[Straightline]

I've tried posting this information a couple of times, but it isn't showing up (one time was yesterday), so I apologize if this gets entered in the forum more than once.

I'm looking at a 1998 Jubilee 204 DB. I've noted, from this forum, that the bow seats and the entry door hinges tend to have screws that loosen. Other than that are there other things I should take special note of when I go down to the dealer this weekend for an inspection?

The dealer that has it listed is selling it on consignment for the owner. The owner has had the boat for 8 years and is selling the boat because he was in an accident and can't use the boat any longer.

They are asking $11,000 for it. NADA books the boat with trailer at $8700. I'm thinking that I will offer book and meet somewhere in the middle. Does that sound reasonable?

Here are the details:

1998 Mariah Jubilee 204 DB

- No windshield model. It's open seating on the port side except where the sink/potty cabinet are
- 4.3 Mercruiser with a Bravo 3
- Interior was redone 3 years ago
- The only defects that have been noted by the dealer and through photos are some scuffs on the back of the captain's chair and the fiberglass (or whatever the sink is made of) is cracked around the drain.
- 1000 watt subwoofer with 4 regular speakers, and 2 bazooka speakers
- No bimini top
- It has a full cover that is in good condition
- Dealer has had the boat out on the water and says it runs strong (3 months ago)
- Dealer says all the gauges work and they will run the boat again and confirm and let me know if anything doesn't work
- Dealer hooked up their computer to get the hours on the engine. It has 278.5 hours
- Dealer will check the trailer lights, bearings and brakes and will repair if needed
- Dealer will detail the boat before delivery. It is dirty because it has been sitting in their pole barn next to a gravel road/lot
- Two new batteries
- No carpet. Dealer says he doesn't think it ever had carpet. (is that normal?)
- Other than needing a good polish and wax the exterior is in good condition with no defects
- Dealer checked with the owner, at my request, to get service records. Owner said it hasn't had any major service in the 8 years he's owned the boat. Only in for winterizing each year which this dealer has done.
- Serpentine belt changed this year

Any advise on what to look for and on pricing would be appreciated.

Thanks

[mikeyt]

Buying a Used Mariah

As an FYI... the 204 did have a small windshield above the dash panel.

[Straightline]

My understanding is that the windshield was optional.

[mikeyt]

Originally Posted by Straightline

My understanding is that the windshield was optional.

I suppose that is remotely possible but i cant imagine not wanting one. The only Jubilees I've seen without a windshield are the ones that were broken and the owner couldn't find a replacement.

[Straightline]

We went to look at the boat last Sunday. It indeed had a windshield at one time. I called the company listed on this site; Custom Mold and Tint 870.367.7083. The windshield is going to be about $200.00 including shipping. The phone number listed on for them is wrong. Above is the correct number.

Thanks

[mikeyt]

Thanks for that update but unfortunately only one of the two admin people can edit that Vendor list and neither of them have been onsite for weeks now. Glad to hear you found the windshield replacement though.

[Straightline]

There are also a lot of dead links.

[knkhart]

Did you purchase this boat? I'd be interested in knowing how this performs with this engine/drive combo. This is a pretty heavy boat. My 214 has a 350 mag and at our elevation in Colorado, I need everything this engine has.

If this has the Plexiglas cover over the toilet, they are prone to cracking. They have to be custom fabricated to be replaced. The windshield can also be custom fabricated if you still have enough of one for a pattern.

My boat does have the snap in carpet, but I can see how it could have been an option. It could easily be added by a good upholstery shop. I like it in mine partly because it covers the gas tank access in the floor which looks pretty rough.

This seating configuration places a lot of weight on the port side of the boat. I had to add hydraulic trim tabs to keep the boat anywhere close to level. On the flip side, the tabs helped the hole shot immensely.

[Straightline]

I have not bought the boat yet. I made an offer and am supposed to hear tomorrow. I have not had the boat in the water, but the dealer said it ran strong. It does not have the plex door on the port side. Just a small sink there. I have found a winshield shipped for $200. Thanks for the input. If I get the boat I will post how it runs.