[jimmychippawa]

Hello everyone. My name is Jim Snow, of Niagara Falls, Ontario.

I am considering bumping up from my 1991 Bayliner Ciera 2655 (which is in excellent shape) to a 2000 Mariah Z280 (Merc V8 7.4LX) that is for sale in Ontario. I am having difficult time finding out any details, reviews, recommendations, boat for sale or sold in this year/model/size.

With 7 kids, I still need a boat that's trailerable and fast enough for hot dog, tubing, skiing and boarding

Can anyone offer any insight?

Is this year/size/model rare? Of course, I'm compelled to ask you Mariah boat owners your opinion of such a move.

All the best, and thank you.

[dudders]

HI Jimmy, sure is a nice boat you are looking at. You should notice a little bit of difference to you Bayliner.
Someone here will be able to chime in as to whether you can tube etc behind it easily.

Here are a few stats direct from the brochure.
L.O.A - 27' 10" - 8.48m
Beam - 105" - 2.67m
Weight - 7300lbs - 3311kg
Deadrise - 20deg
Drive up - 26" - 66cm
Drive down - 42" - 1070cm
Fuel tank - 116 gal - 439 ltrs
Max HP - 385 HP - 287 kw
Max Passengers - 12

Performance;
5.7lt .... 38-42 mph
454 mag ..... 50-55 mph

Heaps and heaps of standard features.
If you become a contributing member you will be able to get your hands on the brochure along with heaps of other goodies.
Good luck with your decision. You certainly wont be dissappointed in choosing a Mariah.
CHeers

[jimmychippawa]

Thanks Tony. For your info, here is the URL for the boat that is for sale.

Brokerage Listings | Simcoe Yachts Sales

[dudders]

One of members "Scotty" has a 1999 Z280, he might be able to give you a better insight into these lovely boats. He was recently on line, so perhaps send him a private message regarding performance etc.
If you go to the Gallery and look at the 1999 model boats you will see his Z280 listed.
Good luck.

[ShabahZ280]

Jimmy-

The Z280's are really nice boats. I almost traded up this year, but decided on tackling a kitchen remodel instead.... Wish I would have listened to my gut instinct and not the girlfriend!

That boat is incredibly overpriced. There's a 1998 here in Cincinnati for $29k, and a 1999 model just sold in Chicago for $18k. (the one that I was considering) However with it being the 2000 model year, it has the updated interior, which may or may not be something you're interested in.

What's the majority of your boating time? Do you spend more time overnighting, or entertaining the kids with watersports and such? If you don't stay overnight, I might recommend a Z272. It's a 27' bowrider, and according to former Mariah workers, it's one of the toughest boats Mariah ever built. It's not going to have the excess weight of the cruiser boats, so getting the kids up on water toys will be much easier. Trailering it will be easier too, as it's nowhere near as heavy and tall. Or if you have the occasional overnight (two guests only), you could consider the Z302. It's a mid cabin bowrider, it has a small cabin in the middle, and an open bow up front. Check out our Gallery for photos of all the different models.

Let us know what you're interested in, and we'll try and help you find the best boat for you!

[Greig]

Hi Chris,
Regarding Jimmy's question on the 2000 Z280, is $29,900 way overpriced for that boat with 250 hours on it? I am also looking at the boat and it is supposed to be in like new shape.
Greig.

[Z 202]

Seems kind of high. Not sure what NADA suggests, but I'm going to guess it's not even close to 30K. The ad doesn't even suggest it comes with a trailer.

I see it's listed as "deal pending" which means either someone is prepared to pay too much, or the vendor was willing to negotiate.

[Greig]

You're right, no trailer and open to offers. Mine is the deal pending. Always wanted a Mariah as they are so well built and this one has the updated interior and seems to be in nice shape. Will get a survey done and see what happens.
Greig

[al levy]

even if you are planning on staying overnite a Z272BR with an enclosure might be the answer with all the kids . big enough room for the port-a-potty and a big enough room for changing. Beside I have one for sale and looked a long time to get one but I have a problem with my hands so I am selling it with a trailer and all. The price is right and includes the trailer and a complete enclosure.