[CroMagnum44]

Hi All,

I have been looking for a Mariah for a while and have found a nice 1997 209 SE Talari with the 5.7 with Alpha 1 outdrive.

I really want to thank everyone here for their discussions and answers to my questions.

One more question...

Will I regret getting the "base model" SE? It looks to me like the only thing I may miss are the fiberglass molded side walls (inside), but I'd like to know if there is really anything else "functionally" that I might miss vs. a regular or "Z" trim level? I don't really care about the power seat or windshield de-fogger and wiper, etc.

Thanks again!!

Chris

[ColoradoDiablo]

I wouldn't consider the SE a base model by any means!
Nice Mariah

[CroMagnum44]

Originally Posted by ColoradoDiablo

I wouldn't consider the SE a base model by any means!
Nice Mariah

I am pretty sure in 1997 the SE was the base of the three choices. Maybe you are mixing up SE and LE. My understanding is the LE is a Z series with even a few extra nice touches. So the SE is bottom of line and LE is very top. The 1997 Promotional Video on MOH says the SE is the "value line".

[ColoradoDiablo]

I understand , but there wasn't a Mariah made that wasn't loaded with more options than any other boat at the time.
I think you would be more than happy with it. Plus the extra money you save over a Z or LE can go in the beer cooler!

[rajjneef]

It's all about preference. Key is being happy with the boat size and power. I personally like the added luxury items on my boat and it would be hard to buy another boat without the similar items on it. I'd look for a Z or limited myself.

[mikeyt]

And i have the 'base' version and am quite happy with it just like it is. Over the years i've added things like LED docking lights, LED interior lights etc, upgraded sound system etc but i can live without windshield wipers/defrosters/sea temp readout/power seat/power hatch etc. Just my preference though.

[rajjneef]

I have to say that the defroster has only been utilized once but the time it was used it was certainly nice. Being caught off guard by a huge pop up with crazy winds that were causing the bigger boats to break anchor and drift into each other caused me to have to move out of the cove. The wipers and defroster allowed me to keep my head below the windshield while driving. Were it not for those 2 I would have been pounded in the face and blinded by the heavy rain as you couldn't have been able to see through the windshield. Mine works for me.

[blockp]

Can you live without all the goodies: yes. Regret your purchase: probably not. It's still a Mariah.

My Shabah was a Z. My current Jubilee is not. Yes, I miss the options of the Z. Miss the telescoping anchor light, air/water temp and courtesy lights the most. The jubilee has docking lights, which I use often.

At some point this year, I'll be adding a power anchor light and at least the courtesy light on the swim platform (very helpful when unloading the boat after dark).

I also miss being able to easily get at the engine and battery switch on the Shabah. The Jubilee is a royal pain to get into the engine compartment.