Re: Would like information on a 1995 Mariah
OK, a quick history here. Mariah Boats Inc. started manufacturing in 1990 and unlike most new companies they did not try to compete with the entry level manufacturers. They aimed at the high end builders like Cobalt. They used the best materials and thier fit and finish was very good, but not perfect(although still better than most). They struggled in this segment of the market, not having any reputation to back up thier quality and price. 11 years later in 2001(not 1995) Mariah Boats Inc. closed thier doors and sold hull molds etc to Sea Fox. There were no 2002 Mariah's. In 2003 the new Mariah Boat Co. started selling the new models. Park an '01 next to an '03 and the differences are quite obvious. Not trying to knock the new Mariah's, but they simply are not in the same class as the originals.
You will also find that the majority of complaints about the early Mariah's concern design issues and not quality or materials. Above it was mentioned that a shield was needed to protect the starter from water, on my 1996 180 Shabah, the bilge vents were installed under the trailing edge of the sunpad. Great for aesthetics, but if I am not careful when coming off plane they serve as funnels and dump 2-3 gallons of water ontop of the engine. I am adding trim tabs this winter, so next year it will probably not be an issue, but.....
Last, this is a 13 year old boat you are looking at, at this point, it's condition and thus value will be more dependent on the care and maintanence it recieved. A survey could be worth the money, or at least have it looked over really good by an impartial third party.