Z278
 

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.

Re: Z278
 

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? :shakehead:

Re: Z278
 

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

Re: Z278
 

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:wink_thumbup:

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.

Re: Z278
 

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.

Re: Z278
 

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.

http://www.mariahownersclub.com/foru...-new-boat.html

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

Re: Z278
 

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

Re: Z278
 

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

Re: Z278
 

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

Re: Z278
 

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.

Re: Z278
 

Sounds like the lein is just from the loan institution. Nothing to worry about there.

Based on his posts here I'd buy his workload story. He didn't buy that thing to flip... there was nothing wrong with it.

Re: Z278
 

Will keep an eye on it and booking a surveyor to look at the Z278 make sure I am not missing anything else lol *crosses fingers hoping he did ok for an amateur"

Re: Z278
 

Well the z255 limited went and North did well on it I didn't get it a local snagged it he said, on the up side the surveyor is gonna check my boat out for me tomorrow the 99 Z278 and after seeing what Hyper did with his I fear nothing except the bill for completed out of my hands work lol.

Re: Z278
 

Oh please Mariah powers that be let the boat have no more flaws *crosses fingers* I need to get her where I can start fixing before summer really comes up here if its coming this year.

Re: Z278
 

*Uncrosses fingers* Well time to send deposit the surveyor if he is reliable lol said he only saw the things I mentioned to him the rest looked fine said looks like she has sat a fair bit last couple of years said the brakes may just need a refreshing on the trailer so color me a Z278 owner:D:D:D

Oh did I mention another 18 hr driving weekend min. to go get her ohwell the things we do for beauty

Re: Z278
 

CONGRATS! :wink_thumbup:

Re: Z278
 

Thanks Shabah I guess time to bu into the club instead of just talking now :)

Re: Z278
 

Ahh, excellent! Congrats!

Re: Z278
 

Thanks Dredd will get pics of her up in my avatar soon as I can :) Can't wait to go get her almost feel like calling n sick for a few lol

Re: Z278
 

I know the feeling. I have only been boating since last summer but everytime we leave the lake I can't wait until I get back. Hope you enjoy it!

Re: Z278
 

For the record.... It has NOT been "off and on" Ebay for like 5 months. It was Ebay ONCE in March, and I bought it. I listed on Ebay twice in the month of June. I DIDN'T buy it to "flip". I'm 50 yrs old and I work 70+ hours a week, so you'll kindly excuse me if I don't have time to wipe my azz properly, let alone get out on the lake as often as I'd like. If you are really "scared" because of of a lien, then you better take a reality pill. Some of us have kids in college and mortgages and don't always have a spare 20K lying around to throw on a boat. I also never ever told you I sold it to a local. I said I took a deposit on it. You really need to read things better and maybe a simple course in remedial grammer might help with your writing skills.

And by the way.... One of us (ME) has 3000 positive feedback on Ebay. The other person (YOU) has only 5. So I'd say that I don't give a rats behind if you believe my "story" on working long hours or not, and I'm thankful that my beautiful boat is not going to you! :rolling_laugh::rolling_laugh::rolling_laugh::roll ing_laugh:

Re: Z278
 

Very sorry North did not mean to offend you, as for the ebay ranking you have me hands down. I generally bang off 60hr weeks too. I am glad you found that fine boat a good home.

Re: Z278
 

Calm down there killer.... :shakehead:

He was just stating the obvious that we had seen it on ebay a few times before, and some people had assumed that there may have been another reason why it was bought and sold in such a short timeframe. We all have our reasons, I understand your situation with work, we've all been there at some point!

We're glad you were able to find a buyer for your beautiful boat. Hopefully the new owner will treat it as well as you have!

Let's just try to keep the personal insults to a minimum, we've tried hard nearly 4 years to keep this a friendly and informative site for Mariah owners (and potential buyers). Save the insults for another time and place.

Re: Z278
 

Very well said Chris! :)