Re: Shouldn't have sold it...
 

Up here in Ontario there were a couple of original Mariah dealers and they have both gone to Monterey boats as a similar style replacement line. They do look nice.

That said, i agree with the other thoughts here: Crownline & Cobalt both fit the bill, Four Winns and Chapparal are both decent.

Re: Shouldn't have sold it...
 

Southwater Marine went over to Monterey before they closed there doors last year

Re: Shouldn't have sold it...
 

Force.
F **king
O ld
R ecycled
C hrysler
E ngine

They even bubble gummed up the colors to match the boat and motor.

Buy a quality paddle, you'll need it.

My buddy has a 97 Crownline that appears to be similar in build to my 94 Mariah.
IMO it's a decent boat, although we haven't gone toe to toe. Fit an finish seem comparable.
He doesn't put the boots to his as I do to the Mariah.
Maybe it's 'cause if I put the boots to the Mariah, I know she's rock solid. He might not be so confident?

Re: Shouldn't have sold it...
 

My advice on your choices:

Chris Craft: expensive, but well built boats. Their almost 100 year heritage should tell you they make a quality product. But don't expect to find one cheap. In your price range, you'll be looking at a early to mid 90's model, most likely 25ft or less.

Baja: If you want a GFBL (go fast be loud) speedboat, get this. This is about the only thing that'll make you happy. Huge engines, sharp cut hulls, and they can take a beating at 60+ mph. You won't find a Mariah that can take this type of abuse.

Crownline: Fred Claxton (Crownline's founder) and Jimmy Fulks (Mariah's founder) worked together at Celebrity boats back in the 80's. They designed the Celebrity line together until they both left in the late 80's to form their own companies, ironically about 15 miles from each other, and they remained competitors until Mariah closed up in 2001. That being said, you'll find the Mariah build quality to be a little better. Although Crownline's newer and larger cruisers are pretty nice. Crownline is usually pretty big on side thru hull exhaust.

Marada: I don't think I'd pick one of these. The company went out of business around the same time Mariah did. The hulls are supposedly solidly built, but the decks and transoms are notorious for rot since they were typically left unprotected at production. Most powerboats of this size have fiberglass reinforced decks and transoms but Marada opted for exposed plywood covered with carpet. I'd question the rest of the construction based on this fact.

Glastron: Glastron does make an OK boat, however I'd consider it a step up above Bayl***** and Stingray.

Wellcraft: Depends on what you're looking at. Their late model large cruisers (Martiniques) are pretty good and solid, but probably well out of your price range. They now make strictly fishing boats, which may say something....

Some other suggestions I'd offer:
Rinker: Well built boats, good options, decent pricing
Larson: The oldest boat manufacturer in the US. They make a pretty nice boat
Formula: If you're into speed and want thru hulls, as well as a cruiser, look into their early to mid 90's 27 & 29PC's. Some may be within your price range.
Cobalt: Yes, probably the most comparable to Mariah, but WAY expensive
Monterey: I agree with what's been said above
Sea Ray: Probably the most common boat builder in the US. Well built boats, you might be able to get into an early 90's 26-29ft cruiser within your budget. The mid 90's 268 may be one to look into. However, a lot of the $$ is in the name.
Chaparral: Pretty nice boat, well constructed, good options

Oh yeah, and if you're going to add a swim platform, expect an expense of around $2k once you get done with crating and freight charges.

Re: Shouldn't have sold it...
 

Thought i would awaken this thread. I still havent bought anything, but now that we are fairly settled in to our house (remodel wise, etc), and i have enough garage space (finally) for a boat, we may start looking seriously again. I would still like a Mariah, and would still like a cuddy, however the wife wants another BR. We have looked at a few boats, but haven't decided what we really want yet. I will say, i have looked at quite a few Rinker Captiva 232 BR and Cuddy. The one had a Bravo3 and 502, another had a 350 mag with Bravo, and the last one had a standard V8 with Alpha. The first two had corsa systems on them. I have also looked at a few older Mariahs, but would prefer to stay newer than my brother in laws z240. Perhaps as warm weather approaches here in Ohio, more owners will post their Mariahs for sale

Re: Shouldn't have sold it...
 

I looked at a Rinker Captiva 232 prior to buying my Z250, that was my second choice. They make nice boats for the money. If I were you i'd stay away from the V8 & Alpha combos, it's not the most reliable combo due to the hp and strength of the alpha internals. If you're going V8, go bravo... Just keep your eye peeled for the right deals and don't be in a rush; still early...

Re: Shouldn't have sold it...
 

No hurry, i work in the oil and gas industry..... so until things are less shaky in the industry I probably won't pull the trigger. I think a small block powered 232 with a bravo and exhaust would be great for us. I don't want a Bravo3 unit... that would mean 1 more prop for me to damage on the river lol. There is a couple that comea down once a year with their Mariah, they mentioned selling it the season before last and still have it. If they would like to sell this year, it would be my first choice in a heart beat. It is a fully loaded Mariah with all the bells and whistles and one owner/super low hours to boot. They are friends of my uncle, both retired... i just cant remember which model it was. I just remember its a 97-98 around 24ft... green with tan interior. I know it had power seats and windshield wiper, power light and the sun deck was power. Other than that... I'm clueless on the model.

Re: Shouldn't have sold it...
 

I was also looking at Rinker 232 before I bought my Mariah. The Rinker would be second choice if I couldn't find my first followed by Four Winns.