Chaparral a Quality Boat?

YAMADOG

Cadet
Joined
May 14, 2002
Messages
19
Chaparral a Quality Boat?

Looking at possibly purchasing a 30 ish cruiser, and one my wife and I seem to like is the Signature 290. I had always heard good things about Chaparral quality, but it has been a few years since I have been around the docks.

Recently I've heard that their quality isn't what it once was, and that they have suffered more quality and design issues. I even talked to someone recently that said every Chaparral cruiser in his marina lists hard to one side, most of them to Port, and that the owners have been unable to correct. Any experiences would be appreciated. We are currently considering a 2004 290...
 

QC

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Re: Chaparral a Quality Boat?

I'll see if we can get Reel Poor to respond. He is not around here much anymore, but he has a 290 Chap. He loves his boat.

I also have some Chap experience with two friend's boats; a 236 SSi and a 256 SSi. My experience is that quality that can be seen is awesome. Hidden stuff is not as good as say a Cobalt or Sea Ray. I like Chaps, I think they have pretty lines and good performance. They also use high buck fasteners etc. I can't imagine a listing boat that could not be corrected unless there was something seriously wrong. So I would need to know more about that situation to comment.
 

Reel Poor

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jan 29, 2005
Messages
5,522
Re: Chaparral a Quality Boat?

I'll have to agree with what QC says about the quality. Not sure about Sea Ray having an edge on Chaparral though. I feel you have picked one of the better laid out Chappy's there is. There are a couple of things I will bring your attention to, one being the gauge panels, they are known bubble around the edges or the screws. They are aluminum panels so the problem is worse around saltwater environments. The same problem exist with the radar arch, if it is the aluminum version. While these boats will have decent performance with a pair of V-6's I would recommend V-8's with the Volvo Penta Duel Props or the Mercruiser Bravo III's. All in all they are a great boat.

If you'll pm (private message) me, I'll give you some additional info if you want it.
 

tmh

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Aug 16, 2006
Messages
1,136
Re: Chaparral a Quality Boat?

There are a couple of things I will bring your attention to, one being the gauge panels, they are known bubble around the edges or the screws. They are aluminum panels so the problem is worse around saltwater environments. The same problem exist with the radar arch, if it is the aluminum version.

Just keep in mind, these SAME issues on a Bayliner would be a considered just more of why it is a low-quality boat. On an expensive Chap they are just something to "bring to your attention". There have been a few posts over the past year or so about quality issues in Chaps. I'd make darn sure you're getting the quality you pay for with Chap.

Advise from owners of the brand/same boat can be misleading. If you paid $100k for a boat and find out it's really worth $60k quality wise, it's hard to admit that even to yourself. This is especially true if you paid up mostly to have the Chap name on your boat to impress folks at the dock.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Chaparral a Quality Boat?

i agree look at the new Bayliners, they have really come up in the world.
 

tommays

Admiral
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
6,768
Re: Chaparral a Quality Boat?

We are buying boats BUILT to meet a PRICE point to be competive in the market for that type of boat

Personaly i cant afford a boat that is really well built ;) BUT have done fine with the ones built for the general public :D
 

jevery

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 16, 2006
Messages
538
Re: Chaparral a Quality Boat?

I?m sure I?ll be flamed for this and this is solely my opinion, but one of my criteria for a top quality boat is all composite construction. I know that it?s possible to build a poor quality all composite boat, but I don?t know of any. I?ve owned a Bryant and now a Ranger - Both all composite boats, both top quality in all respects ? In my opinion. Cobalt and Sea Ray, (I believe) are also all composite. From what I can tell Chaparral continues to use pressure treated plywood in the transom and the stringers. Not knocking Chaparral, nearly bought one when I bought my Bryant. I like the designs and the boats, but I?ve replaced two floors and one transom over the years and I swore it would never happen again. If I?m laying down big money for a large new boat I won?t accept any chance of future rot.
 
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