Mariah boats- lookin for thoughts- any good?

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geardownthreegreens

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Hi guys
Possibly thinking of changing the crownline for a Mariah Z250 Shabah, 2001 model.
Anyone know anything about these boats or this model.
Things such as build quality and handling.
This boat has a 5.7ltr efi merc with bravo one. Is the 5.7ltr engine any good. My present Crownline 230 ccr has a 5ltr efi.
Any views or thoughts much appreciated guys.
Si

PS, any ideas to rough cost for a survey on a 25ft sports cuddy?
 
they did go bust about that time,was it, though the brand is now resurrected. The image was flash wannabe muscle boat (in UK), so I'd take a good hull survey, and I d wonder about spare parts (on the boat, not engine).
But dont think there is anything inherrently wrong with them.
 
The 5.7 will be as good or bad as any other efi, as they are pretty much all based on the same engine. Bravo 1 is a known quantity too. Fact that Mariah has gone bust I don't think will be an issue, as you are unlikely to want parts that cannot be made locally ie Canopy, uphostery etc.
 
Thanks for replies so far guys,much appreciated. The crownline is very well built i must say but its a little to boxy for my liking and i fancy something a little sportier. Talk about being fussy. Crownline doesn't have sun loungers which is a big miss for me.
I wasn't aware Mariah went bust, but i know they're still making new ones now again.
Cheers guys
 
They are now making boats again but not to the same quality as before, they have taken the brand down market in terms of build costs vs quality. I am not saying they are bad boats just now built to a different quality spec. You might up buying a boat that will always be more difficult to shift than a 'current' brand without the stigma, but if you can get that factored into the price you might get a very good boat for your £
 
not a bad boat
I consider Mariah better built to the average US built sportsboat
I think versus your Crownline I think it is better and I reckon it has better sea keeping too
but really I have nothing to base these facts more of what I think having a friend who has a Mariah from 1996 which is well built and quite sea worthy too
 
2001 was the end of the line for the old Mariah company. By then they were no longer at the quality level as in '96. US buyers looking for a flashy 25 footer are more likely to shop Cobalt, Doral, Eliminator, or Formula.

Kelly
 
Ah, appreciate the input there.Not sounding too good really. Knowing my luck, i'd get a friday afternoon boat if you know what i mean. This has given me plenty to think about. Reagrds Si
 
I had a friend who around bought a Z250 in 2000 new. I only went out in it the once, but from what I remember it was a very capable boat and seemed to be built well.

My only comment is that for a 25ft boat the cockpit was tiny, no real moving around space just helm and navigator seats then the bench seat almost directly behind, my 21ft had more space to move around in!!!

You could give David at Southwater Marine a ring, they used to import them so know the brand well.
 
The original Mariah (up to end 2001) they were VERY good boats, with a build quality above most others and often very well specified. They newer built ones were somewhat different, trading on their previous good name but not as exceptional. I believe they have just gone bankrupt also.

There is a very good owners forum with lots of resources:

http://www.mariahownersclub.com/

Ants
 
Had one of the cuddys for 3 seasons around 10 years ago - it was an excellent boat in all respects and I still see it going strong around the solent. It was fine in the chop for its length and very robust, I can't recall any engine problem during the time we had it.

all the best,

MAtt
 
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