chaperral

[Johnson110]

Hi, I have the chance to purchase this boat it 24ft with a mercury 5.7 V8, the heads were done last year, the boat is in excellent shape, Friends of our are moving and they will sell it for 5K to us. The boat is a 1995 model! Is this a good boat? Are there any problems with this brand of boat? Thanks in advance!

 

[ziggy]

Re: chaperral

Are there any problems with this brand of boat?

generally speaking, it's more about how it was cared for, than perticular brand of boat issues...... generally speaking....

 

[Johnson110]

Re: chaperral

Thanks for the reply, I was wandering if it was cared for would it be worth it! I never owned a merc I/O engine, are they good engines in general, The V8 think it be hard on gas? Looking for a family boat, not ruunning high speed here.

 

[ziggy]

Re: chaperral

I was wandering if it was cared for would it be worth it!

sure, check it out good though if ya don't want surprises. and surprises in boats usually cost too many $'s. i think wood rot is the most important thing to look for. google buying a used boat, ya can find list of things to check out....

never owned a merc I/O engine, are they good engines in general

the engine ain't merc. it's gm. that 5.7 ones a 350, can't go wrong with a 350. it's everything else that's merc about it. and yes, everyones got a mercruiser...., well, not everyone. but sure, there's parts available, service manuals, help here on iboats. ya'll be more than fine with it...

The V8 think it be hard on gas?

yep. boats in general are hard on fuel. that 24'er i'd bet will be thirsty........ if yer right hand ain't too heavy, it'll help. but yer gonna choke at the gas station......

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: chaperral

Ok, what kinda of 24' Chaparral is it? A cuddy cabin? A cabin cruiser? Specifically, what model number? Why were the heads done last year? How many hours are on the engine? What condition is the vinyl seat covering in? You say "excellent", does that mean you have been on this boat? What does the bimini top and camper canvas (if they are there) look like.
In 1995 Chaparral still used wood floors. So you would want to walk around and generally check it for signs of rot. If the boat was left uncovered and got a lot of water in it, that can lead to the floor getting "soft". Especially check right in front of the engine cover, along the sides of the engine cover, and where the motor is bolted in.
How and where was the boat used? How and where would you use it?
Regarding fuel, if it's a 24' bowrider or cuddy with a 5.7, you could expect it to get no more than 3mpg at a nice 30mph cruising speed. If it's a 24' cabin cruiser with that engine, figure 2 to 2.5mpg.

 

[tmh]

Re: chaperral

Well, if all he above check out OK then $5k is a steal for a 1995 24' Chap. You could use it a few years and still sell for the same or more.