2001 Chaparral 230 SSi vs. 2007 SeaRay Sundeck 200

[hostage]

I am looking at getting a bigger boat. I currently own a 2000 Maxum 1900 SC (Cuddy) w/ a 4.3L Mercruisier (190hp). It was great for the first decade, though feels small after having a family.

My requirements:
Open Bow
Duo Pro/Bravo III
Arena seating w/ capt Chair(s) (currently have back to back loungers.
20-23 Length

2000 Chaparall 230 SSi
5.7 EFI (260hp) Mercruiser w/ Bravo III
Hours: 336 ~(16hours/year)
Owners: 1 (I think)
Dual Axel Trailer (Galv)
Capacity 13 people or 1800lbs
New Bellows, Anodes, and new batteries 2022
Other: Extended swim platform, Pop up cleats, sink, 2x captians chairs, bow filler cushions, and bigger
~$25k

https://www.boats.com/power-boats/2001-chaparral-230-ssi-7859694/

Boat looks good for its age, including the vinyl. The seller is a broker and for some reason they has a marine survey done in it. Located 3 hours away in the land of Maple Trees and Hockey (Canada).

2007 SeaRay Sun Deck 200
5.0L MPI (260hp) Mercrusier w/ Bravo III
Hours: 525 ~(35 hours/year)
Owners:2
Dual Axel Trailer (Painted)
Capacity: 8 people or 1,100lbs (same as my cuddy)
New Bellows 2019, new gimble 2020, new batteries 2022
Other: New carpet, front boarding ladder, Mercrusier SmartCraft?, newer looks?
~$25k

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The boat is newer and it is a SeaRay. I am a little bit let down by the people capacity in weight. Most deckboats I see at this size have about 400 more lbs of capacity. It is 4 hours away out of state, but inside the US.

Neither boats are close by to take a quick look at. I am very indesisive about which way to go. Today (Memorial Day) my 19ft cuddy got rock all over the place by a lot of noobs plowing water and throwing huge wakes. I wonder if the 23ft would fare better in that chop. I don't mind the color as it matches what I have now. While it has less hours, it is 6 years older than the searay. My big concern about the SeaRay is I might have to limit who and how many I can bring on the boat, while my big concern with the Chaparral is age. I know that Mercuriser ended their relationship with GM. While the Bravo III is still used, I am curious if I should worry about parts avaliability for for the GM 5.0L or 5.7L.

 

[briangcc]

My cousin has an older version of the SeaRay you're looking at. Plenty of power, heavy boat. Constantly out in the St. Lawrence River with it. I don't recall him having any construction issues with his. I'd again set hands/eyes on it before anything else.

I wouldn't worry about the 5.0/5.7 as they're Chevy based and parts are going to be readily available for a good long time.

**PA is a title state and you have to have the title notarized. Another quirk to be aware of. Been there, done that.

 

[crazy charlie]

My view is much more simple.You want a newer boat because your 19 footer is too small.Do you really think a 20 footer is going to be much better
for you size wise??? I doubt it.Charlie

 

[Buster53]

I’ll throw this out for what it’s worth….
No question that the Bravo III is a good way to go, but in the size boat you are looking for, the majority of that market, most will have 5.0 or 5.7 engines with Alpha drives. Alphas are good units when hooked up to small block V-8’s or smaller engines. Big block V-8’s definitely need the Bravo.
My point…by only looking for boats with Bravo drives, you are really limiting the number of available boats.

 

[mr 88]

Sea Ray's are the most over-rated boats built. They are mass produced and will cut corners wherever possible. A step above a Bayliner. They are very good as far as marketing goes , your a case in point with your thoughts on a " Sea Ray " . Get the biggest boat you can fit , afford , trailer whatever. There is no replacement for displacement, whether it's the engine or hull in your case.

 

[MN Boat Dad]

I'd absolutely go for the Chaparral. I have a little older version (2330) with a full U-shaped bench in the back, and it's great in bigger water and can hold 8 adults or 6 adults and 4 kids easily.