Thoughts and info on a 1997 Z198 Limited EDition
 

I came across an ad for a "1997 Z198 SS Limited Edition" Mariah Shabbah. It looks pretty good in the pictures from last summer. It has the 5.7L 250 HP engine (Mercruiser). Owner states that he had the 3 bow cushions reupholstered last fall as well as the sun deck. He states that he did NOT have the head rests reinstalled when he did the deck, but still has them. Anyhow, I can find only very limited information on the Z198s on the web. As I understand it, the Z means it has some power features or maybe some other "upgrades" from the regular 198 and the Limited Edition is why it is solid red in color. I don't know if there are other distinquishing features from these two designations. I don't see many posting related to any 198s though and wonder if it might have been a less popular model - and if so would like to know why. Any feedback on the 198s, the Z's, the Limited Editions or on these boats in general would be appreciated.

Now to value. NADA gives an "Average Retail" of around $7,000. I do not believe that includes the trailer. While it is specific to the Z198 model, it does not differentiate for the "Limited Edition".

BUC says it has a retail value of between $7,000 and $8,000 in "BUC" (or high average) condition. I do not know whether that includes a trailer and it also is not accounting for any value difference that the "limited Edition" might have.

The boat I an considering would appear to be a little bit over "average" or "BUC" condition, but is also a 3rd party sale as opposed to retail. I also realize that NADA and BUC get values based upon reported dealer retail sales and it appears that this boat model ( and make for that matter) have limited amounts of retail sales to report so their values can be suspect. Who better to give me an "unbiased" opinion of value than a group of owners?:rolleyes: So, what say you all - what is this boat worth?

Thanks.

Dave Hall

Re: Thoughts and info on a 1997 Z198 Limited EDition
 

Original Mariahs came in 3 flavours. The standard edition which was still a well equipped boat for its time, the Z model which provided upgrades such as power seats, power hatch, window defroster, bow lighting etc and then the LE model which would include any or all of the Z options along with having a solid hull colour & usually a buckskin coloured interior. Without seeing the actual production numbers, i would guess that the Z may have been the most popular version along with the standard version. There weren't many of the LE models made.

Value sources such as NADA are only generalized guidelines in pricing a boat and none include a trailer etc in the valuation. Everything else (such as condition etc) being equal, it usually it comes down to location and the time of year in which the boat is being sold. This time of year usually brings premium pricing.

The '97 198Z weighs in at approx 2600lbs with a 42gal fuel tank. The 5.7L was the middle of the engine options (4.3, 5.7 or 350MAG) which should give you a top speed of approx 50-52mph.

Hope this helps!

Re: Thoughts and info on a 1997 Z198 Limited EDition
 

As for lack of information on the 198, I am pretty sure 1997 was the only year of the 198. I'm not sure if it is the same hull, but with different badge numbers in '98 or what. I have always been curious about that.

Re: Thoughts and info on a 1997 Z198 Limited EDition
 

MikeyT,

How do you like the 198? Any idea as to how many years they made them, and if for only a short time, any ideas why?

Thanks

Dave Hall

Re: Thoughts and info on a 1997 Z198 Limited EDition
 

They did only make the 198 in 1997 as suggested by Hyperryd. Not sure why but i suspect it was a marketing issue as they moved to the 202 model in 1998. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with the 198 model. All of the components were used on other models so i suspect it was simply a size change that the marketing people felt was needed.

Re: Thoughts and info on a 1997 Z198 Limited EDition
 

Dave, It is a great boat. It is really deep hulled for a 20' boat. We enjoy it a lot.

Re: Thoughts and info on a 1997 Z198 Limited EDition
 

The freeboard on all the models is really large. Good family boats, particularly if you have smaller children.