Looking at 2006 SX18
 

I am looking at a 2006 SX18 which has VERY low hours (50) and is in good shape. I have some concerns about finding parts going forward. Looks like it needs a bow seat back repaired, a running light, and I noticed the engine vents on the back and horn vent looked like they could use replacing (they looked plastic, not stainless). Also needs a boat cover, which looks like you cannot get custom fit for this boat any more (just semi-custom). The boat feels a little small, but not going on the ocean, so probably good for 4 (maybe 6 if just moderately cruising around). I would forget the 8-person rating. Also, not sure what an engine and outdrive service would cost to start my own maintenance.

Appreciate any thoughts and comments you all may have. Thanks.

Re: Looking at 2006 SX18
 

Hi Marcf,

50 hours is very low for a 9 year old boat. It might make me raise an eyebrow and question the owner if the engine had been replaced, or if it's just because they rarely used it.

Sea Fox Mariah made an OK boat, with many parts that were universally available and used less expensive materials to cut down on manufacturing costs and allow them to have a good competitive "entry level" boat. These boats were made from the original Mariah Boats Inc. molds, so the hulls are designed good and solid, but there were some quality control issues with Sea Fox Mariah that resulted in spider cracks in the flooring, dash areas, and others. Fit and finish is good for an entry level boat, but you shouldn't expecting a flawless luxury boat from a company that specializes in building fishing boats. That being said, if the previous owner has babied the boat and taken good care of it, you likely shouldn't have many issues, and it would make a great starter boat if you're just getting into it.

-Seat backs can be repaired by any upholstery shop. I'm not sure what vinyl Sea Fox used, but if I had to guess it would be something relatively inexpensive.
-Running lights are easily replaced and can be sourced from most marine parts stores, or online. You'll just have to look at the fixture closely and find the manufacturer.
-The vents and horn cover were likely made from plastic and just overcoated with a stainless finish. I know that's how their thru-hulls were made. Sun & UV exposure are enemies of plastic, overcoating helps, but it's not the best solution... You should be able to replace the vents and horn cover with no problem, it's likely a very universal size.
-If you want a truly custom cover, you'll have to have it custom made from a marine canvas shop. These cost quite a bit more than your average "out of the box" cover, but they'll be a perfect fit and will last for years. If you're just looking to have something to cover it with occasionally, then any of the semi-custom or universal fit covers will work. Like anything with a boat, it all just comes down to how much money you want to spend!
-Capacity. These numbers are inflated, and I wouldn't recommend having more than 2 average size people in the bow. I had a 18' Sea Ray and had two larger friends up front, and we actually took waves over the bow, going less than 10mph. After that, it became a careful weight balancing act. 6 adults would be the max I'd ever take, and make sure you always have life jackets for everyone on board.
-Engine & Outdrive service may seem intimidating at first, but there's plenty of good videos and resources on how to do it yourself. You'll spend some good money upfront getting all the tools and things you need initially, (a few hundred bucks), but over the course of time (about a season or two), it'll pay for itself. Call your local marine shop and see what their average cost is for an oil change, fuel filter & drive lube change is. You'll probably be around $150 minimum. My marina wanted nearly $900 to winterize all the systems and do an engine/outdrive service on my Z280. I spent about $185 and about 5 hours of time, and did everything myself. :D

Hope this helps!