Looking to buy a boat

[mvenhaus]

Hey guys, im new to the forums as well as to buying a boat. This will be my first and im looking for a smaller project, something that will not have me lose interest. its a 1994 Chaparral 1830 ss. I know one thing I will want to do later is change the 3.0 yamaha to a 4.3. I'm getting the boat along with the trailer for 1500.00 and everything works and current 3.0 motor is strong. it needs part of one stringer replaced and a small section of plywood. everything else is solid. It sat outside for quite sometime. here are some pics. Thanks in advance and any input would be great.

Mike


http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a310/mvenhaus/frontboat.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a310/mvenhaus/rearboat.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a310/mvenhaus/rearseats.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a310/mvenhaus/motor.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a310/mvenhaus/stearing.jpg

thanks again

 

[tmh]

Re: Looking to buy a boat

It looks like a nice boat, but how do you know everything else is solid? Looks to me like the interior may be far worse than that (not that it isn't fixable though). I hope it's as you say, but a boat left out......

Also, if you plan to upgrade to a 4.3 keep in mind that project will cost you more than the purchase price, by quite a bit likely. I'm no "engine guy" so I'd never buy a boat expecting to change the engine - I'd buy a boat with the engine I wanted instead! Lots of boats out there....

Good luck. Whatever is wrong with whatever boat you buy, folks here can really help! They got me through my floor replacement and a dozen other things!

 

[delsol]

Re: Looking to buy a boat

well its looks really nice but if it needs stringer work and thats an omc drive. cannot tell by the photo. they dont make them anymore. save up $500 more and find a boat with a merc. drive and no stringer and int work. i brought a cool speed boat and put new motor in it got it for the same price i am over 7k in that boat . i knew this while buying the boat as it's a classs donsie type boat. but if i could do it all over i would look for a boat that need nothing for 7k
bob

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Looking to buy a boat

Welcome to iboats. if you can pick it up for $500, i'd go for it. upolstery is expensive, and it all needs to be replaced. this is a total strip job and start over. the 3.0 is going to be extremely underpowered. i had a similar boat, with the 4.3 and that was minimum. to retro fit the interior, change the drive system to something useable, i think you looking at $5-6000. if it's and OMC outdrive the conversion plate is around $1,000. if you can find one.

i'd keep my money and look for another boat, and i'm one who loves to take on a chanllenge. good luck

 

[Robj]

Re: Looking to buy a boat

Hello there,

I bought a boat in similiar condition to this one. I am putting in all new upholstery, new floor, stringers and transom. The good part is that it has a Volvo motor and outdrive, which has a much better reputation than OMC. When I was looking for a boat, would not touch an OMC. Under all that neglect you may find much more rot and work than you expect. Just a word of caution. If you do buy it, there is a great deal of expertise at this site who are willing to give advice on how to proceed. That is how I learned.

Have a great day,

Rob.