L7]

Last photo.

[Musicman_L7]

Also, the flame arrestor is similar in appearance to an air filter on top of the carb.

[andy4jesus]

Great pics Musicman. I will try your method tomorrow. I dont have the carpet covered compartment that goes over the engine on mine. Im pretty good with wood working and could probably replicate it. Your boat looks to be in great shape! The interior on my sundeck and back seat are shot an will have to be replaced after this season. They guy who I bought it from was a big dud 300# plus! The drivers seat has been replaced with an aftermarket one and I think I can figure out why. It would be nice to put it back to original if I could find a mariah seat. Thanks again for the pics. Very helpful!

[TN_Diablo]

OK Sorry if I confused things... Clearly the Shabah is quite different than my Diablo. Ignore me and pay attention to Musicman. However it looks like you need the engine compartment piece to support the top or it will drop down. I don't think it would be difficult to build one with a few dimensions and pictures. Assume you still have the U shaped channels fixed to the floor and top fiberglass at the bottom and rear?