1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

[LJA]

Ok I would like your opinion I am presently going to buy a 1996 Mariah Boats Inc. 215 TALARI - 21?. I was wondering if they are good boats? It is a beautiful boat for being 16 years old. I have been told buy the boat dealer that is selling me this boat that it has always been kept inside and everything looks great interior and hull and trailer. I have only one problem it is he might not have an owners manual and might not know where to get one seeing it is a 1996 boat. Is there anyone on this site with the same boat or knows where I can get a manual? Thank you very much and Merry Christmas.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: 1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

The earlier Mariah's (including your year) were well respected quality boats, into the late 90's and early 2000's quality of the boats appeared to suffer somewhat as I was told by many. I was looking at several Mariah's I really like the sportiness of the boat but in the end I went with a Crownline. I think if you check the boat out carefully that you shouldn't have any worries with that boat provided it was cared for properly, don't put too much into the make at this point its all about how the boat has been maintained the last 16 years and if it still looks beautiful then thats a pretty good sign. Also the manual's are of little use anyway no real information in them that we can't help you better anyway don't forget anything in that manual is 16 yrs old too!!

Good Luck

 

[LJA]

Re: 1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

Thank you so much I knew I always could count on the info I would get here. I have to admit the boat is in very good shape, interior is almost perfect original rug are the same and the gel coat is spotless. It sounds great and has been serviced regularly. I guess the price is ok for a 16 year old boat 11,990.00?

 

[dellsboater]

Re: 1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

Check out this site:

www.mariahownersclub.com

 

[Shawk]

Re: 1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

Thank you so much I knew I always could count on the info I would get here. I have to admit the boat is in very good shape, interior is almost perfect original rug are the same and the gel coat is spotless. It sounds great and has been serviced regularly. I guess the price is ok for a 16 year old boat 11,990.00?

Check out the site Dellsboater recommended... it's a good site.
I didn't check NADA on your boat. But we sold our 2000 Mariah Shabah (standard 202BR w/5.0 carb) about 3 years for $16k-ish. I know the couple that bought it from us just sold it this summer for pretty close if not the same amount they bought it from us for (new baby this year). If kept up, these boats seem to really hold value well. Our Mariah was by far our favorite boat until we picked up a H220 this summer.
Have fun shopping & best wishes!

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: 1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

any idea what the hours are?

 

[LJA]

Re: 1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

The hours are 316.0 hrs.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: 1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

Under 20 hours a year average, I think its your call the price is dependent on the condition of the boat itself, a boat that is in very good shape is going to draw a premium even if the market is flooded however your boat is at a dealer so you CAN do better with this boat, they want it out its taking space and has money tied up in it, this is not boating season and the market is flooded, I bet you can have this boat for about $10,000 which would be a pretty good price if its in as good of shape as you say it is. The dealer is the weak spot in this equation and that is great for you, a PO doesn't care about moving product he has a boat that he has baby'd for 16 years and wants as much as possible for it but that isn't the case here,do you have cash on hand? or do you have financing already worked out? that also helps your case out if you get all your ducks in a row I am betting you can knock $2000+ off the price from the dealer.

 

[LJA]

Re: 1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

I got him down from 13,500.00 to 11,990.00 I am afraid if I try and go lower he will do as he said wait until spring and try and get 13,500.00. It is in great shape with a few minor problems like the radio doesn?t work and a couple of cabin lights.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: 1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

Its a dealer bud even after you get him to throw you out of his dealership he will still take your money so don't bother worrying about making him mad. If you like the boat and are ok with the price then go get it, I don't think its a bad price but I'm sure he can do better, ultimately its up to you. I paid more for my boat then I should have but it was/is immaculate and I am happy with the value I got for my money, are you at that point with this boat? If so go get it and enjoy it! The radio and cabin lights are simple fixes in fact you will probably want a new stereo anyway

 

[rajjneef]

Re: 1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

Mariahs up to 2001 were very well built boats. I always wanted one back then when I had my wellcraft but didnt ever pull the trigger. As nice as Crownlines are to me personally the Mariahs are a step above. A manual isnt needed as it wont contain anything useful anyway. As others have stated the main thing is how it has been kept all these years. The price seems very high to me for this time of year. Your negotiated price even seems a touch high if this were early May let alone mid December. Good luck on your decision.

 

[98Shabah]

Re: 1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

Love my '98 Mariah.. Still all original interior, carpet, etc.. Even the original mooring cover. Everything is top quality, all fittings, fasteners, railings, etc are stainless.

We had a guy at a local lake this summer ask us what year it is, when I told him it was 12 years old he was in total disbelief, he was thinking it was only a couple years old.

 

[superpop]

Re: 1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

The dealer is smoking dope if he thinks the boat is worth more than 10K. Do yourself a favor and go to NADA and plug in the numbers, high retail on that boat with a 5.7L V-8 is around $7700.00. The trailer is probably worth another $1500.00 or so. Low retail is $6,610. I would print that out and take it with me the next time I go in, and take around 9 grand in cash if you are serious. Lay down 8K and see what they do. I would not go much past 9 grand though, there is no reason to pay high retail for a boat in this economy. Owner probably has it at dealer because the gave up trying to sell it themselves for what they think it is worth. Or dealer took it on trade and is looking for a sucker. Could also be that owner is upside down on it. It is 16 years old after all, and in another month it will be 17 years old.

Pricing
Suggested List Price Low
Retail Average Retail
Base Price: $28,958 $5,830 $6,610
Engine: 231-265 HP (5.0L - 5.7L ##) $375 $375
Options: (add options)
Boat Cover - 20 ft. thru 25 ft. $115 $130
Bow Cover $150 $170
Cockpit Cover $190 $215
Depth Sounder $90 $105
Stereo - am/fm cassette w/4 speakers $155 $175
See all options chosen
TOTAL PRICE $28,958 $6,905 $7,780
Don't make a $7,780 mistake, get a Boat History Report before you buy!

 

[dellsboater]

Re: 1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

I have to agree, the dealer is way to high. I was looking at a 1996 closed bow for 6500.00, still for sale and there is a 1995? for sale on cl for 8000.00 open bow clean....I would say he is about 3000.00 to high, and will get 13500 in the spring? Doubt it...

 

[Shawk]

Re: 1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

I have to agree, the dealer is way to high. I was looking at a 1996 closed bow for 6500.00, still for sale and there is a 1995? for sale on cl for 8000.00 open bow clean....I would say he is about 3000.00 to high, and will get 13500 in the spring? Doubt it...

I agree.... I was thinking the same regarding dealer pricing after booking this boat out this morning. I booked it out and even if it's loaded up I can't get the high retail over $8000ish with trailer.

Best wishes!

 

[captkevin]

Re: 1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

Price is way too high $8000 would be the max. Also you need to have the stringers & transom inspected against rot. I'd have an independent mechanic give it the once over. Don't pay 12k.

 

[LJA]

Re: 1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

This is where I am caught between a rock and a hard place. It is a very beautiful boat and the price I thought was alright. I could see us (wife & myself) enjoying it just cruising. I told her I would hate to trash such a beautiful boat fishing and altering the deck to accommodate downriggers and rod holders etc.. I heard in her voice a little bit of disappointment but it is not just I but she likes to fish also. So here we are trying to make a decision that we can live with and not regret it. I told the dealer we were going to think on it for now.

 

[JoLin]

Re: 1996 Mariah 215 Talari-21'

This is where I am caught between a rock and a hard place. It is a very beautiful boat and the price I thought was alright. I could see us (wife & myself) enjoying it just cruising. I told her I would hate to trash such a beautiful boat fishing and altering the deck to accommodate downriggers and rod holders etc.. I heard in her voice a little bit of disappointment but it is not just I but she likes to fish also. So here we are trying to make a decision that we can live with and not regret it. I told the dealer we were going to think on it for now.

Good deals are only made when you're prepared to walk away. I would have left the dealer with a firm offer (contingent upon the results of a Spring sea trial and survey) and my phone number, and not looked back. As long as the dealer knows you're thinking about it, he has no incentive to do better. I hope you're still shopping.

My (previous) 24' Chris*Craft and my current boat were both purchased that way. In both cases, the sellers called me back to negotiate, and in both cases I politely declined, while letting them know that I was also looking at other boats. In both cases the sellers accepted my ridiculous (according to them) offer within 4-6 weeks.

Fall in love with the boat after you've made the deal, not before. Good luck!

My .02