Pricing a Mariah

Serenity205 · 10-29-2012, 08:42 PM

Does anyone have any experience with what NADA says your Mariah is worth and what a used boat will sell for? Apparently I have priced my 1998 205 well above NADA based on it's condition and what' s out there. After some initial interest on Boat Trader, the phone has stopped ringing. Running the numbers on the NADA site, was a shock. ( I do have it listed on this site's classified section as well) Any guidance is appreciated. GJ

Oregondunes · 10-29-2012, 10:14 PM

where are you located ???

***ColoradoDiablo*** · 10-30-2012, 01:54 AM

I believe he is in California , which might explain the lowball from NADA. Seems as though when an area is flooded with boats the value of all boats seem to be lower than usual. NADA on a whole is low if you ask me.
Your price is about average for your boat here in Colorado. I've seen a few now in that year and price range.
Boils down to what the market will handle. But , now is a bad time to be the seller of a boat , and a good time to be the buyer. (Winter)

Larry

Oregondunes · 10-30-2012, 03:19 AM

the other thing is there werent many sold there, so they arent as popular of a brand with a HUGE following. I hear it often enough "Mariah !!! Who made it ??"

Serenity205 · 10-30-2012, 03:33 AM

Thank you club members.. All good comments.
Yes I'm in So Cal . I must admit, I did not know much about the brand when I bought this boat. It is my understanding that it was first used at Lake Arrowhead (about 100 miles easts of L.A.) where only property owners can have a boat and the brands are usually top of the line

The ad is on Boat Trader and Craigs List. The Boat Trader ad can be reviewed by using my Zip Code of 92620 and boat make as Mariah. Only a couple of boats come up including mine. I have purchased a new boat and need to pass this one to another owner. The wake board tower with speakers was a great addition. Sure would like to see this go to someone who knows what it is.

Again, thanks for responding.

allz28 · 10-30-2012, 02:49 PM

It's worth noting that NADA values do not include the price of the trailer.

I've found that NADA is also normally a little low for older boats that are in near perfect condition.
Your rig is very nice, and the wakeboard tower will definitely increase its value.

Still, here in Arkansas, I'd guess that your price is still a little too high. But we tend to always be cheaper than California.

Sometimes it all comes down to finding someone who knows that original Mariahs were nicer than Sea Rays. It's the people who really know boats who will end up wanting your boat. Everyone else will be saying, "I could almost buy a new Mariah for as much as he wants for that 14 year old one."