Is this a good buy?

[mstritt]

I have an opportunity to buy a 1985 Chaparral 204 walk-around cuddy cabin boat with 2 1987 Suzuki 200 HP anniversary motors(one on the boat the other as an extra)for $5500. Boat seems to be in good condition and comes with radio, fish/depth finder bimini top, and a 2 axle load rite trailer. Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with these boats/motors and if this seems to be as good a bargain as it seems. <br />Thanks<br />Martin on the Jersey Shore

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Is this a good buy?

the brand is a solid boat, better than average. chech out the nada guide, which you can get to from the boat pricing link on this website. without looking at it myself, seems like a good price. do some searches on the outboard forum to determine what you should look for when buying a used outboard. and of course you want a sea trial. good luck-

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Is this a good buy?

pay a few bucks for a professional survey of both<br />boat hull and motor. most boats start as good boats,<br />but left neglected can deteriorate rapidly.<br />kinda like having a house inspected b4 buying.<br />no surprises, and you'll get a list of things<br />that need attention, even if they are minor.<br />(minor today = big problem tomorrow)<br />all that said, like these boats alot and price<br />is very reasonable.good luck,<br />M.Y.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: Is this a good buy?

The motor is the risk. Why the 'extra' motor? Was the extra motor bought for parts or did it replaced the original '87? The motors are 16 years old... I new 200 HP will cost $10,000 - $14,000, give or take. What's the setup worth with the new motor...$15,-$16,000.00? Probably not! How long will you keep it? Might look around and see what you can get for $15,000.00. I know, you could repower with a older motor...but where is that going? I think you should go into this "deal' with your 'eyes wide open'. Good luck.

 

[mstritt]

Re: Is this a good buy?

I've looked at the boat and I'm going with my neighbor who knows much more about boats than I do to look again. The dealer says he is willing to sell the extra motor and the baot together to make room-and yes I'm taking anything the dealer says with a grain of salt. Appararently the boat had one owner and from what I could see took good care of the boat-it also comes with all of the original papaerwork. I've seen other boats at about this price and this one seems to be in better shape-I told the dealer that I want him to start and run the motor, compression check etc and to show that everything works before I will bring it home. I'm looking for 1-2 summers with fishing/cruising with the kids on the weekend. <br />Thanks<br />Martin on the Jersey Shore

 

[Beaux]

Re: Is this a good buy?

Martin-<br />BEWARE! BEWARE! BEWARE!<br />I am not trying to doom your boat to the dont buy heap, But DON'T ignore the obvious warning signs. That boat sounded great until I read the "dealer wants to get rid of the EXTRA motor for space issues". You can almost GUARANTEE that the motor on the vessel has needed some major parts and repairs if the dealer had an extra O/B to throw in for parts. No dealer gives away good motors just to free up space.... <br />If you think it is on the up and up, then make him crank and run the extra motor in a test tank and check how its compression numbers, hp rated by checking rpms with proper test wheel prop installed. <br />Then make him do the same with the O/B on the boat. <br />I would also ask for an IN WATER test and run the boat a good 25-30 minutes. I like to be there before they get it warmed up to see how it starts cold. Make sure it performs well, restarts when hot, idles well, smokes minimal,etc. Also a good time to check how everything elec. works and functions. After all that, if you still like it and it checks out, then <br />a marine mechanic survey would be warranted and advised if you decide to buy. Of course, this is just my opinion and you may not follow any of it... Most don't! <br />Good Luck

 

[mstritt]

Re: Is this a good buy?

I told him that before I would buy the boat it has to be started, run, compression checked and that all the switches and stuff work including the spare. I looked at the NADA and with the options the boat has the price is about right assuming everything works!<br />Martin on the Jersey Shore

 

[Beaux]

Re: Is this a good buy?

Martin-<br />Just to clarify what I meant, I was suggesting that you test the "spare" motor for quality. It would be a great deal if you got an extra working motor verses a "spare parts" motor. Either way, its up to you and buying anything that old always has a little "crapshoot" involved. No right answer w/o seeing and testing the boat/motor so I wish you Good luck.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: Is this a good buy?

Martin a little cold in Jersey to take a test ride now, isn't it? You can always put a deposit down and buy pending a test drive in the Spring. On second thought, I really don't like deposits either. Well you got the idea of what we're all trying to say. Let's us know how it works out.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: Is this a good buy?

opps!