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cmsharp · 03-03-2010, 02:48 PM

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.

***mikeyt*** · 03-03-2010, 02:58 PM

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

cmsharp · 03-03-2010, 03:04 PM

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

***indykoch*** · 03-03-2010, 03:09 PM

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).

jeffro788 · 03-03-2010, 03:29 PM

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.

pimpadelic · 03-03-2010, 05:43 PM

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.

jeffro788 · 03-03-2010, 06:51 PM

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.

***mikeyt*** · 03-03-2010, 07:26 PM

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.

cmsharp · 03-03-2010, 07:55 PM

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!

stv#92 · 03-03-2010, 08:58 PM

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

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