SaaRay Sundancer vs. Chapperal Signature Series

[torcano]

I am thinking about getting a larger boat. I currently have a 240 SeaRay Sundancer. I was thinking about going to a 280 or 300 Sundancer but saw a 290 Signature Chapperal that looks very nice and has the options that I am looking for. The price of the 290 and the 280 are about the same. Are these comparable boats? I am familiar with SeaRay but less familiar with Chapparal with respect to quality and eventual resale down the road.

 

[The Great Escape II]

Re: SaaRay Sundancer vs. Chapperal Signature Series

torcano,
I own a 2005 Chaparral Signature and my close friend owns a 2006 280DA. What I have seen on my boat comparing it to his is the Chaparral fit and finish is slightly better. I also like the idea of motor choices with Chaparral, Merc or Volvo. With Sea Ray you only have Merc. As comparing our 2 boats he has had a number of issues, don't get me wrong there are many Sea Rays out there is no issues but for a new boat he has had more then his fair share. Also what was breaking were Sea Ray items. One thing I don't care for on Sea Ray cruisers is that hull itself shows to many imperfections, bulk head attachment, wavy fiberglass etc... The warranty on a Chaparral hull is lifetime, and it's been that way for YEARS, the new ones have Kevlar reinforced hulls. I also like the idea of buying a boat from a strong independent company. Brunswick has had it's fair share of issues. One last thing which ever boat you buy, the dealer is one of the most import part of the equation no matter what brand.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: SaaRay Sundancer vs. Chapperal Signature Series

before you buy, look at the new Bayliners, there quality has improved 100%

 

[The Great Escape II]

Re: SaaRay Sundancer vs. Chapperal Signature Series

I agree with that Bayliner comment. They definitely win the most improved boat award!!

You just have to deal with the old "reputation" Bayliner had and that could effect resale.

 

[torcano]

Re: SaaRay Sundancer vs. Chapperal Signature Series

Thanks for your input. I looked at Bayliners but I find the cockpit and helm area to be a little on the spartan side. Although I have had a bias towards SeaRay, I was very impressed with the fit and finish of the Chapperal. I am looking at pre-owned boats in the 2004-2006 range. They are not as abundant as the Sundancers, but I feel more confident that the Signature series is an option. The boat I am looking at has 4.3 L Mercruisers with the Alpha 1 drives. I would prefer the 5.0l Bravo IIIs. "Great Escape II", what do you power plants do you have? Are 4.3L Mercs adequate?
Thanks

 

[tommays]

Re: SaaRay Sundancer vs. Chapperal Signature Series

If you look at reviews at boattest.com you will find that most twin 4.3 boats have to spin a LOT of RPM to keep on plane


And the twins tend to be so close together that the small alpha drive props have issues getting the boat going compared to a duo-prop mec or volvo drive

 

[The Great Escape II]

Re: SaaRay Sundancer vs. Chapperal Signature Series

Thanks for your input. I looked at Bayliners but I find the cockpit and helm area to be a little on the spartan side. Although I have had a bias towards SeaRay, I was very impressed with the fit and finish of the Chapperal. I am looking at pre-owned boats in the 2004-2006 range. They are not as abundant as the Sundancers, but I feel more confident that the Signature series is an option. The boat I am looking at has 4.3 L Mercruisers with the Alpha 1 drives. I would prefer the 5.0l Bravo IIIs. "Great Escape II", what do you power plants do you have? Are 4.3L Mercs adequate?
Thanks

I have ridden in a Sig290 with 4.3 MPI Volvo's and was pleasantly surprised, my buddies Sea Ray DA280 has Merc 4.3 and they felt a little sluggish. This probably has more to do with the hull than the motor. I run Volvo 5.0 GXI's with Duo-prop. I think I would opt for the 5.0 can't go wrong with more power. There is a guy selling his Sig290 in Tennessee, it looks great and at $81,900 (link is below).

http://www.boatered.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=114622

 

[torcano]

Re: SaaRay Sundancer vs. Chapperal Signature Series

Thanks again "Great Escape II". That is exactly what I'm looking for. I would have to figure in the cost of hauling it to NJ and I wouldn't buy a boat without personally inspecting it, which would require a trip to Tn. Finding one like that in the NY Metropolitan area would be much preferable, but it gives me something to think about. The boat looks very clean, but I have learned that pictures can be deceiving. The hunt is on!

 

[Kiwi Phil]

Re: SaaRay Sundancer vs. Chapperal Signature Series

torcano
you have a PM
Cheers
Phillip

 

[torcano]

Re: SaaRay Sundancer vs. Chapperal Signature Series

PM????

 

[torcano]

Re: SaaRay Sundancer vs. Chapperal Signature Series

Got it. PM = Private message. Check your email.

 

[benben]

Re: SaaRay Sundancer vs. Chapperal Signature Series

torcano,

We had a 1985 chaparral 200xlc...great boat...we narrowed our choice down to chaparral, wellcraft, and sea ray, based on reviews and research avaiable at the time....it was a good choice....

Our current boat, a Regal 3260, was chosen from a narrowed field of Sea Ray, Chaparral, Four Winns, and Cruisers...Sea Ray got tossed out of contention for one issue, no walk-through windshield, which made getting to the bow a potentially dangerous proposition, even in calm seas....my two cents....