Various Boats

[Unkel_Bob]

I was hoping to get a little advice. I have the opportunity to buy a 2005 Tahoe Q4 w4.3 V6 with under 50 hours for $11K, a 2004 Chaparral 180 V6 with 75 hours for $12K, and also a new-old stock 2008 H183 Four Winns w/ 4.3 V6 never been tilled for about $17K. Which one is the better buy at those prices?
The Tahoe is a private owner, the Chaparral is at a used boat repair and sales, and the Four Winns is at a new boat dealer if that makes any difference.

 

[Black as]

Re: Various Boats

I was hoping to get a little advice. I have the opportunity to buy a 2005 Tahoe Q4 w4.3 V6 with under 50 hours for $11K, a 2004 Chaparral 180 V6 with 75 hours for $12K, and also a new-old stock 2008 H183 Four Winns w/ 4.3 V6 never been tilled for about $17K. Which one is the better buy at those prices?
The Tahoe is a private owner, the Chaparral is at a used boat repair and sales, and the Four Winns is at a new boat dealer if that makes any difference.

The best way is test drive them all and see which one you like, if you asked this question on an open forum you would get 1000 different answers

 

[cr2k]

Re: Various Boats

If it helps any I believe the Tahoe is at the lower end of the boats you listed.

But all seem to be in the ball park.

I would get a sea trial for all of them and go with the one that works the best for you.

 

[livin4real]

Re: Various Boats

I'd put the new one first if you can swing it. It's always nice to have a warranty. The Chaparral would be next for me, very nicely built boats and I'm sure you could talk the dealer down $1000 maybe and also have them demo it for you. The Tahoe would be my last choice out of those three.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Various Boats

It's a tough call....between the Four Winns and the Chaparral. I wouldn't even consider the Tahoe.

The Four Winns H183 is the fish and ski version of the boat. Keep that in mind. If you don't intend to fish you may not like some of the alterations they make to the boat to make a dual purpose boat.

 

[Unkel_Bob]

Re: Various Boats

I know that the Four Winns is a Fish/Ski that is the main reason that I am looking at spending the extra 5 G's. Can I add one more to the mix? A Sea Ray 185 Sport V6 375 hours for $11,200 at a boat repair/used boat dealer?

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Various Boats

You didn't mention the year of the Sea Ray. However, a slightly older boat that has been used and maintained regularly is in some ways better than a newer boat that has sat unused for a few or several years. If the previous owner hasn't used the 2005 Tahoe or the 2004 Chaparal, they may not have done any maintenance either.

If a boat is used semi-regularly it should have about 50 hrs min. per season.

If you like the Four Winns and want the Fish and Ski package, it seems like an ok deal....not great, but ok. MSRP was probably around $23k.

 

[mphy98]

Re: Various Boats

go with the chaparral , tahoe is ok but is a entry level type of boat. Nothing wrong with that but for $1000.00 or less the chap is a better boat for the $'s spent. my .02

 

[Unkel_Bob]

Re: Various Boats

The Sea Ray is a 2005

 

[reap182]

Re: Various Boats

decisions decisions........good luck and have fun