Chaparral Quality?
ua1cat
be gentle). What is this companies reputation, and is this a good quality
boat? I also noticed that they use wood stringers and a balsa core deck. Are
these items that will wear out with time, and how long?
Thanks in advance for any help!!!!
H82LUZ1
long time. I have driven one, A small block with a Bravo III ran pretty
good. I wonder what it would do with a 454efi and B III...
MIke G.
T & C Di
with good quality throughout and at a reasonable price. Would not
hesitate to recommend one. The 2330 had a 454 carb with Bravo 1. Top speed
was about 60. The 260 has a 454 EFI with Bravo 3. Unfortunately can't tell
you top speed as the speedo. only goes to 50 and I have passed that. Have
had some minor problems, the company has been very helpful and
accommodating. Real issue for solving problems is the dealership. If you
have problems with the dealership call Chaparral direct.
H82LUZ1 wrote in message <19990118104232...@ng-fv1.aol.com>...
Ron Hansen
>
> I have owned 3. A 1930, 2330 and a 260 Signature. They make a nice boat
> with good quality throughout and at a reasonable price. Would not
> hesitate to recommend one. The 2330 had a 454 carb with Bravo 1. Top speed
> was about 60. The 260 has a 454 EFI with Bravo 3. Unfortunately can't tell
> you top speed as the speedo. only goes to 50 and I have passed that. Have
> had some minor problems, the company has been very helpful and
> accommodating. Real issue for solving problems is the dealership. If you
> have problems with the dealership call Chaparral direct.
I bought the 180LE last year. For a first boat, it's a very nice boat.
I've been having real problems with the engine (Penta 3.0GS), but I came
to realize it all been because the dealer was a flake. I finally woke
up and took it to a big dealer out of town, and it's running like a
champ first time out!
I -should- call Chaparral about that dealer. Maybe they'd think about
yanking the line from him. If he treats all his customers like that,
it's hard to believe what people around here that buy the Chaparral's
from him think of the manufacturer. You go in with a minor electrical
problem, then he proceeds to rewire the alternator and fry it ... and
the starter ... and.... ugh. After he does that, he decides there is
nothing wrong, and politely says "don't come back". <-his exact words.
Bottom line: buy one from a reputable dealer and you can't go wrong.
...Ron
D. Percell
wrote:
I bought my first Chaparral, a 2135ss at last years NY boat show. Me
and the wife loved it, even the dog had a good time with us. At the
end of the season we traded it in and moved up to a 300 Signature. The
wife enjoyed boating so much and liked doing over nighters. But the
2135 was a little to small for that. She didn't like the porta potty.
So, I got to move up to a bigger boat in one season. I am one happy
Chaparral owner.
Dan
Long Island, NY
Cbdonospam
>wrote:
>
>>I am considering a Chaparral 233 Sunesta boat. This will be my first (please
>>be gentle). What is this companies reputation, and is this a good quality
>>boat? I also noticed that they use wood stringers and a balsa core deck. Are
>>these items that will wear out with time, and how long?
>>
>>Thanks in advance for any help!!!!
>>
>>Dave
Our marina sells Chaparral, and as I've looked them over, they seem well above
average on the construction and detailing; they're nicely done. The use of
wood has been *voluminously* discussed in the NG, but remains common among many
builders; it's not so much whether it's used, but how well the layups are
engineered and performed IMO. Check your area but in general resale should be
good--always a consideration. And consider finding a good, not too old, used
one.
Jim Gallo
quality of the boat is excellent. I have put it through some very tough
conditions (6 - 8 foot swells on Green Bay and Lake Michigan) and the boat
handles it with ease. The fit a finish of the boat is excellent so I have
no reservations about recommending one. One other item that I have noticed,
you don't see a lot of used ones for sale. Owners seem to keep them an long
time.
Jim
T. Wade Gonder
the shop being repaired? Most of this is the fault of the dealership (Sun
Country Marine, Ontario California.)
A small list of the problems:
The drive hub wasn't centered and caused a loud grumble at 3K rpm. Engine
pulled to replace.
Circulation pump leak
Manifold leaks
Alternator wire broke three times
Only one battery charges, factory mis-wired the charging system
A fuel gauge that show 1/3 full with just 6 gallons in a 80 gallon tank
Loose rivets on rails
Seats that drain very poorly
Drains with too small a diameter
Interior trim unraveling and falling off (poorly glued)
Fresh water pump failed
Helm wheel cover keeps falling off and gets underfoot (no fun when docking)
Stereo system not supported at the rear, so it just hangs (and breaks) at
the front panel
Bunk cushions very uncomfortable to sleep on (cheap foam)
Plastic drain plug stripped out by dealer during demo
Porti-potti "head" doesn't pump out very well
On the dealership - Sun Country Marine
They have a very bad attitude regarding service
They are slow to start work
Have no problem with leaving your boat uncovered for weeks at a time in the
sun
Toss the manuals, warranty cards, etc. for added parts so you can't get
warranty repairs
Don't stand behind bad installation work
Install the absolutely cheapest parts they can buy when outfitting
Won't answer or call you back when inquiring on repair status
I've not been the only irate customer at their service window. In fact I've
witnessed several tantrums by customers while Sun Country personnel just
smile and refuse to rectify or even apologize for their (poor) service.
Apertur
value. They are built really well and they pay attention to the details. They
also are very picky about the dealers that sell their boats.I have gotten
excellent service from the dealer that sold me my second one, the dealer that
sold me the first one no longer sells them! Supposedly because the factory took
the franchise away from them.
killerb...@gmail.com
waynebatr...@hotmail.com
wrote:
>I have a 1998 2135 cuddy cabin with the 5.0 Volvo Penta. Bought it 4 years ago and I love it. It is my first boat although I've been around them all my life just about. I like that it has a large gas tank (55 gal) compared to 30 that most this size have. It is a little heavier and takes waves well. I have more trouble with my trailer than the boat. You won't regret a Chaparral. Mine had 300 hrs on it when I bought it. I think it is key to buy any boat with low hours.
Welcome to rec.boats
Tim
It also helps to start with a quality- built craft to begin with. Those are a very next ce boat. I still see some at lake Carlyle.
Poquito Loco
ended up getting rid of it because getting to the marina and back from Richmond, VA, was a pain in
the ass.
Now he's down in Savannah looking at a Key West center console. Hope he gets it.