Chaparral 2335 SS question

I have the oppurtunity to receive a 1998 Chaparral 2335 SS for free as long as I get pick it up myself. Problem is- it is over 1200 miles away and does not have a trailer. Essentially my great uncle moved from his lake house and decided to buy a smaller boat that was easier to trailer everyday and less maintenance. the boat is in good shape and is cleaned and put in dry-storage every winter. It has the 5.7 engine in it.

My question is- how fast can I expect the boat to run? I know this may seem like a silly question considering it is a pratically free boat, but I take a couple of "boat trips" every year with a large group and there are times that people are running in the upper 40's or low 50's (mostly upper 40's though) to beat the rain, make the locks on time, etc. I don't necessarily have to be the fastest boat, but I certainly don't want to get left way behind.

Anyone have any advice on a typical top speed and/or cruising speed and anything to watch out for with this type of boat?
I am experienced with boats, but am used to the salt water and have been using a 21ft Grady white for the last 8+ years- but that boat is on the coast 3 hours away. A local "lake boat" would be nice given the price!

I would hate to spend 3K on a trailer and then another grand or two getting it here only to wind it hardly ever using it. I have several friends with boats so I still get my water time regardless.

Re: Chaparral 2335 SS question

If you decide not to take it, I will

Re: Chaparral 2335 SS question

Where is the boat? I will go pick it up. It is a Chap with a 5.7. But is it fuel injected? I am thinking it should cruise in the 45-50mph range. The good thing is that it is free. Pick up a used trailer for $1500, go pick it up and if it doesnt suit your needs, resell it. I bet it is worth around $10k, so you could sell it quick and get your money back out of it in a couple days. Well worth the effort I think. Chaparral makes one hell of a boat.

Why dont you ask your uncle what it cruises at?

Re: Chaparral 2335 SS question

I believe it is the fuel injected, but I'll call him and check. Any idea how much to knock off if it isn't the fuel injection version?



I have asked him what it would run, but he wasn't real sure. He said he usually cruised around 30 he thought. just got the speedodmeter fixed last year, but hasn't even used the boat but once this year and didn't pay attention. He has no clue what it tops out at. he is a little over 75 (he's actually my great uncle) so he has never really cared to open it up and have a rough ride.

I have thought about picking it up myself, but 1200 miles each way is kind of rough ( boat is in new hampshire and I'm in Georgia). With what my truck gets on mileage, it might not be too much more expensive to hire the hauling out- not to mention the costs of hotels and meals. I have thought about turning around and selling it myself if it doesn't fit my needs, but don't really know how he would feel about me making money off his "gift" to me.

Thanks for the advice.... and for putting up with my rambling posts

Re: Chaparral 2335 SS question

I believe it is the fuel injected, but I'll call him and check. Any idea how much to knock off if it isn't the fuel injection version?

I thought it was free.

Re: Chaparral 2335 SS question

mike343 said:

I believe it is the fuel injected, but I'll call him and check. Any idea how much to knock off if it isn't the fuel injection version?

I thought it was free.

Click to expand...

I think he meant the speed. I am thinking cruise speed should be constant. Might take more to get there, and maybe a lower top end.

Re: Chaparral 2335 SS question

That's a nice boat that will cruise around 32 mph at at 3400 rpm. Max speed will be 48-52mph. Cruising 45-50mph will require a fast boat. You'd be stupid not to take it. 30 mph cruise speed IS plenty fast and smooth on that boat.

Re: Chaparral 2335 SS question

"I believe it is the fuel injected, but I'll call him and check. Any idea how much to knock off if it isn't the fuel injection version?"

Sorry for the confusion- I was talking about how much to knock off the top speed and not price.

I agree, the 30 mph cruising fits in well for what I need and if I can in the mid to upper 40's top speed I won't get totally left behind. Sounds like the only thing standing between me and a boat is a 2,400 (1,200 to new hampshire and 1200 back- blah) round trip or a shipping cost is the only thing standing between me and the boat now. Anyone want to make some pocket money? just kidding, i know we can't solicit services on here.

Thanks to everyone for the help and advice!

Re: Chaparral 2335 SS question

A 2335 is a 23'8" long cuddy with an 8.5' beam. It's fairly heavy for what it is. With just a 5.7 in it it'll struggle to make 50mph. Not saying it won't get there, but it'll be all she's got, probably.

Things to watch, floor rot, they still used wood floors in those boats. If it has the "Sport Seating" (rear bench seat incorporated into a sunpad) watch the sunpad hinges and lifting "struts". If one "strut" is weak and one is strong, they'll bind the hinges, and the hinges can split in two. Again, if it's got the big sunpad, the vinyl on it and the rear bench seat are suseptible to cracking, because that's the only way into the boat from the swim platform. The door to the cuddy cabin can come loose or break at the bottom where it is bolted into its sliding bracket. The windshield wiper shaft seal can allow water to leak onto the cabin's headliner. The center section of the windshield can get "misaligned" and rub or hit the driver's side of the windshield frame when closing. The cockpit carpet will look trampled down, but it was that way when it was new.

All of these things I mentioned are just annoying, nothing that keeps the boat from operating. Well, except if the floor is rotted out.

You don't say how it is stored during the season, in the water, on a lift or what. But if it's in the water, I hope it has bottom pasint with an epoxy barrier coat on it. Because even though Chaparral used good vinylester resin, they can/will still blister if left unpainted/barrier coated in the water all summer.