[Oldchina]

I'm a newbie here but am considering purchasing this 2000 Z202 Shabah. It appears to have been well used and there is no trailer. They are asking $10,150cdn, is this a reasonable amount? What should I look out for other than visible faults? I have not owned a boat before. My wife and I bought our cottage 4 years ago and have been renovating it so the money has been going elsewhere. Also, for towing something like this, I currently have a 2004 T&C Ltd. AWD with the factory tow package and a 2" receiver. Do you think this would be sufficient? I would appreciate your experienced advice. It shows 299 hours.

Kevin

[Dredd]

Originally Posted by Oldchina

I currently have a 2004 T&C Ltd. AWD with the factory tow package and a 2" receiver. Do you think this would be sufficient?Kevin

By T&C, do you mean a Chrysler Town and Country minivan?
If so, the max trailer weight with the tow package is rated at 3800 lbs which I would assume is going to be really close to what that boat will weigh when combined with the trailer and that's before you add boating/camping gear.
Someone who has access to the manuals here might prove me wrong on that boat weight guesstimate. But if I'm right, I wouldn't do that to one of my vehicles.
Additionally, a trailer for a boat that size may not be equipped with trailer brakes, if not it's not going to be very safe behind a minivan in my opinion.

[Oldchina]

Yes, I did mean Chrysler Town & Country minivan. As for a trailer, as it does not include one, I would look for one equiped with brakes. I'm guessing this a too much boat for me. It does look nice though.

[CarolinaKipper]

"This is just my opinion" Id find a way to get a boat... Borrow a truck when you need to ,
better yet look into keeping it in the water at a slip or a lift.
You will get way more use out of it, if you can eliminate the trailering part. When trailering becomes a hassle and a potential for damaging the boat and or your vehicle, then paying dock fees annually is worth it, and you will get way more use of the boat. The boats hours is irrelavent as long as it was maintained. These mercruisers are basic chevy small blocks, work horses, and easily maintained. The out drive should be serviced every 3 years.. (Gimbell Bearings Lubed, and seals replaced).

Im not sure what the Canadian conversion is.... Its pretty close to 1to1 to US Dollars these days...
10,500 sounds fair depending on the overall shape for a 2000 model.

I bought a 1994 Model for 15,000 but it was what I wanted... and it was takin care of very well.
It had 320 hours at the time. I now have over 480 hours, and have not had to put any money into it. (Solid Boat) compared to other MFG's... I am due this year for outdrive maintenence. :-(
But do you know what B.O.A.T. Stands for?
Answer: Bust Out Another Thousand.....
Just kidding...


Hope this helps...

[Oldchina]

$10,150.00 cdn is approximately $9,500 U.S. Of course taxes etc on top. The trailer part is for going to other lakes if we wish. Our lake is small and not connected to other lakes. The boat is located about 2½ hours from our place on the lake so it must me trailered there. As far as storage goes, there is no marina on our lake and the closest one is about 25 minutes away where I could get service and storage. The hull and out drive look pretty scummy with barnacles etc on the out drive. Not sure what the storage and maintenance was and there is no way of finding out as it was a bank repo.As is where is. I'm guessing that out drive service would likely cost between 1 and 2 g's? 20' is pretty big, I was looking for 17' but I saw this and could see some possibilities.

[DougR]

Tough call, IMHO the Z's are sweet and hard to get... I tried many times before going with an 03 sx20...
However, that deal only set me back 11,500 with a prestige trailer inc surge brakes..

[jgreen]

Hi Kevin, the spec sheet calls out 2975lbs. With 50gal fuel the boat should go 3285 before you add the toys, food, beer etc plus the weight of the trailer so your minivan would get a workout. But, what a great starter boat! you will love it. Good luck.

[Oldchina]

Thanks for all the input people. My wife says "too big" so I guess size does matter. I sat in it and could see myself cruising in it and enjoying the sun and wind. I love the dash with all the neat switches and gauges too! I'll just have to work on her I guess.

[Z 202]

Keep working on her. I own a '95 and it's the nicest boat I've ever owned.

I've pulled mine with my minivan, but it's not something that I'd recommend. These days I use a Grand Cherokee.

The price seems a little high for a slipped unit that doesn't come with a trailer. However if it's been regularly serviced, you may not have any worries, just a good clean up.

[skiater]

That is a good price for that year and size of boat here in Ontario.
I recently bought a 2000 Z182 with trailer for the same price, lower hours though.
I know of another 1999 Z182 with trailer, low hours that was for sale and the seller would not drop below $11000 CND.
The Mariah's seem to sell quickly here if they are priced right and in good condition.
PM me if you want details on either boat or others I saw.