Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 vs Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 or the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000?

For trailering, the Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 has the edge at 32 lbs dry weight versus 61 lbs for the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 has a documented max rating of 375 hp. Engine specifications for the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 is certified for 12. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 and Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 or the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000?

The Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 has the bigger tank at 125 gallons, versus 45 gallons on the Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006. That 80-gallon difference translates to roughly 240–400 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 and Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 and the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 are built by Mariah. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 vs Mariah Shabah Z278 2000

Mariah

Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006

2006

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Mariah

Mariah Shabah Z278 2000

2000

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 vs Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 vs Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 carries a rated maximum of 375 hp. Engine data for the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 carries 125 gallons versus 45 gallons in the Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 12 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 and Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeMariah

ModelDX253 Deck Boat

ModelShabah Z278

Model Year2006

Model Year2

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)

Beam102"

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise16℃

Deadrise24 degrees

Weight - Detail3,200 lbs. (1,452 kg)

Weight - Detail6100 lbs 2767kgs

Weight - kg1451.49

Weight - kg2766.91

Weight - lbs.32

Weight - lbs.61

Length - Meters7.6

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet25

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail25 ft. 0 in. (7.6 m)

Length overall - Detail27'

Length overall - Meters7.62

Length overall - Meters8.23

Length overall - Inches3

Length overall - Inches324

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detail22"

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.56

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches22

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail39"

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches39

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail68" Vertical Clearance

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters1.73

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches68

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail45 gal. (170 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail125 gal 473 ltr

Fuel tank capacity - Liters170.34

Fuel tank capacity - Liters473.18

Fuel tank capacity - Gal45

Fuel tank capacity - Gal125

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Engine max375 hp (280 kW)

Engine maxnot available

Operational Info

Maximum capacity2,600 lbs. (1,179 kg)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people12

Maximum people12 person

Headnot available

HeadPortable

Headroomnot available

Headroom60"

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity15 gal

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailOptional

Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 vs Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 or the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000?

For trailering, the Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 has the edge at 32 lbs dry weight versus 61 lbs for the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 has a documented max rating of 375 hp. Engine specifications for the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 is certified for 12. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 and Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 or the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000?

The Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 has the bigger tank at 125 gallons, versus 45 gallons on the Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006. That 80-gallon difference translates to roughly 240–400 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 and Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 and the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 are built by Mariah. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Mariah DX253 Deck Boat 2006 full specs ← Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 full specs