Chaparral SSi 196 for 18k

[bruceb58]

Re: Chaparral SSi 196 for 18k

As with everything its supply and demand. Where you are, there is obviously more demand than in other locations.

 

[jkust]

Re: Chaparral SSi 196 for 18k

As with everything its supply and demand. Where you are, there is obviously more demand than in other locations.

Yes you are spot on, the end result here is more demand. Of course the downside of being in MN is you have to sometimes force yourself to use your boat or before you know it the season has passed you by and you are readying your snowmobiles.

 

[Haydenchap]

Re: Decision point

Re: Decision point

Ok after looking at the used boats, researching endless hours and reading these great posts I have decided to buy new. Here are the two options and would appreciate input. My buget is 28k
1) Chaparral 180 for $26k. 4.3 EFI with Wake tower
2) Sea Ray 185 Sport for $26.5k, 4.3 with TKS and Wake tower

The Sea Ray feels larger inside and has the same engine with less horsepower (its carb as opposed to the Chaparral fuel injection) It's really a toss up - a bit more space or a bit more horsepower. The one thing is we may be able to get the chaparral dealer to go down to 24k. I have tossed around the idea of going larger and have talked to many folks who say I may regret the smaller boat, but the deal is we live on a lake and will be using to boat to play on not necessarily hang out on all day.

On the maxum - when I looked at the boat it just didn't seem to have the quality in the finish touches as the chaparral and sea ray.

 

[superpop]

Re: Chaparral SSi 196 for 18k

Chaparral all the way, both are good but the MPI is a nice feature. I think in the smaller boats (under 20 feet) Sea Ray tends to get cheap with the parts and pieces. Look at things like grab handles and fittings, you will find stainless on the Chap and plastic on the SR. I looked at them all when I purchased my used Chap 2 years ago and I found the Chaparral to be on par with Cobalt with regards to build quality and parts used. If you can get the Chap with the VP drive package, it is even better, course I am biased. I am surprised with that budget that you cannot find a nice 2-3 year old Chap 204 or 210 with a V-8. I picked up my gently used 204SSi loaded with tower and all the groceries for about 24K and it was 2 years old with 38 hours and still looked brand new. Even came with a Volvo warranty until 2013.

 

[superpop]

Re: Chaparral SSi 196 for 18k

Wow, I just went and did some searching and it seems like at least in the Seattle area that pricing has gone up a bit from the last time I looked a few years ago. I am surprised that the Chaparrals and Sea Rays are priced where they are. Its a bummer but boats do command a bit of a premium in the NW. I have had good luck finding good deals down in Portland, bought my last two boats down there and saved quite a bit. I found my exact boat, same year as mine down in Portland, just sold for 24K, what I paid for the same boat two years ago. I suspect we have seen the bottom of the market and now that inventory is down so low, maybe certain boats can command a bit of a premium, course it is prime buying season.

 

[Subliminal]

Re: Chaparral SSi 196 for 18k

Man...that's crazy talk. I just bought my Monterey in November. Brand new, but a leftover 2008. 4.3 18 footer that I guarantee is as nice as either of those boats, with a trailer WITH disc brakes, 5 year volvo warranty and lifetime hull...for $18.5k.

That's almost $8k less than you're looking at. For that money, I'd look harder, fly somewhere, rent a truck and drive it back...then use the other $7k to buy a tower, a swim platform, a bimini top, and all the bells and whistles...then use the other few grand to buy the wife something nice.

Keep looking, I say!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Chaparral SSi 196 for 18k

The smaller SeaRays are a bit overrated and EFI is worth every penny. Go for the Chap.

 

[superpop]

Re: Chaparral SSi 196 for 18k

Sub, I think the sweet winter deals are done for the year, not sure though, I did a quick search and there really isn't much selection in the NW right now. Everything I found is either overpriced or too old for the money.