[Nick]

Hello to everyone in the forum. I am a new member and i am from Greece. I would like your opion on a Mariah Barchetta model of 1994 with a volvo penda 4.2 L. and 185 hp. This boat belongs to a friend of mine and he is going to let it go for 6000 Euros (That's about 8200$) trailer included. Taking into consideration that this boat was imported from US it is considered to be a real burgain. He had some problems, mainly electrical issues, but the boat now is ready to go (no service needed). Is there something you would advice me to take into account. I have heard that volvo engines are having lots of problems, is this really the case? Please help me.. I want the boat but i dont want to spend my time repairing an engine..

Many thanks in advance

[mikeyt]

Welcome aboard Nick. I really cant comment on the Volvo reliability issues but i dont suspect they are any worse or better than the equivalent Mercruiser. As for the price, it would be a little high on this side of the Atlantic but i dont know how it compares to prices in your area. Most electrical issues are a result of corrosion so if steps were taken to prevent further such problems then the boat should be reliable.

[Nick]

Originally Posted by mikeyt

Welcome aboard Nick. I really cant comment on the Volvo reliability issues but i dont suspect they are any worse or better than the equivalent Mercruiser. As for the price, it would be a little high on this side of the Atlantic but i dont know how it compares to prices in your area. Most electrical issues are a result of corrosion so if steps were taken to prevent further such problems then the boat should be reliable.

The truth is that if you deal with water ( and salt water in my case) maintanance is the key for a reliable boat. Again i am thinking about it since this is the best boat my budget can buy ( i cannot afford to spend more money) and i know that my friend is giving this boat at a low price just because he knows me. It s market price in Greece is about 8000 to 9000 euros!

Anyway thanks for the advise