chaparral vs. sea ray

[stein]

Hi all... I've been a Sea Ray owner for years. It's getting to be the time to move up. Any opinions on chaparral quality vs. sea ray? I didn't post this in the Chapparal section because I'd like to get an unbiased opinion. i love my Sea Ray, but they are getting out of my price range. Im talking 20-26 ft bowriders.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: chaparral vs. sea ray

Chapparals and Sea Rays have been around here for years. No bad news that I know of.

Mark

 

[tommays]

Re: chaparral vs. sea ray

While well made

They are all built to a price point(as there after the same buyer) that allows quality point X

The workmanship generaly goes down in areas of the boat you will never see

I would look at the engine install, Does it allow things like the starter and water pump to be serviced (without pulling the motor )

yes they do cram in motors like that



Tommays

 

[stein]

Re: chaparral vs. sea ray

hmmmm... great point.

 

[KCook]

Re: chaparral vs. sea ray

In my view it's mostly a matter of "vibe". Sea Ray tries (and usually succeeds) to provide a more luxurious package. Chaparral is slightly more concerned with getting the basics "just right". Both have avid fans. In that size bowrider I'd also look over Cobalt, Monterey, and Regal. Here is a little something I put together that may help -

http://needsabeach.com/boats/boatshows/boats07/

Kelly Cook

 

[stein]

Re: chaparral vs. sea ray

Thanks Kelly, by 'less quirky' do you mean less 'bling'? I do think the Chaparrals have a little more subdued graphics options, which I like. And some of those other options look a little over the top, like Crownlines contoured lounger. I don't really want utilitarian, but some of these boats are getting crazy.

 

[chaparral442]

Re: chaparral vs. sea ray

I am sure I am prejudiced but most Chap owners looked at Sea Rays and chose Chap --So to be fair I suggest you check the owners forums at Chaparral and Sea Ray and ask them why they chose one over the other-- Most Chap owners will tell you they got everything they wanted in a Chap, better floor plan, more accessories as stock items and not options and saved money over a Sea Ray

Cobalt is good --I would not put Monterrey in the same class as Chap, Cobalt and Sea Ray

In the end you may want to check our dealer service references

 

[chaparral442]

Re: chaparral vs. sea ray

One other item-- TEST DRIVE- if the dealer will not give you one-move on

 

[KCook]

Re: chaparral vs. sea ray

Monterey is certainly not as big a ticket as Chap, Cobalt, or Sea Ray. But still a very nice boat (with plenty of beef) for the $$. Run them all blindfolded and you may have a hard time naming which is which.

Kelly

 

[bruceb58]

Re: chaparral vs. sea ray

My feeling is that they are close enough in quality and that it will be an individuals choice of boat layout that determines what to buy in a similar type boats.