2006/2007 chaparral 180 ssi or 2006/2007 Sea Ray 185 Sport

[Cecash]

First of all, I am horsepower limited by my lake so I must have a boat that is a max I/O of 135 hp. These two boats fit this description. I am looking at either the chaparral or sea ray and would just like some input as to which way to go. I'm sure that both of these are high quality boats. The chaparral seems to run a bit higher in price. Any thoughts or advice from anyone that has owned or currently owns one of these boats? All the boats I'm looking at have less than 300 hours.

 

[Cortes100]

My last boat was a 2008 SeaRay Sport 175 with the 4cyl 135 hp. Ran it for 8 years without one issue. It was a solid good quality boat.. Everything inside was finished gel coat, nice upholstery, snap-in carpets. A tad smaller than the 185 but ran great and performed quite well for its size. Pulled 2 tubes with adult on each or an adult skier no problem. The 185's are a popular model, lots of room for that size boat. The 3.0L is the std engine so won't be a race rocket, but will still work fine on your small lakes.

 

[MacPointMan]

My research tells me that Chaparral is a better quality boat than SeaRay. However that is subjective when looking at a used boat as the quality of the boat is more or less dependent upon its condition and how the owner cared for it. SeaRay is a much bigger and higher volume producer than Chaparral. Chaparral is more along the lines of a higher end luxury boat where SeaRay is in the higher mid range of boats a step above Four Winns.

The key factor for me is the Hull Design of the Chaparral vs the SeaRay. the Chaparral has been reviewed as a better performing boat with better control and ride.

Nither is a Crownline or a Chriscraft.

I am looking at a 2002 Chaparral 220 SSI with a Volvo Penta 5.0.

 

[mr 88]

My research tells me that Chaparral is a better quality boat than SeaRay. However that is subjective when looking at a used boat as the quality of the boat is more or less dependent upon its condition and how the owner cared for it. SeaRay is a much bigger and higher volume producer than Chaparral. Chaparral is more along the lines of a higher end luxury boat where SeaRay is in the higher mid range of boats a step above Four Winns.

The key factor for me is the Hull Design of the Chaparral vs the SeaRay. the Chaparral has been reviewed as a better performing boat with better control and ride.

Nither is a Crownline or a Chriscraft.

I am looking at a 2002 Chaparral 220 SSI with a Volvo Penta 5.0.

Since this is a 2 year old thread I would put money down that the OP has made up his mind and pulled the trigger a long time ago.