[gordonwilly]

Hi,

I am new to the forum and new to Mariah boats (which seem to be a better offering than any other brand out there. They look like they are the full package, or 'full monty' as we say in the UK!!).

I am looking to buy a 250 or z250 Shabah. I have seen a very similar 2001 SC25 for sale here in the UK, but can't find out much about the differences between the two.

The SC250 seems to have an extended swin platform, differecent handrails/anchor set up, the seats aren't quite up to a z250 spec, but I can't see much else...anyone got any ideas? The SC25 seams to still be built by Seafox...is the SC25 bult in 2001 an original Mariah, or one built by Seafox?

cheers

Dean

[ShabahZ280]

2003-2013 SC 25's were built by Sea Fox Mariah.
1999-2002 250/Z250 Shabah's were built by Mariah Boats Inc.

You'll find that the 2001 model will be quite a bit different than the SC25. The construction methods, options, and general fit and finish is a bit nicer on the older Mariahs. You will have to be the judge as to which you prefer.

[gordonwilly]

Thanks,

I presume the SC25 was made under the Seafox company and the z250 made by the original company, so the build quality is much better on the Mariah boat.

In the UK some of the newer Mariah boats (admittedly with smaller engines) seem to be much, much cheaper than their older 'Mariah but' counterparts...there is never any substitute for quality.

Dean

p.s. I also like the old Four Winns Liberator models, especially the 201/ 221 ones!!

dc

[Andy b]

Dean if you are referring to the boat in Southampton she's an original Mariah not an SF as advertised.
The broker is doing no favours calling it a SC250.
I've seen the boat on the water and it looks good.
This one?

Mariah - SC25 Motor Boats , Swanwick Marina, Southampton | Boats and Outboards

[gordonwilly]

Andy,

yes it was the SC25. Was looking at an Essex boat (a very nice looking z250 on a trailer), but it is now under offer, and saw theSC25, which looks like a standard 250, but with a swim platform.

There are a couple about, some with the bigger engine, some without trailers, but they all seem to be well looked after!!

[Andy b]

The Z250 does seen to be a popular boat over here.
Probably because it comes in under the 3.5 tonnes even loaded.
Most of the ones I've seen are powered by the 350MAG/bravo1 combo.
Don't even think that was an option state side?
Also it's very rare to find one with all the whistles and bells that you see with boats on here
I've looked at a couple of Z250's myself and toyed with the idea of testing the one above as it's local to me. My concern is whether 300hp is enough for that package???

[gordonwilly]

I have followed a few with 260hp 5.0 litre engines, but in fantastic condition. I can't see that is enough grunt for a 25ft boat at 2200kg? But I have been out of the boat world for 30 years, so anything these days is going to feel fast!!.

I agree that 300hp would seem to be an absolute minimum, but it always depends on what you are happy with!!

So I'll keep looking and keep thinking about the way forward...

Interestingly, Stateside, they seem to like 7.4 litres and 340hp, which seems a more reasonable power output for a 25 footer!!

[Andy b]

I wouldn't even entertain a 5.0L
Not a fan of that engine in anything.
The thing with the 7.4L isn't so much the hp but it has so much grunt.
Some say it's a lazy engine but in the mid range where you do most of your boating it pulls like a train


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[gordonwilly]

Indeed...no substitute for litres (its the same for cars, once you have driven a big v8, every else feels either weedy or very revvy!!).

I'll let you know what I do in the end!!!

Dean

[Hudson River Steve]

On this side of the pond the saying is "there is no replacement for displacement"