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I'm looking at buying a 1998 Mariah Sheba with 4.3 Mercruiser. It is in excellent condition. Motor has 160 hours on it. It includes a wakeboard tower/cover/trailer. It has all service records. Owner says 10k firm. Does that sound like too much money to pay? Its hard to find out what a "good price" is. Thanks for any help.

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'tis a "Shabah" not a 'Sheba". btw....what size/model boat? That has a huge effect on the price ;)

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Its 18ft, open bow, with 190hp mercruiser. Thanks

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That sounds reasonable, depending on condition. Remember that low hours could be as bad as high hours - gaskets, hoses, seals, etc. need to be "lubed" from use, and if it sat for long periods you could see some deteriorating.

I'd suggest having it professionally surveyed. If all checks out, I would think $9k to $10k is fair (not a killer deal, but fair).

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I gave $7k for 1996 180 Shabah with 190 hours and is in immaculate shape, but I don't have a wakeboard tower, and the cover is a p.o.s, but it was used to keep the dust off the boat in the building it was kept in.

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10K sounds alittle high. i picked up my 1996 shabah 180 with the 3.0L for $3800. i know the 4.3 is worth more but i dont know about that much more.

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I have seen several 180 shabahs for around $7k-$8k with the 3.0L, but mine has the 4.3LX so I think I got a pretty good deal.

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I'm with Indykoch on this one as it needs to be checked out by a professional. $10k is a premium price for a '98 Shabah 180 although the wakeboard tower helps to explain some of that value. If it was the 'Z' version or the 'LE' version i'd say the price was reasonable.

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I want to thank all of you for the advice. If it gets a good bill of health from the boat inspector, I think I'll offer 8500 and hold my breath!

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I have a 4.3 in my Mariah.
Approx 100 hours.

205hp?

Love the motor, lots of power & great on gas.
high5 prop, she runs!

10K is a little high, it would have to be in perfect condition.

Good luck.
Jeff