Shouldn't have sold it...
 

Welp... as soon as I sold our 01 Diablo I knew it was a mistake. Sooo unbeknownst to me the wife has been window shopping boats. She has found a few locally that she really likes, but me being the sane one for once has tried to talk some sense into her lol. I have a feeling we'll be back on the water within the next summer or two (assuming work, health, or a future mortgage doesn't take us on a crazy rollercoaster). The only thing I fear is that I will not find another Mariah within a reasonable distance.

I know I will be in trouble for asking this - but what is another great manufacturer(s) to consider outside of Mariah - in case we cannot locate something when the time comes?

When I initially started searching for a boat 4-5 years ago I looked at various 1995-2005 model year Chris Crafts, Baja's, Crownline's, Marada's, Glastron's and a few Wellcrafts. I know it's taboo to ask - but what are some suggestions you guys could give outside of Mariah? My preference is to end up with another Mariah - preferably one with a Cuddy and some other bells and whistles.

I would like something in the 20-28' range with a Cuddy, V8, a fairly open rear floor plan and a Captain's call exhaust system would be cool as well. My wife would also like a swim platform (but I would be willing to buy one for the right boat - if it doesn't cost me both legs). My goal is to stay in the 15-17,000 range MAX.

Just figured I would get some opinions before I find out my wife has committed us to a craigslist find lol.

Thanks,
Nick

Re: Shouldn't have sold it...
 

Hah, it seems that nobody wants to admit that they _might_ be ok with driving a different brand of boat :rolling_laugh:

I'll start... Crownline, Cobalt and newer FourWinns (95+) are all good riding, well thought out boats. If you're looking at 2003+, check out some of the Monterey models. Very good fit/finish and great use of the space inside of them.

Re: Shouldn't have sold it...
 

I think the only other brand you might hear from the Mariah faithful would be Cobalt. That being said I like the newer Crownlines and Chaparrals.

Re: Shouldn't have sold it...
 

Buy a Baylin** (sorry just couldnt say that word) and be done with it. ;)

Re: Shouldn't have sold it...
 

I second the Cobalt vote -- I've owned two Cobalts (both 250's) and two Mariahs (a 202 and my current Z302.) The craftmanship, fit & finish, durability, and customer service that Cobalt offers is unparalleled to any other boat manufacturer IN PRODUCTION TODAY. That being said, you may have trouble staying in your price range for a used Cobalt. Becuase of how well they are built, they hold on to their value.

If niether Cobalt nor Mariah were an option, I would look at Formula or a Four Winns. Formula does some real cool stuff with their layouts, and I think they're boats are built to last. IMO, Four Winns is a company that builds really solid boats that aren't priced outlandishly. I once had a guy in the business tell me that they spend very little on their advertising/marketing and try to let their quality do all the talking for them. Good "bang for your buck" in a Four Winns.

Good luck.

Re: Shouldn't have sold it...
 

I wouldn't mind going newer, but price will really dictate that. I also like the newer Seadoo and Yamaha jet boats - but the price and fear of future maintenance scares me. My wife also likes the idea of a deck boat, however I doubt a Jubilee could be located around here.

Thanks,
Nick

Re: Shouldn't have sold it...
 

In the UK, Monterey seem to have stepped into the market where the older original Mariah's left a gap.
There are other makes around but i would say that they are on par build quality wise.
If I was in the market for a newer boat I would definitely choose one over an SX Mariah.
Sorry SX guys but maybe the boats that got shipped over here just weren't the best ones!
It's the reason why I own a 2001 boat...

The Monterey M3 is a fantastic looking boat and if I was looking new it would be high up there on my list

Re: Shouldn't have sold it...
 

mikeyt - I don't plan on buying a Bayliner.... but if I did I would make sure it had a whale tail.. and a 3.0L just for you. I could christen it with the name "headache" in your honor lol

Re: Shouldn't have sold it...
 

I don't care who you are... ^^ that right there is funny stuff :worry_to_laugh:


Ahh, there it is! The Capri with a Force outboard and ALREADY has the whale tail installed! It's a win win.

Re: Shouldn't have sold it...
 

:rolling_laugh:

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.