Need advice on a 1993 Chaparral 1800 Limited Edition...

[MN-WaterGuy]

I need the advice of those more intelligent than I -- I found a 1993 Chaparral 1800 Limited Edition in PRISTINE shape. My local boat/outboard guy has been doing the bi-annual service on it for five years. It hasn't seen the water in six. The owner is an older man with a bad back and simply couldn't get it in and out of the water. The boat has been stored inside since '93 and has 11 (ELEVEN!) hours on the lake. Trailer, boat and motor (130 HP Yamaha I/O) are all spotless. I don't have room for it and it's more boat than I need. My question is, if I purchase the boat, what could I reasonably ask from a buyer in the event I decide to sell it? I guess it comes down to how much is it worth? I have no experience with this kind of rig and have no idea what a good price is. Thanks in advance for the input. Again, the boat looks like it just came off the showroom floor.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Need advice on a 1993 Chaparral 1800 Limited Edition...

(... Yamaha I/O) ...

That kills the value right there, sorry. It's not worth anything to me because of its obsolete outdrive. Others will disagree, and of course if you bought it and tried to sell it, you'd find someone who doesn't know Yamaha is a drive to stay away from. Best of luck to you.

 

[MN-WaterGuy]

Re: Need advice on a 1993 Chaparral 1800 Limited Edition...

I appreciate the input. Like I mentioned, I've never owned an I/O and have no experience with them. Could the outdrive be replaced (if and when it goes belly-up) with another? I think the he said it was a GMC motor.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Need advice on a 1993 Chaparral 1800 Limited Edition...

Take a look at my avatar and signature. My boat is now, 20 years old. The motor and drive are fantastic. Parts can be a little pricey, but I havn't had the misfortune of needing to replace any. The motor and drive are in fantastic condition. Always very well maintained. The motor purrs like a kitten and screams like an eagle. The drive works smoothly and flawlessly.

Your 130hp motor is a GMC block with Yamaha Marine parts. The drive can be replaced, but personally, I wouldn't worry about that. If you damage it, parts can be replaced, and so can the whole outdrive. It's an excellent system. Yamaha stopped making them because they copied and improved upon OMC's design. OMC brought Yamaha to court for patent infringment. The court found that Yamaha did change and improve upon the design; but not enough to clear patent rights. Yamaha simply stopped making them for the United States. I don't know whether or not Yamaha makes them at all anymore. They may have only made them for the U.S. market in the first place.

Good luck in whatever you decide. Post some pics. Sounds like a great find. What is the seller asking?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Need advice on a 1993 Chaparral 1800 Limited Edition...

For me, the Yamaha stern drive would take it completely out of consideration.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Need advice on a 1993 Chaparral 1800 Limited Edition...

I'd talk to your local boat guy that has been servicing it about the outdrive. If he is confident working on it and getting parts, I'd look at it. If not, I'd walk.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Need advice on a 1993 Chaparral 1800 Limited Edition...

I'd talk to your local boat guy that has been servicing it about the outdrive. If he is confident working on it and getting parts, I'd look at it. If not, I'd walk.

There you go, that's seems like a reasonable plan of action. Good advice Jon.

 

[MN-WaterGuy]

Re: Need advice on a 1993 Chaparral 1800 Limited Edition...

I will check with him and see; I know he would not have serviced this particular one. Owner is asking $3000...

 

[MN-WaterGuy]

Re: Need advice on a 1993 Chaparral 1800 Limited Edition...

My mistake - it is actually a 1992. Is $3000 in the ballpark?

 

[MN-WaterGuy]

Re: Need advice on a 1993 Chaparral 1800 Limited Edition...

Are there any I/O-specific problems that pop up after long periods of sitting? It has been stored covered in a temp-controlled garage. Thanks for any input.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Need advice on a 1993 Chaparral 1800 Limited Edition...

Bellows can get brittle and crack.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Need advice on a 1993 Chaparral 1800 Limited Edition...

Are there any I/O-specific problems that pop up after long periods of sitting? It has been stored covered in a temp-controlled garage. Thanks for any input.

Anything flexible can dry up. Hoses, belts, bellows, etc. Nothing that can't be fixed, all relatively easy to check out with a close visual inspection.