Buying first boat - Looking at a 2000 Marada 198 SKE

[ccave04]

Hello,

I am looking to buy my first boat. I am looking for a day cruiser bow rider for use on a fingerlake (Cayuga Lake, NY). I have found a 2000 Marada 198 SKE that a person is selling online.

I have found it tough to find too much information on this brand, but I have heard they make pretty good boats. I understand the company went under some years ago but am just looking for some opinion on this brand and price of this boat for a first time boat purchaser.

Here is the listing:
2000 marada 198 ske, 5.0 liter V-8, 146 hrs. all c/g equitment included. tube, vest and ropes also included. boat has two new batteries and a new starter. canves is in excellent condition, inteior is also in excellent condition. 2000 hustler galvanized trailer included. Listed for sale at $7500.

http://ithaca.craigslist.org/boa/2568055350.html (that has the pictures at it)

I already told him I would be at about $6500 before I wasted time to drive out and look at it. From the 4 pictures I have seen looks in nice shape. From what I have read I would be sure to check the floor carefullly for rot because they say they are made of wood?

Any opinions / advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[mpdive]

Re: Buying first boat - Looking at a 2000 Marada 198 SKE

I don't know much about these either however, it's not always the make of the boat so much as the maintenance of the boat. If you don't have alot of experience with looking them over, then bring someone with you that does. If you are a previous boat owner than you'll know what to look for. It's difficult to tell someone what to watch out for because the list would take up the whole hard drive on my computer. I will say this, at first glance, that is a sharp looking boat. Many threads over the past two weeks address the issue of looking at boats, and contain a wealth of info from knowledable people. Don may be able to help you out on the make. Did the finger lake thing myself from Cuyuga to Seneca. Great trip

 

[ccave04]

Re: Buying first boat - Looking at a 2000 Marada 198 SKE

mpdive,

Thanks for your input, I do plan on creating a checklist of items from what I have read on forums for things to check for and am also trying to find an experience boater to bring with me to look it over. Do you think that taking the boat for a test drive is crucial before purchasing? I really would like to but not sure if the owner will be able to, I think it is hard to buy a boat without hearing it run and seeing how it handles in the water... it is almost standard to test drive prior to purchasing a used boat correct?

 

[mpdive]

Re: Buying first boat - Looking at a 2000 Marada 198 SKE

If you can water test it by all means do it. I was not able to water test mine and had to go purely on gut feeling of the condition of the boat and the trustworthiness of the owner. If you can't water test then at least check all items that can be checked while out of the water. Put muffs on and let run for a while. Keep in mind though that an engine running unloaded in a driveway is totally different than being in the water. Being that this is not a discount price boat, you have little wiggle room money wise to do repairs. If he was asking 4,000 it would be adifferent story and could take the chance of buying it knowing you have a cash reserve for repairs. Tough call on this one. Best to water test since boat is being sold at blue book values. Again though, a very nice looking boat.

 

[ccave04]

Re: Buying first boat - Looking at a 2000 Marada 198 SKE

Thanks for the help. I actually went and water tested the boat today, started like a champ - ran like a champ. Was very pleased so I bought the boat for $6500. I think it's a decent buy seeing with trailer and the size engine it nada's at about $9000. Anyways thanks again for your responses... maybe i'll see you on the water ways

 

[mpdive]

Re: Buying first boat - Looking at a 2000 Marada 198 SKE

Congrats! Nice boat.