I have some frustrations with the Smartcraft gauge options. My tach calibration seems to be off by about 1K RPM's. I believe it's probably a setting but I can't seem to find it.
On the Sea Ray I had to go through a zillion menus just to find the engine hours. I really despise this system.
Unfortunately it has the CATs. Fortunately being in fresh water assuming I don't have any cat specific problems I'll probably never need to pull the manifolds.
Last year we test drove an Azure 26' bowrider/ deck and it was horrible! Couldn't plane off, handled like a tug boat. I was afraid this Chaparral could be similar in behavior, but it was completely better in every way!
Last month I vented I couldn't figure out what to buy/ do: https://forums.iboats.com/threads/cant-figure-out-what-to-buy.764778/#post-5845126
Fortunately I think I lucked out and am quite happy since.
Found a 2012 Chaparral 246 for sale about 30 miles away. Guy had it in KY and kept it in a...
3 years ago I was cleaning a 24' Sundeck and slipped/ fell into the ski-locker. I lost a tooth over it (of course had it replaced). It was stupid of me to have bought a Sundeck after that as it as my dislike of them seemed to not fade after owning one. lol.
We are more focused on an Outboard...
The last few days I've been thinking outboard more. Do you have any experience with Hurricane? I'm not sure what to consider the quality level of them.
We are in a unique situation and borderline need couples therapy.
Past boats:
1997 Stingray 190- Kept it for 3 years.
1999 Wellcraft 20' Excalibur 5.7L, kept 10 years.
2014 Sea Ray Sundeck 220 5.0L MPI- sold it after only 9 months.
My husband liked the Sundeck but both of us felt the extra 2'...
I'm glad to hear you have been able to re-use yours so many times. I've yet to find anyone local who would keep that in mind when installing shrinkwrap. Maybe some day I'd try what you did.
For about 2 years I used a trailerable cover in the water. I had cleat cut-outs and support poles with snaps inside. I'd climb on the swim platform to pull the drawstring tight and tie off and then had one long strap I'd walk around the boat to secure the cover under the hull to the other side...
Thought I'd share what I came up with for a winter cover here in NJ.
My previous 20' boat I would purchase a 16x24' tarp and it fit well for covering fully. This would last about 3 or 4 years before needing replacement. The new 22' is near 24' with the extended platform and the nearest size...
I put both boats up last night, see which one gets action/ attention. Just frustrated with myself more than anything. Depression and stress don't help with enjoying much.
I'm familiar all too well with your situation. Sold our 2005 4Runner last year and it was entering the "rusty" zone. Had I sold it 2 years sooner I know I'd have gotten more. The Wellcraft while still great just was feeling really tired this spring, my partner and I felt it was "time" even...
I'm considering the 4 blade prop change. It may help the enjoyment factor.
Lucky me- may be stuck with 2 boats... I've been told by a few friends that know what I paid that this was a "good deal" but I'm not sure. It should be easier to love a "new" boat.
I'm surprised in real life how much 0.7L makes a difference. Additional passengers really influence this boat where as the Wellcraft 5.7L was not bothered by a full load. Once it's moving the Sea Ray is quite nice, it cruises effortlessly at a higher speed than the Wellcraft cruise. Everyone...
It's not just the motor that I'm less than thrilled with.
I did research plenty and without traveling 100's of miles or purchasing a salt water boat, this seemed like the best "deal" we could find. I know boat buying (unless brand new with unlimited funds) is a series of compromises.
A 350...
