Ok, I have been looking at the Sea Ray sundeck 240 and thought I liked it. I just went to a dealer and saw the Chaparral SSI 236 and liked it a lot better! The dealer went through a comparison and it seemed like a much better built boat.


Some questions I have:

1. So what didn't the dealer tell me about manufacturer issues with Chaparral?

2. Asking is $55,000. This is for a 2008. Volvo 300hp engine. clarion radio with amp, bimini top, filler cushions and tables. He made it seem like they don't hike up the price just to do deep discounts...when compared to Sea Ray he said since they don't mass produce as high volume. Is this true? What would be considered a great deal?

3. Anyone's thoughts on Chaparral vs Sea Ray?

4. If we decide to move in the next year and end up moving where there isn't a chaparral dealer in the vicinity can the boat be worked on by any Marina certified in Volvo engines or could I run into issues?

I have a 220 SSi and have nothing but good experiences with it.

If I recall, Chaparral makes a basic and a nice version of the SSI's.

Basic has no fuel injection and also has the cheaper seats that fold down, and have two seats in back with the motor cover in between them.

Only reason I mention that is that in 2003, my 220 was about $48k with trailer and bimini.

I looked at Sea Rays and was totally put off by the fact that MarineMax would not negotiate price.

Sorry, that just doesn't sit well with a car salesman!


BTW, I'm not sure but I bet the 2008 236 is the same boat as my 220, or maybe even an older 210 SSi. I think now they include the ESP in the overall length, in 2003 it was hull length only without the ESP.

Chaparral is a great hull, seems dependable (brother in law's boat) but the issue for me would be the Volvo power plant. Lots of folks like them but; Seems any marina fixes Merc and the Merc 350 Mag (300 HP) is a proven workhorse.

Two points.

1) The 236 is a 4,350 lb boat without options, gear, or people, right? Top power offered is a 300-320 Hp, small (350) block, I think.

1) The 246 is a 4,750 lb boat without options, gear, or people. The top power offered is a 375 Hp, big (496) block, I think.

2) Sea Ray Sundeck owners tend to like a 40-44 mph top speed and cruise in the upper 20s.

2) Chap owners tend to demand a 55 mph top speed and cruise in the upper 30s.

Which speeds are you, do you think?

I know of a 2007 256 Chaparral that is below $50K.

Good riding boats. One reason is because they can have heavier hulls then others. Which is why I recommend the duoprop option for a faster out of the hole shot. Regardless of engine size.

Seabuddy bring up a good point. After your out of the water, how fast you want to go?

I got a 99 Chap 6 weeks ago and 25 hrs run time later LOVE it. it's a sunesta 252 with a 7.4 mpi and Bravo one. It does a hair over 50 on GPS. plenty fast for a big ole deck boat.

I am ok with either speed I guess...obviously the 55 sounds better though.

I have read of people getting 15 to 25% off of MSRP on new boats...Same for Chaparral?

That is correct on the length. This is the length with the swim platform already factored in.

Some questions I have:

1. So what didn't the dealer tell me about manufacturer issues with Chaparral? If your looking for a boat that won't $100 you to death every now and then...don't get into boating. No boat is perfect.

2. Asking is $55,000. This is for a 2008. Volvo 300hp engine. clarion radio with amp, bimini top, filler cushions and tables. He made it seem like they don't hike up the price just to do deep discounts...when compared to Sea Ray he said since they don't mass produce as high volume. Is this true? What would be considered a great deal? Don't believe any of the hype. An average deal would be 15-30% off asking price. I only say that from reading owners experience on this and other boards.

3. Anyone's thoughts on Chaparral vs Sea Ray? Both make upper level boats.

4. If we decide to move in the next year and end up moving where there isn't a chaparral dealer in the vicinity can the boat be worked on by any Marina certified in Volvo engines or could I run into issues? Any Volvo certfied shop can service/warranty the engine.

When I was a boat dealer 11 years ago, mark up was 35-40 percent of MSRP on new boats, cars were 10-13% but many factory sponsored incentives.

Thanks..

What I meant was that the Chaparral dealer obviously pointed out why they are a better boat than Sea Ray. i.e.. use of more stainless steel, better gauge carpets, etc.. but I am curious to know what things aren't considered as "high quality" on their boats or things to watch out for on a Chaparral.

I am also wondering what type of deals people are seeing if they purchase a Chaparral at this time of year. If the normal discount off of MSRP ranges from 15% to 30% what would one expect coming into the end of the season?

It all depends on the Dealer, if they own the boats or are paying interest on floor plan.

RME, are you by any chance located near Raleigh, NC? If so, check this out:

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/boa/764980957.html

I love the "double stainless steel prop"

unfortunately, we are in Minneapolis. Nice boat!