Chaparral Sunesta or Regal Destiny?

[NtFly]

I am looking to purchase an "all purpose" USED boat. Purposes include: watersports (ie Skiing), fishing, and cruising. I believe a deck boat comes the closest to filling this requirement. Please provide opinions on the Chaparral Sunesta and Regal Destiny (or boat manufacturers). I do not plan on purchasing a boat manufactured earlier than 1995.<br /><br />Thanks for your assistance.

 

[djsimeon]

Re: Chaparral Sunesta or Regal Destiny?

Buy the Chaparal they make an outstanding boat. I have had mine now for a while and it is constructed and runsextremely we'll. One of the things that I like is that Chaparral does not underpower their boats like many production boat companies.

 

[KCook]

Re: Chaparral Sunesta or Regal Destiny?

Buying used instead of new should save a lot of $$. Just be aware that when shopping for a used boat there will not be nearly so many choices as in new boats. So you can't be as choosey. Once the boat has 5 years or so on it, the condition of the boat is more important than the brand.<br /><br />Deckboats are the most versatile type there is in an open boat. But the design considerations are the same as for any boat. For fishing and/or saltwater outboard power is better. For skiing lighter is better than heavier. Cruising is better with a full width windshield. Unfortunately, the full windshields are a fairly new development for deckboats. May be hard to find an older boat with this. The Chaparrals and Regals you are looking at are posh boats, their strength would be the cruising mission.<br /><br />Most bowrider builders also offer deckboats. The ranking for the bowriders can also be a guide to deckboats. There are also some deckboat specialists. Such as Cobia, HarrisKayot, and Hurricane. Cobias are all OB powered, geared toward saltwater use. Hurricane can be considered a value line, roughly on par with Rinker. HarrisKayot is more upscale, like the Regal.<br /><br />The best selling deckboats have been Bayliner, Chaparral, Four Winns, and Hurricane. The Regal Destinys have not sold in big numbers. The small demand for these may affect resale.<br /><br />Also try other message boards -<br />www.boatus.com<br />www.goboatingamerica.com<br />www.trailerboats.com<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[NtFly]

Re: Chaparral Sunesta or Regal Destiny?

Thanks for the information and insite. I am still looking, but so far I have not found the right boat for me. Time is on my side!

 

[Franki]

Re: Chaparral Sunesta or Regal Destiny?

kcook, having bayliner in the name hurts resale as well... <br /><br />The concensus is correct, condition is more important then brand for the most part in second hand boats.. its not what brand you should buy, its which brand you shouldn't, and I just answered that question, though there may be others. <br /><br />At the end of the day, if the boats in good nick, dry transom/floor/stringers and the glass is in good nick.. and motor has good compression etc... then the only criteria you need to apply really is weather it suits your needs or not, for a boat in your price range, I think a wet test is called for. (go for a ride in the prospects.)<br /><br />regards<br /><br />Frank

 

[Siemers_d]

Re: Chaparral Sunesta or Regal Destiny?

I am also new to boating and looking at the Chaparral Sunesta...I like the 232 as far as options suitability for my needs. The 233 has a full windshield. I have seen a few online, but so far still a little above my price range, but maybe in a year.....or sooner I hope. Good luck to you and maybe we'll cross wakes.....slowly of course.<br /><br />Dave