Help! I'm a boat virgin!
 

I am looking at buying a 1998 Mariah 180 SHEBAH BR. It is in mint condition. It has a 4.3 Mercruiser. I have a few questions if anybody has the time to give advice.

1. Will the motor have enough power to pull a tube/ski with 500lbs of people/gear in the boat?
2. Does the motor get reasonable gas mileage?
3. I dont yet know the hours on the motor, what is an acceptable range? How many hours can a motor run before needing to be rebuilt if it has been well maintained.
4. NADA gives a price of 6300. That does not include the price of the trailer which would be included. Does that sound low? I dont see any selling for that. What would be a reasonable price to pay for this boat if it has under say 300 hours on the motor with service records and a clean inspection.

I know these are a lot of questions at once and I appreciate any help I can get. From what I've read these older model boats have quite a following and I think this would be a good first boat for me and my family to enjoy. Thanks!

Re: Help! I'm a boat virgin!
 

All good questions.

1) 4.3 - strong engine. What u can pull depends on props too. U should have enough power, but with that load, don't expect neck breaking acceleration. U may need to consider smart tabso help with planing and balance.
2) mileage should be good. I have a 97 br with a 7.4 and get 2+ mpg at cruise.
3) u should get at least 1000 hours of life, probably 1500+ if only used in fresh water, and it's been well maintained. Do they have maint records?
4) pricing - idk... has the boat been in any accidents? How's the vinyl? And stretching or crackiing at the seams?

These are great hulls and well constructed.

Good luck! No regrets on buying ours! :wink_thumbup:

Re: Help! I'm a boat virgin!
 

I have a 1996 180 Shabah, I have only ran it once since I bought it as the weather was getting cold. Mine had 190 hours on it and was in excellent shape and well maintained. The only wear that you can really see is the rub rail, which for $100 can be replaced and make the boat look brand new. The interior is excellent and it had the Mariah (Chariot) trailer. I gave $7000 for it. It seems to have all the power I need, but has the 4.3lx motor which is 205hp. If you prop it right you can do almost anything.
The other good think about that boat is that I was told the Alpha I drive is lower maintenance and also more economical if repairs where ever needed.
I have really gotten into the whole boating idea, and trying to get over the intimidation of doing my own work on it as far as service and other minor issues.:wink_thumbup:

Re: Help! I'm a boat virgin!
 

Thanks for the help. By the way I live in rogers, ar. Do you live in the area?

Re: Help! I'm a boat virgin!
 

I am in Sherwood.

Re: Help! I'm a boat virgin!
 

Our 2000 Shabah 180 has 224 hours on it, and I have never pulled a plug to inspect. We pull skiers, and tubes--no problem. We have had 9 people in her, and she did real good-got up on plane, and levelled off nicely. The 4.3 is a strong engine--it's 3/4 of a 350 Chevy, and they run forever! I change ALL the fluids every fall, and run anti-freeze in the engine at the same time. She's 10 years old, and looks like new. Just take care of them, and they will pay you back in trouble-free enjoyment.

Re: Help! I'm a boat virgin!
 

This is very similar to the 183C that I have.. Ours has the 4.3L EFI which is a little bit more power. But I put a 4-blade 19 pitch prop on it and now it pulls like a trooper. Before that I had a bit of trouble with 4 people in the boat and pulling a skiier. I also use a 21" pitch for crusing. I didn't loose much top end on the 19 as well..