91 Chaparral 1800 SL Limited 3.0

[neuro242]

Currently looking at buying a 91 Chaparral 1800 SL Limited with 3.0L. It looks like mint conidition and been garage kept. Everything seems perfect but concerned about the price for its age. They want $7,500. What's your opinion?

 

[lakesidechaparral]

Re: 91 Chaparral 1800 SL Limited 3.0

i have a '92 1800sl with the 3.0. am the second owner and have had it since 1996.

if it has been taken care of it should give you good reliable service. a go-fast boat it is not. best i've seen is just under 40mph, half tank of fuel, just me on board, cool morning, smooth as glass water conditions.

seems to work best around 25mph. can tow a skier-kids better, light adult more of a struggle, slalom start out of the water pulling an adult just about forget it. in an event, keep additional passenger/lookout in bow until up on plane.

easy tow, easy launch/retrieve at the ramp.

good luck with it. price?- sounds a little high but maybe lots of extras with it or comprehensive maintenance records?

lakeside

 

[jkust]

Re: 91 Chaparral 1800 SL Limited 3.0

Since I don't know where you are shopping I can't say for certain since I suppose there are always exceptions. In my neck of the woods, where prices tend to be high, that is an egregious price. A Chaparral will tend to hold a decent resale value but at that age and in this economy all bets are off. You could almose make it in to the 2000's for that price these days.

 

[pfdff]

Re: 91 Chaparral 1800 SL Limited 3.0

My last boat was a 3.0L merc. Although very good on fuel it deffinately lacks power. If you plan on pulling anythig with it I would reconsider. 3.0L is a great motor for a fishing boat but not a sport boat. I upgraded to a v-8 and its a world of difference. Not sure on the price...sounds like you should be able to get a 4.3L in that price range and a little newer. Cant go wrong with the chaparral brand but I would opt for a v-6 in that boat.

 

[neuro242]

Re: 91 Chaparral 1800 SL Limited 3.0

Thanks. After looking at several others I found a 2000 SL with 5.0L v8 for half the price above on the 3.0. Seems to be solid and very clean, garage kept (dont they all say that though). I guess I'll find out as soon as the warm weather gets here.

 

[PitchFork]

Re: 91 Chaparral 1800 SL Limited 3.0

I would say $7,500 is way high as I bought my 1994 19' 1930SS with a 5.0L for less than that 3 years ago. But there are suckers born every minute. If you have not sold it already try searching boat trader and local papers to see what boats are going for that size and engine. THe 3.0L is a little small but as many have said not many Chaps around and they are great boats. Lots of storage and generally look good.

Good Luck,
Pitchfork

 

[avimgod]

Re: 91 Chaparral 1800 SL Limited 3.0

FWIW, I picked up my 1990 2000 SL for $4200. It was repowered with a 350 in 2003, and was under 30 hrs on the powertrain when I got it two years ago... but then I am completely redoing the interior right now..

You can find bigger boats, with more power for less money, but be prepared to put money into them as there really isn't such a thing as a cheap boat, just boat with low selling prices... If the boat you are looking at really is cherry and needs NO maintenance take it to a marina for a full checkout, if they come back with it needs nothing pick her up and have a fun boating season... just don't try to tow anything over 150 lbs unless it is on a tube!

My 2000SL will top 70 with a 23P prop, and jumps on plane with application of throttle, but it does drink more gas than a 3L will, and comes with it's own negatives (cost of maintenance, gas use, weight distribution).

I would have it checked out by the pros, and take it from there!

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: 91 Chaparral 1800 SL Limited 3.0

My 90 2000sl will top 80, on the oil pressure gauge.