Introducing myself

[Admin5]

Howdy all,<br />Yes, I work for iboats.com but I also am excited to participate in this forum as a member owner. I have a yellow 2005 230ssi with an 8.1 Volvo duo prop. I am mostly boating in reservoirs at 5,000 ft elevation and above so the extra HP is really needed. I find that fully loaded with 6-8 people (some being kids) she tops out in the low 50's at these high elevations.<br /><br />We only put about 20 hours on her this first year during 8-9 outings to the lakes around here in Utah but we have had a great time with no buyer's remorse.<br /><br />What we love about the boat: First is the space! Our boat has more room than some 25 footers we have been on. It is really too bad that they are doing away with the 230 model in 2006. The storage space is excellent and easy to get to. The bathroom option is great if you are taking more than a day trip. We have found that it ends up being great storage during just day trips. We love the extended swim platform! It is funny though how they have the ladder space on the top platform that doesn't get used.<br /><br />All new boats have a few glitches. Here were mine, no big deal: The fuel gage was stuck at empty the first 10 hours and now bounces around from empty to what I suspect is the real reading. Has anyone else had this problem? I have been told the fix is easy but will have the dealer do it when I get my 20 hour service done in next few weeks. Also the mirror in the bathroom fell down on the first outing and the plastic holders are a joke to put it back up with. The front passenger's side cup holder insert is cracked as well. The swim platform latch doesn't lock. The metal piece on the inside was screwed in too low. Again - all of these are minor and we will get taken care of at the first visit to the dealer under warranty. No big deal at all.<br /><br />With those being the only things so far I am very happy with the boat and would recommend Chaparral to my friends if they don't mind spending the $$.

 

[QC]

Re: Introducing myself

Admin 5,<br /><br />I have a good friend with a 2005 236 SSi and a brand new boater with the 256 SSi, yes you heard right, first boat 25 ft. . . The 236 has the 320 Volvo duo and the 256 has the 8.1 375 like yours. Both are honest 52 MPH boats down here. I actually like the 230 better than the 236 due to the transom "door" being on the side, but my buddy liked the integral swimstep, which, by the way leaks like a sieve when it is beached and the deck to hull joint is under water . . .<br /><br />I kinda tried to hook up with you on your Mead trip this year, but I think I posted after you left. We were there the same weekend. Maybe next year . . .

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Introducing myself

Good to hear Admin5<br /><br />I am also a proud owner of a Chaparral. Its a Signature 290, 2000 model we bought new in 2001 and shes loaded to the gills. I am getting ready to up-grade from the twin 250 hp 5.0Gi's to the 320 hp 5.7 MPI's,WOOOOHOOOO, It already runs in the low 50's and Im lookin for the mid 50's. All in all it too has been a GREAT boat....

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Introducing myself

Gee, I feel like the low rent Chap here: 1997 2135 with 5.7LX EFI Gen + (280hp) with a Bravo 3, swinging 26" props thru 2:1 drive ratio. Not sure what speed she runs, never had a GPS. But it sure is a nice boat to cruise in!<br />Any of you actually post on Chaparral's web page???

 

[Admin5]

Re: Introducing myself

Hi TilliamWe,<br /><br />I have considered posting on Chap's site but I am too lazy to go find my hull number so I can register. I'll get around to it one of these days.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Introducing myself

I registered without my hull ID.<br />And I am really lazy, cause I could have probably read it outside my window as I was typing, but was too lazy to stand up & look!<br />It's not that great of a site, but occasionaly there is some good info.

 

[--GQ--]

Re: Introducing myself

Hmmmm, the forum changed. Stumble onto here by accident. After reading the posts above, I am the smallest fish in this pond. Chaps are great looking boats. Got mine 2 months ago and back and forth to the dealer even since.........

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Introducing myself

Bought it new in 2002. 186 SSI 5.0L 220 hp----loaded options. Minor complaints. Now runs 56 on gps at 4900 rev limit.-------Keep the planing pad SPOTLESS or you will hate the boat and constantly experiment with props. Enjoy.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Introducing myself

186 SSI 5.0L 220 hp

That's one thing I love about Chap, they aren't afraid to put some real power in their boats! Was that the most you could get cy?<br />Example, my 2135 has a 280hp 5.7 with a Bravo 3! I think you could have gotten the 300hp 350 that year, too!

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Introducing myself

The 186 I have has to be the most sensitive boat in the world to ANY slime or growth down the center line. Just changing from 1 marina to a better one cured blowouts at all speeds, blowouts in a semi fast turn rate, blowout at the old WOT of 48 mph. Took boat out of the new marina this spring and NO blowouts at 56 mph on the gps. Also no blowouts at any speed or sharp turns. On plane in 2 to 3 sec. Trim is not touched anymore from 0 to 56 mph. ---------------------------No roughness at all on the bottom or the planing pad. It has to be as it came out of the mold.---------------Love to put in into gear and floor it! What a pin you in the seat feel. The bow barely has time to lift and I am planing. Minimum plane was 25 to 28. Now about 18 mph without touching the trim.. -----------------------------------A fuzzy bottom did all the problems. CLEAN IT. Check it when they finish washing the bottom. It should be as smooth as anywhere else. Oh, milage is a lot better.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Introducing myself

They also clean the stern drive just as clean AND the prop. It is ALL important at that horsepower level on up. Check every square inch that is moving in the water with your fingertips. The person who cleans the boats is a real Lady. I love her.