[Accidental]

Hello everyone!
I'm about to purchase a 1996 Mariah Z 240 Talari. They are asking $12,500 here in Eastern Tennessee.

I am just wondering if I am getting a good deal, and if this is a good year/model for the Mariah line.
I'm not looking to get a clunker/lemon and want a boat that requires little maintenance. This may be hard to ask for in a boat that is 14 years old. Here are some stats:

• Engine: 7.4L (Big Block 454)

• Hours: 235

• Bravo 1 Outdrive

• Interior: About 8 out of 10

• All gauges claimed to be working

• Winterized but serious buyers will have the option to try the boat on the water.

• Includes dual-axle custom trailer with brakes made for the Z 240

• Hull about 9/10.. no cracks, gashes, etc and bottom seems well maintained and waxed.

The interior has a hunter green that I will most likely replace completely (dash, carpet, seats, etc). The only aftermarket I see are 8 Polk speakers. Unfortunately the Pioneer radio was disconnected and can't be reconnected due to a missing harness/dongle for the speakers and power.

And recommendations about testing the engine? I'd hate to buy it and then do a $3000 overhaul due to compression issue, leaks, cracked block, boot issue, etc.

[ShabahZ280]

It's definitely a great looking boat and it looks like it was well taken care of, however if you're not happy with the hunter green interior, don't buy it. To redo the entire upholstery in a different color, using the OEM materials will set you back quite a bit of money, and will be a true pain in the @ss. It's not just a quick easy job, Mariah interiors are top notch using the highest quality materials and stitching methods. If you cheap out and just go with a generic white, you'll lose quite a bit of resale value, and most likely discourage anyone from buying it in the future. These boats are beautiful in their original form, and that's why we all strive to take such great care of them. Plus changing the interior still won't do much for all the hunter green on the outside of the boat...

I'd say wait it out for the boat with the color you really want. They're out there, you just need to know where to look.

[garyg]

Accidental If I was buying this or any boat I would be sure to take the boat for a test drive for at least an hour or more. Put the boat threw its paces also if your married let your wife drive it also,because if she don't like the boat ,you know what thay say if, mama is not happy nobodys happy.My wife drove are Shabah Z 272 and fell in love with it.We love are Mariah and am sure you would love yours also. From the pictures the boat looks like it has been well taken care of. You can always do a compression check on the engine.I would check the tires on the trailer for dry rot or weather checking.You always ask the owner if the price is firm? After you test out the boat and if you like it,now is a good time to buy,but not the best time to sell so this can work in your favor.Good luck in what ever you decide.. Gary G Middle Tn. I agree with Shabah Z250 about the interior.

[Accidental]

Thanks for the advice Gary and Chris.. in regards to the interior, I had a quote of 4K for new interior + carpet. That does not include the exterior paint and decals unfortunately. They are very reputable here and have some work on display that seems top-notch. I may be able to live with the green, but you're right - maybe I need to wait for the perfect boat to come my way. Not married (in a relationship though) but I may let her drive the boat if we test it (she's never driven a boat before..)

I didn't hear anything about the cost. Is $12,500 a reasonable starting price? How do these big Mercruiser 454s hold up after 15+ years?

[jgreen]

Hi Accidental, I copied the NADA pricing for this 96 Talari below. IMHO 12,500 is a little spendy.
I have a 95, same boat, same power with Bravo3. Love the boat, big block is the only power to have with this heavy a boat. I have heard that the weight of the big block can cause alliignment/coupler issues, but these old GM engines should run forever.
Good luck

Base Price

$7,090 $8,050
Reported Engine Range: 301 - 350 HP (5.7L - 8.1L)
Total adjustment for your engine(s): Add $610
Options
Power Boat: CANVAS
Bimini Top $185 $210
Bow Cover $155 $175
Cockpit Cover $195 $220
TOTAL PRICE $8,235 $9,265

[garyg]

Hi Accidental The BIG block 454 is a great engine.I have that one in my 2000 Z 272 Shabah open bow with a Bravo three drive LOVE the power.The trailer is worth at least $3,000.Is this boat for sale by private ower or dealer?? Most people price them a little higher so they can come down.You can't lose by asking if you really like the boat. Good luck in what every you decide. Gary g I noticed that the owner lowered the price to $11,000 after the first of the year. Thats alot of boat for the money

[Dredd]

+1 on what everyone has said.
The price only seems a little high to me (from KS), because the shape it appears to be in commands quite a bit over NADA, imo... plus it's a Z. Girlfriend and I paid a bit over book for our Mariah and we've never regretted it for one minute.
I'd never recommend replacing the interior on a boat as high quality as a Mariah just because of color preference.
The center cushions in the bow are sweet. Creating something like that is on my winter project list right now.

[jgreen]

I agree Dredd, NADA is a little low for the condition and only 235 hrs.Couple G's over book should be about right. We too probably paid a bit over book for ours and haven't regretted it for one second. These boats are just too nice.

[CarolinaKipper]

I agree with gary (wife go with you) - I will say - I have the same boat and paid 15k for it with the trailer. It is well worth paying a little over, to get a Mariah vs any other boat from this age group. It is a solid Boat. Made very well back in this era and 253 hours is not even broke in yet. I bought mine with 340 hours on it, and I just turned 470 on it without putting a nickel into it. Runs like a champ. We use our boat year round... and some hard hours some easy. (Tubing, Cruising)
Hope this helps. I would definatley buy another one from this Era.

[CarolinaKipper]

I liked the center cushions too, let me know how that works out for ya, as mine does not have that feature either.