[boilermaker]

I'm looking at a 2003 Mariah SX20 as a first boat purchase. My dad had a good friend that had one when I was in high school and I remember it having every bell and whistle. That being said I've seen the tremendous difference in the original vs. sea fox after looking at a 1999 Z182 after the SX20. The Boat seems clean but I'm not sure I know what to look for. I've found a Crownline that's the same size and year but about 3k more than I would really like to spend. Guy is asking a little more than NADA average retail while the Crownline is spot on... Any advice/experience/suggestions is greatly appreciated.

[ShabahZ280]

The 2003 Sea Fox Mariah models were basically the old Mariah's with new seats and vinyl. They used less expensive materials in order to create a more budget-friendly boat. They also used the remaining dash molds and parts from the original Mariahs until they redesigned them a few years later. The hulls are the same as the old Mariah 202s, however according to some members, the difference in build quality is quite evident. You'll have to be the judge of that.

Comparing Sea Fox Mariah with Crownline is somewhat of an unfair comparison as they're two different types of boats. Take them both out for a test drive and see what you think. Base your decision off which rides better, which has lower hours, and which one you like more, not which brand.