Re: Chaparrals@ Houston Boat Show
As far as the Mariha being entry level... Does that mean bells and whistles? Because they will rig it up with whatever you want...
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No, I mean fit/finish quality of materials like the vinyl used for the seats, having gel coated bilges and things like that. See this review...
http://www.boatingmag.com/boats/sport/chaparral-246-ssi This is a
much bigger and more expensive boat, but it will give you an idea of some of the things to look for. I don't mean to ding the new Mariahs (since I haven't owned one), but when Mariah first came on the market, they set their sights at building a boat of Cobalt quality (very highly regarded and expensive). I owned one and think they originally came close to this goal. Heavy, very well built boat, great vinyl, double stiched seems etc and lot's of attention to detail. But this company went belly up in the late 90's (combination of bad market and poor dealer network). The molds were sold, and since then, they reduced some of the good parts of the original boats to compete with entry level boats. As a boat owner you know, things like seat bases, how the seats are constructed, the type of vinyl and stiching used on the seats, hinges etc are probably the most important things in a boat. I would compare these things on the boats I was considering very cafefully. One thing I always point out and really like about chaparrals, is that the hatches are guttered with overboard drains. Since you've already pointed out the rear entry, I think this would also be one of the most important items for a "fun" boat. Do the Mariahs have this? I've not seen one of their smaller boats with one.
