[darkcalling]

Ok I have to get some opinions from the pros here. I am seriously thinking of buying this 1999 Z278 I have never seen a boat with so many options. But here are the down things about her she has a bent frame on the acess to bow window (someone used wlong woods screws on the hinge no name calling by me and its hard), secondly the engine lift hatch is missing and lastly so far the cuddy door is missing too. Also the triple axel trailer that comes with it has no brakes left on it any ideas what the boat should go for? thanks in advance.

[ShabahZ280]

I would seriously advise you that if you're considering this boat, you should have it surveyed by an accredited marine surveyor. The things you mention are wrong could just be the beginning of the problems. The surveyor will go through the boat with a fine-tooth comb using tools consumers don't have access too, and they'll give you a report of all their findings and their final verdict....

I might be a little leary of this one... I mean, really, who doesn't replace the cuddy door?

[darkcalling]

Thanks Shabah yeah the more I check into this thing the more I find. I have to get over how much I love the looks of this one and focus I mean I am not afraid of some work I turned my last one into a pretty nice boat from a rather run down beast but I didn't pay much for it either. Oh what do you think of the 1997 limited Z255 on ebay 1997 MARIAH Z255 SHABAH Limited Edition IMMACULATE LOOK | eBay

[Zackattack]

I as well woould agree that you are likely only seeing the beginning of the neglect and needed work.

ON THE OTHER HAND. that 97 on ebay is GORGEOUS

We saw this boat on the site in some discussions about its color and extremely nice condition. I am very surprised the current owner is selling. If I were in the market, thats the boat I would try to buy, she seems perfect.

Its hard to compare a boat that has been WELL cared for and one that has had little to no care. In fact, they are not really comparable. Go for the well cared for if you can.

[darkcalling]

Thanks Zack yeah I missed one off ebay last week only had 47 hours on it should have went higher on the bid I think I was high bidder but not at reserve.

[ShabahZ280]

It's a shame The Z278's are pretty sweet boats, I picked one up in Baltimore MD and hauled it back to Cincinnati for one of the members on here. They have all the amenities of a cruiser in the sportboat size. They do occasionally pop up for sale, but they're very few and far between. If you're really serious about that specific Z278, just get a survey done first before you make any decisions. It'll cost a few hundred bucks, but it's worth having someone professional look it over. I was told by a few marinas that they recommend anyone looking at a boat over 26' to have a survey done.

You should ask the previous owner about the '97 Z255! He's a member on here.

Pics of the new boat

I wonder why he's selling it so soon? He's only had it a few months.

[darkcalling]

Yeah she looks like a beauty though its been off and on ebay for like 5 months almost seems he bought it to flip it and according to his listing on ebay it already has a lein on it, which is the only thing really scarey cause she is a drop dead babe of a boat. I will send you a link to one I am trying to get the guy to relist I was high bidder but not high enough. only thing it has a volvo drive hmmm lol

[darkcalling]

Also rather odd as you said that it would be up for sale so fast again she is a keeper I would think.

[ShabahZ280]

Originally Posted by darkcalling

only thing it has a volvo drive hmmm lol

Don't be discouraged by this, I've always heard great things about the Volvo Penta engines and drives!

[Dredd]

Wow, I am amazed to see that 255 available again. That thing looks cherry.

I have a copy of a marine survey on a 42' Fountain. If you'd like to see it so you can get an idea of what you'd be getting for ~$15/foot send me a PM with your email address. It reads much like a report from a home inspection.