Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

I am not sure if the "Original Mariah Talk" is the right place to put this thread but its about an original Mariah!
This weekend Im renting a car to go on a little road trip to check out the Z250 I was talking about on here earlier. Its been in storage and the owner has a good amount of info for me on the vessel, I just want to see it first before going after it. We have discussed doing something like a deposit towards the boat so she knows Im serious about buying it and holding for me into the next month when I have more time take care of stuff at the bank with my current boat, etc.
Has anyone done this before or is it even a good idea? I have done some searching on "deposit forums" for boats an similar items but have not found anything that looks solid.

I have done that before, but it is really a risk. You really have to trust the seller. The "what ifs" are endless, like what if the boat gets damaged, or stolen, or....


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Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

Set it up as a written agreement between the two of you with the "what ifs" in the agreement if it makes you feel better.
The only issues I have ever had with a deposit on a vehicle is when the buyer couldn't come up with the balance. IE: Get the funding.
It is wintertime.........not many people looking for boats when it's 20 below :)
I always figured if the item was still available when I got the money , then it was meant to be.

If you think you can't come up with the money for some reason , then don't give a deposit.

JMO

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

Deposit thru PayPal. No delivery, PayPal will refund if they not voluntarily

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

I agree with everything said above.

Drive and look at it. If it's everything you want, then tell the seller you'll buy it, and put no more than a $1k deposit on it, but have a signed agreement in place before you fork the money over. If you can negotiate a hold deposit for less, and even via paypal, then I recommend that too.

Financing with the bank won't be bad, and should only take maybe 2 weeks at most, if the seller cooperates and gives them everything they need. Or, maybe something to consider would be to get pre-approved first. This only takes about an hour and then it lets you know you're set financially.

One other thing, if your state requires titling, make sure the boat you're buying is in a state that also requires titling. I live in Ohio and I bought the Z280 from Georgia. They don't require titling there, so I ran into all sorts of delays and headaches with the bank and seller on that.

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

I like the paypal idea AND the fact that it is 20* outside- not many people are looking-. I noticed it for sale since about Aug or Sept and it was not till I started contemplating a swim platform and a few other things that added up ($$$$) I figured before I put money into the one I have why not just get the one I want to begin with and go from there...

Im looking at one in AZ and Im in CO. So titling could be something that comes up, I will look into it. Would the bank be the ones to ask? They will be handling the title stuff.

On the fence about a deposit now. Glad I asked!

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

Yes, the bank will be the one to handle titling. It just causes quite a bit of delay in getting everything finalized. My Z280 was in GA for the last year or two but the owners bought it new and had kept it in FL before that. The bank and the broker had to go back and forth for days to locate the original FL records, and even the original purchase records to find the titling info.

The thing about not giving a deposit is.... IF during that month where you're trying to figure out your finances, someone else comes along with the cash (or approved financing), you will most likely lose out on the boat you really want.

Just something to keep in mind. :)

One other thing to think about... Yes it is quite chilly now, and it may not seem like a buyer's time, but this is the season for boat shows across the US. People go to boat shows and get all pumped up about boating for the summer, which causes them all to start looking more aggressively. Hey, you're looking now, aren't ya? Lots of others could be too! I bought my Z250 in January and did a sea trial on the Chesapeake Bay with a skim ice layer and 21 degree temps...

Are you looking at "The Pirkle8or" by any chance?

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

As Chris said , get preapproved for a loan.
Colorado doesn't require a title on boat , just trailer. However , depending on financial institute , they might want a title or some other paperwork.

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

As far as I know it is not called "The Pirkle8or", do you have a link?
I talked with bank. All sounds good. The current owner has all the paperwork for it free and clear. After a VIN inspection on the trailer, boat and motor it will not be a problem.
And the deposit is sounding to be like a good thing again...

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

There's one currently for sale in AZ, it's yellow with purple canvas, and it's called "The Pirkle8or"

Used 2000 Mariah Shabah 250, Phoenix, Az - 85045 - BoatTrader.com

Little overpriced, based on current market values. :D

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

Wow... that one is super clean and low hrs. That's about 10k out of what I'm comfortable spending. It does have the Bravo III as well. I can see why they are proud of it, 30 something pictures all looked good. I posted the one in Houston, he Wants 23k for his. Unknown hrs. Anyway, I feel the one I'm shootin for is a good price for the hrs(under 300). II'l find out the exact amount soon. I did notice that it does not have docking lights, which is a bummer seeing I'm out late a lot. I want to check the hull ID when I get it.

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

Docking Lights............ Easy add on Moto (Long as you aren't afraid of a cut or two in the hull)
BTW: Holler if you need a hand , more than willing to stop by. Down your way every other week or so.

Nice to see another Colorado Mariah owner!!:)
You in Pueblo West? I'm in Salida.

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

Thanks Colorado, and yeah Pueblo West. Takes longer to hook the boat up to the truck than it does to get to the lake from here!

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

Okay guys, went and looked at the boat today. Overall I feel pretty confident about it. General impression it's clean for being an 2000. Some minor scuffs to the side decals, not a big deal. The V of the hull in the front shows wear from being breached on the shore from over night camps. That looks common based on the other boats in the storage center- I'm thinking the local lakes are sandy etc. Going into the boat most the fiber glass looks good. Some minor spidering inside but I could not find any outside. The upholstery will need to be updated. It is not clapped out, just worn here and there plus it feels like its getting hard from age. There are maybe half dozen tears in traffic areas. In the cuddy is spotless. Super plush pads, working appliances. All the switches working and kept safe from sun damage. Getting to the motor- clean on outside. Dip stick was full of dark oil. Needing a change I'm sure. Drive oil and trim oil all full an clean. Battery dead so we used one from another boat. Fired up after a few cranks. Older fuel I'm thinking. Idled nice. Captain choice worked. Smooth in an out of gear. Good oil pressure. Trim worked an sounded good.
Onto what I'm weary of: the out drive caught my attention before it was uncovered. The skeg looks filed down. One of those "trim down" up the ramp accidents. I could not find any damage around the hull from said incident. I was presented paperwork for $2k worth of work to bellows, U joints, impeller and a few other things on the list(I should have wrote down). The other issue was the side to side play of the out drive. I did not measure but I would guess 3/4 -1/2". ( I don't recall my Alpha One doing this). It concerns me. Based on that I let the party know I was going to ask my local shop about possible problems regarding the out drive before doing the deposit.
I have photos to post soon. Curious about the skeg being short an out drive play...

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

http://s79.beta.photobucket.com/user...tml?sort=3&o=0
Here it is. Like I mentioned, I could not see damage to the hull surrounding out drive. Prop will definitely be replaced but felt solid with no play.
I would appreciate some opinions/ thoughts. Thanks

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

What price did you agree on?

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

That damage is due to hitting a solid object. IMO that drive looks awful rough for a 2000 boat. Check it with a fine tooth comb.
Got more pics?

I am curious about the side to side play. Would that just be the steering linkage that needs adjustment? Also, 1/2" play doesn't seem like a lot to me, is that a lot? I am paranoid now and going to check how much play I have on my boat!


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Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

I would think probably the bushings for the trim cylinders are a bit worn is all.

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

The damage is from hitting something underway you think? Like rock ledge or sand bar?

And yeah the play is noticeable while the boat is being trailered, swaying with movement of road.
As for more pics I will try. Was not sure if that one worked.
And price we did not agree on until I determined the out drive condition.

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

I will say her asking price is 18,900

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

More than likely a rock Moto. I'd do a pressure test on the drive to verify it is not cracked anywhere.

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

I should elaborate in the sway. It is very very easy to move that small distance. My girlfriend was at the wheel turning left to right while I was at the out drive. She could not notice me moving it side to side from the wheel. Just felt like a little slop in steering to me.
Maybe that is useful info...

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

So what about having a professional go inspect it? I work hard for my money an like to spend it wise so if having someone inspect it saves me from a big mistake I'm all for it.

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

I would Moto.......I think it would be money well spent :wink_thumbup:
IMO the price is high for what it sounds like , but ultimately it boils down to how bad you want the boat.

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

Do these inspectors go by a particular term? Just curious what to look for so I can make some calls.

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

330 hours on the boat. Forgot to mention that.

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...ps6604587a.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...ps84673b4a.jpg

Difference showing the movement. The shadow an running light below show the distance...

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

They are usually called a "Boat Surveyor". I would think around 300-400 for the service from what I see online.

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

Seems like a lot of "Free" play to me Moto. I would really think about a professional survey of the boat.

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

Excellent. I'll call tomorrow. I found two recommended on a boating forum. May have to wait till Tues seeing as tomorrow is a holiday and a Monday...

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

Good Luck & keep us posted :)

Re: Buying advice for Z250... Deposit?
 

I tried to post this yesterday from my phone, no luck. Just a pic of lower gear case from side showing how it is shaved....

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...ps73207f53.jpg


In light of the side to side play I have been talking to a few people and reading up on "Bravo 1 problems" and keep coming up with the same song and dance revolving around the steering arm and gimbal ring. I have found lots for helpful info and working on a price list. Im going to talk with the shop tomorrow and see if they can write me up something reasonable I can present the current owner to show it does in fact have an issue. Hopefully she will consider working with me on the price knowing it needs some TLC.

I have also been looking for a lower gear casing. Just to get an idea of a price.