Comparing Monterey M45 vs. Chaparral 250 SunCoast

[Tennisguy1]

Im looking for some feedback in comparing these two boats. I know they are close in size24 vs.24'8 , both 8'6" beam, etc. The 250 Suncoast has a bigger gas tank, slightly bigger engine, greater people capacity 14 vs. 8.

On the surface how would you compare and why would you go with one vs. the other?

 

[KD4UPL]

The Boating Magazine online review clearly shows the M45 with a capacity plate of 11 people.
For my boating style and use I'll take larger passenger capacity and larger fuel tank in that order.

 

[frantically relaxing]

I don't know much about Monterey's other than they're supposed to be good boats. But we sold our 2003 Chap 260ssi to buy our Regal, and that boat was no worse for wear after 5 seasons of boating. And I don't baby my toys, I USE them. The only noticeable wear anywhere was the snap in carpet around the edges in back. I have pics of the day we looked at it and bought it, and after cleaning it up to sell it. No difference.

If EVER a Chaparral is one of the boat's I'm looking at, I'm done looking...

 

[bigbill321]

We have a '16 230 suncoast and after 110 hrs it has been flawless. If I was able to tow the 250 that would have been my choice. We looked and sat in all of them and chose the Chap for all around comfort, layout and driving position. Try to get to a boat show and actually sit and move around in the various boats. Driving position was important for me and that was a deal breaker on the Searay...

 

[jkust]

I'm on my second SSi Chaparral for which, as mentioned above, are excellent quality and well detailed boats. I hear very good things about Monterey as well but for me up in MN, the Suncoasts and other Outboard bowriders haven't made their way here en masse and honestly Monterey are quite rare here. There's plenty of people on the Chaprarral forum talking about the Suncoasts and I've read some good reviews but recall being surpised by their low top speeds with mid range power. Thinking you need to get aboard each and really check things out.

 

[redneck joe]

welcome to our two new members.


In any rated capacity for people, yes it may be able to hold that many but in real life functionality cut that in half for comfort. Think of your car - it may say it will hold 6 people, but you put them and the women's purses and a few coats in the winter and a small cooler for road trip snacks- do you want all six plus that stuff in there for a day long trip?


Any new boat should be fine as long as you take care of it. I'd buy a Four Winns but then again I'd also buy a Bayliner