Purchase Advice for 2005 Chaparral 180 SSI

Hello and thanks for your time,

How long can a boat set in the sun uncovered before serious damage sets in?

I'm looking hard at a 2005 180 SSI. I'm told the boat was used 16 times from 2006-2009, then parked in the San Fernando Valley, Ca. where it has sat uncovered since (the last 2 years). Upholstery is cracked and sun burned (expected) and the carpet is starting to rot. My big concern is the gel coating, and flooring. There is no visable damage to the gel coating just faded and dirty. Can it simply be waxed or buffed? and the flooring seems solid but could it be rotted out in from under? I jumped on it and it didn't waver but I don't think thats the best way to check. The engine (Volvo 4cyl) with penta stern drive seems to be in great condition oil is clean and water free. Looking for any advice al all....

I'd be happy to hear any information anyone has regarding anything you think I should be checking or should look for. Thank you for your time,

Rick

Re: Purchase Advice for 2005 Chaparral 180 SSI

I'd expect every piece of rubber on it to be rotted out.

Re: Purchase Advice for 2005 Chaparral 180 SSI

That's exactly what I found too. Any exposed rubber was shot and needs to be replaced. It just seems like a waste to let this boat go. I can get for a good price I'm just worried about over loooking something big. Thanks for your reply!

Rick

Re: Purchase Advice for 2005 Chaparral 180 SSI

rglutz said:

That's exactly what I found too. Any exposed rubber was shot and needs to be replaced. It just seems like a waste to let this boat go. I can get for a good price I'm just worried about over loooking something big. Thanks for your reply!

Rick

Click to expand...

It won't just be the exposed stuff, exhaust bellows, fuel lines, engine drain lines, bilge pump hose, exhaust flappers if there are any. The weather just eats that stuff up.

I hope a good price is about 2K

Re: Purchase Advice for 2005 Chaparral 180 SSI

The price is 4k and that is great info you provided. Thanks

Re: Purchase Advice for 2005 Chaparral 180 SSI

This boat was obviously left out in the elements and neglected. It looks awful for a 2005. I put a new interior in my old 88 Four Winns back in 2003-2006 and it looks new by comparison, because I used the cockpit and bow covers all the time, and it was covered with a custom canvas cover in winter. Interior work is expensive. And if the deck is wood under that carpet, with a thin layer of 'glass, there could be rot. I'd pass even with the low price...

Re: Purchase Advice for 2005 Chaparral 180 SSI

Let me add that sitting for years without running isn't so great on an engine either.

Re: Purchase Advice for 2005 Chaparral 180 SSI

I'm leaning that way too. I really appreciate your time and comments. It will require new carpet and upholstery throughout just for starters. And if that floor is rotted out i'll be in the hole not to mention the engine. I'm paying a mechanic to look at the engine and drive, and my first estimate on the carpet and upholstery was $1,900...It's not looking good....I really like this site and all the feed back from all....Thank you,

Rick

Re: Purchase Advice for 2005 Chaparral 180 SSI

Hopefully I get good news from the mechanic on the engine, but I know that isnt a for sure sign.....Thanks, I'm really taking all these comments and suggestions to heart...Take care,

Rick

Re: Purchase Advice for 2005 Chaparral 180 SSI

It's an 18' with the base engine. You could certainly do better for the money this one will cost you considering purchase price + repairs.

Re: Purchase Advice for 2005 Chaparral 180 SSI

It certainly shows thatthis boat was not taken care of. Most likely even with a good check up from a mechanic there will stillbe other things that will need done. I recenty bought a boat for $3500, ran great the mechanic said it was in great condition...... I now have about $6400 in it. As things get moving they will break and a mechanic will not see that stuff.

If you can get this for $2500-3000 and dont mind another 1500-2000 in it youcould have a pretty nice boat!!

Re: Purchase Advice for 2005 Chaparral 180 SSI

This is the type of boat someone gives away! Have you asked the seller why it was left uncovered i.e. did something break they could not get around to? You have to figure that if you buy this boat you will not be able to use it for a good while while the repairs are being made. It really is a shame that someone would let this happen. If it was just left like that imagine how well the owner maintained it when they used it. Low ball the crap out of him, he's lucky someone is looking at it at all!