Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000 vs Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000 or the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000?

For trailering, the Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000 has the edge at 42 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: How many people can each boat hold?

The Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 measures 102" wide, compared to 101" for the Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000 or the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000?

The Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 has the bigger tank at 125 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000. That 117-gallon difference translates to roughly 351–585 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000 and Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000 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 Shabah 238/Z238 2000 vs Mariah Shabah Z278 2000

Mariah

Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000

2000

View full specs →

Mariah

Mariah Shabah Z278 2000

2000

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000 vs Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000 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.

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 Shabah 238/Z238 2000 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

ModelShabah 238/Z238

ModelShabah Z278

Model Year2

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam101"

Beam102"

Beam - Meters2.57

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches101

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise20 degrees

Deadrise24 degrees

Draft [drive up] - Detail19"

Draft [drive up] - Detail22"

Draft [drive up] meters0.48

Draft [drive up] meters0.56

Draft [drive up] inches19

Draft [drive up] inches22

Draft [max] - Detail36"

Draft [max] - Detail39"

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inches36

Draft [max] - Inches39

Weight - Detail4200 lbs. 1905 kgs

Weight - Detail6100 lbs 2767kgs

Weight - kg1905.09

Weight - kg2766.91

Weight - lbs.42

Weight - lbs.61

Height - Detail64" Vertical Clearance

Height - Detail68" Vertical Clearance

Height - Meters1.63

Height - Meters1.73

Height - Inches64

Height - Inches68

Length overall - Detail23' 7"

Length overall - Detail27'

Length overall - Meters7.01

Length overall - Meters8.23

Length overall - Inches276

Length overall - Inches324

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal 303 ltr

Fuel tank capacity - Detail125 gal 473 ltr

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Liters473.18

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel tank capacity - Gal125

Operational Info

HeadPortable

Headroom54"

Headroom60"

Water capacity5 gal

Water capacity15 gal

Maximum people12 person

Trailer Info

Trailer - DetailOptional

Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000 vs Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000 or the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000?

For trailering, the Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000 has the edge at 42 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.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 measures 102" wide, compared to 101" for the Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000 or the Mariah Shabah Z278 2000?

The Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 has the bigger tank at 125 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000. That 117-gallon difference translates to roughly 351–585 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000 and Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Mariah Shabah 238/Z238 2000 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 Shabah 238/Z238 2000 full specs ← Mariah Shabah Z278 2000 full specs