[stirn36]

I am looking at 1998 Z202 shabah limited edtion solid red on craigslist.com. The boat has only 78 hours on it and loaded. I went to look at the boat and the thing looks like it just walked off the showroom floor. The dealership is asking $16995 for it but said he would take $15500. Does that seem like a good deal or am i still getting the shaft? help me out

[indykoch]

Sounds like a beauty!! Also sounds like the dealer is awfully proud of it! That's pretty high, even with the low hours and condition. Look at NADA, but remember it's only a guide. The value is based on what the consumer would pay. So, being the consumer, is it worth it? I think it should be around $11k or $12k. It's 12 years old. Make sure you have it inspected if you decide to do it.

One thing to remember, low hours can be a bad thing - hoses, belts, gaskets, etc. need to be used or they'll "dry rot". If it sat for a number of years unused, they could need replacing. Unless you want to play Russian Roulette and have something blow in the middle of the lake. Could be a bargaining tool, though.

What engine does it have? Trailer included?

[stirn36]

it has the 5.7 250hp mercruiser, custom tandem axle trailer and a spare tire

[MAJIC]

I agree with indykoch. Even in that good a shape I'm leery of the low hours. If it has been stored - was it stored properly - water drained and replaced with coolant? Cylinders "misted" with oil? Gas stabilized? Then all the other items that Indykoch mentioned.

If the dealer can not present any maintenance records - then plan on doing a lot to get the boat ready: oil (lower unit and engine) changes, tune-up, hydraulic fluid check-up, ALL fuel filters. You may have to empty the gas tank.

How's the trailer? Again with that age- what condition are the bearings? Are the tires showing dry rot? Have they been sitting in one spot and flattened? Wiring all work?

The price is a bit high, even with the trailer. So my opinion - it should come out of their shop current on ALL maintenance, with a signed off checklist that they'll stand by for at least 90 days.

I speak from experience in buying a boat (not a Mariah) that had been sitting for a couple of years!

I belong to BoatUS and they have a very inexpensive add-on to add boat tows should you need it. They even have a trailer add-on too!

Good luck!

[Z 202]

It looks to be in good shape. It's a true Limited as well - buckskin interior. Your local market will have a lot to do with price, but 15k for such a specimen around here wouldn't be too outrageous. As long as it's been serviced/stored correctly she should be quite a catch.