First boat, several questions

[jchemotti]

We just bought a 1996 Mariah Shabah 18 footer that had been stolen and stripped. <br /><br />It has been restored (with generic seats) and is looking good, and we got it for a good price.<br /><br />Some questions:<br />1. where can I get a manual for this boat? If anyone out there has the same model, I would be glad to pay for copying.<br />2. where could we get seats, cusions, etc. that are now used but the original style for this boat.<br />3. ladder - where does one go, where can I get one that will fit?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for your response.<br />Jan

 

[mattttt25]

Re: First boat, several questions

owners manual will probably provide very little. most don't. try the companies' website or even call them.<br /><br />probably have to stick with aftermarket items. you may be able to find originals, but you're talking getting lucky on ebay, classifieds, etc.<br /><br />ladder- transom mount is the most common. usually a bolted on swim ladder, with folding intergral ladder. check out iboats' store, sure they have several.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: First boat, several questions

Don't waste your time trying to find an owner's manual. But I'd highly recommend a shop manual for whatever kind of motor/drive you have, especially if you intend to do any maintenance or repairs yourself.<br /><br />Seats, cushions, etc of OEM style, can best be found at a boat salvage yard, though most will need to be reupholstered if you find them. Frankly I'd stick with the aftermarket stuff as many of them are equal or better quality than the originals anyway.<br /><br />You'll find everything (seats and ladders) you need here at IBoats, usually for the best prices. Other popular choices are www.cabelas.com and www.overtons.com. And my favorite is Ebay, has just about everything but you gotta work a little harder for it.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: First boat, several questions

the other problem you are going to run into is that Mariah has gone out of business since your boat was built. There is a Mariah up & running now, but not sure how much of the "old" stuff they keep up with.<br />If you truly 1)got it at a good price, 2)are willing to do the work, and 3)have the money... you have a unique opportunity in front of you. You can make the interior anything you want! You can arrange the seating the way that best suits you. Maybe even change the color of the whole inside of the boat. Sky's the limit.

 

[AJ168]

Re: First boat, several questions

Go to a West Marine and walk around the store. Also get a cataloge. They're very good, explaining almost everything. Before every section, there's a few pages explaining that particular product. They're even better when one of you're friends can get you a 50% discount on almost everything!