2006 SX19 -- A good buy?

Adlow · 05-09-2014, 04:58 PM

Hello, everyone.

My wife, 5-year-old son and I are eager to get a small, relatively inexpensive powerboat. We live on the east coast of Florida and have decided we best take advantage of all of this water access while we're still here.

I found a 2006 Mariah SX19 that I am going to take a look at Saturday. Asking price is $8750 (I haven't found one cheaper on Craigslist, Boat Trader.com, etc.) The private seller posted this description:

"This boat has few hours and has been well maintained with dealer provided annual service. Just completed major service from Mercury Certified Service provider. It has a Mercury 3.0 4 cyc engine with an Alpha One outdrive, AM/FM/CD/Satellite radio, Bimini top, bilge pump, ski tow eye, anchor, and seats up to 10 people. Check around to see how low this price is. Trailer (an aluminum single-axle EZ Loader) in pictures is included."

He told me he thinks the engine has 300-plus hours on it, almost all in salt water, but that he flushed it out every time. It was stored on a lift for most of its life. That seems like a lot of hours to me, but then he said he didn't use it but a few times each summer, and that he's selling it because ultimately he just didn't use it enough to justify keeping it.

He said there are a few scuffs and scratches here and there but the structural integrity is great.

So, my questions are:

>> On the face of it, this seems like a good deal for a good boat. Agree or disagree?
>> I plan to have it surveyed, of course, and to take it on the water with the surveyor. And I have the checklist posted on this forum. Any other advice for my first look at this boat? Any things to look for that are instant deal killers?
>>Is this a good boat for my family's first boat?
>>Any other advice/suggestions?

Thanks so much, everyone.

Best,
Adam

***ColoradoDiablo*** · 05-09-2014, 05:13 PM

Sounds like you got your ducks in a huddle Adam.

Being in Florida(more boats than cars)

, don't be afraid to make a offer. But only after you discuss it with your surveyor.
Price sounds about par for a 3.0L boat. Hours aren't bad , 900 hrs from that 3.0L is no surprise.

Best advice I can give you is take her for a ride and believe in your surveyor.

Keep us posted after you run her on a sea trial.

BTW , Welcome to MOC!