1994 Chaparral 2130 SST

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Chris611

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 10, 2004
Messages
100
I am looking at buying my first boat. I have found a '94 Chap. 2130 SST that has been taken care of very well. I am going to look at it tonight. Is there anything special that I should look for (engine, outdrive, misc)? It has a 5.0L Merc engine. I am somewhat concerened about it not having the 5.7L. What are peoples thoughts on the power issue? I plan on mostly cruising and pulling skiers, so top speed is not a big concern. They are asking $15K. This seems a little high for this boat?<br /><br />Any help would be great.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Chris
 
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Bill_Hein

Cadet
Joined
Jun 8, 2004
Messages
20
Re: 1994 Chaparral 2130 SST

I wouldn't worry about the engine size - either is a good fit for the boat. Is this a bow rider or a cuddy? If its a bow rider you will have plenty of power to pull at least 2 maybe 3 skiers at once depending on their skill level. Your top speed - probably 45 - 55mph depending on the boat itself. If its a cuddy - well it will still get up and go - just not as fast or as quick.<br /><br />The merc cruiser is a great unit. Very reliable and with proper care will last forever.<br /><br />The 15k does sounds high to me - I would work on him on that part. <br /><br />Things to look for<br />1) Start the engine and let it run and get good and warm. Oil Pressure with engine warm should stary at least 20 - 30lbs at idle when warm. (If this boat is not in the water - make sure you put muffs attached to a hose on the lower unit to feed it water!) Look for signs of smoke or noise. Pull the dipstick and look at the oil. Is it semi-clear and clean - not pitch black and smell all gassy and old? <br /><br />2) Look over the interior. Are the seams starting to pull out or is it ripped? For the price he is asking it should all be premo, very supple and nice - not dry, hard and weather cracked. Nice interiors can be big $'s to replace.<br /><br />3) Put it in gear and listen to the outdrive run. A little noise when its spinning is ok - but no clunking or grinding after it gets in gear and gets going (they all "clunk" when they first drop in gear!). I have been known to take a screwdriver with me and slightly crack the drain plug on the lower unit. If it's milky or water comes out - better watch out! Do the controls work smooth and clean? Nothing like dragging control cables to give you white knuckles on the lake! Raise and lower the power trim and make sure it is working. There should be a trim switch on the throttle lever. <br /><br />4) If the boat is in the water check to see if it is taking on water. Lif the engine hatch and look down at the hull - is there a lot of water standing there? If you turn on the bilge pump - does it pump a lot out? There are bellows around the back of the drive that can dry crack and allow water to run back in the boat. They can be fixed of course or lived with - depending on you - just something else to watch for. <br /><br />If its on a trailer walk around and look at the hull. Look for signs of where its been banged or scraped. Cracks and damage is what you are looking for here<br /><br /><br />These are just some of my own personal checks - I am sure other people will give you more.<br /><br />Welcome to boating - its a ball!<br /><br />Bill
 
R

rml

Seaman
Joined
May 15, 2002
Messages
58
Re: 1994 Chaparral 2130 SST

Chris, here's my .02:<br /><br />You may want to hire a reputable marine surveyor to check out the boat, especially if you plan on paying that kind of $$. A full survey with a sea trial will take a few hours (Assuming the launch is nearby) and set you back a few hundred dollars for that size boat but I think that it is money well spent. I believe that the sea trial is super-mega-important as there are things that only show up when the engine/outdrive/hull is under load (hot spots, leaks, bad engine/outdrive sounds, etc.). btw, WOT on the hose and muffs is NOT a good idea!<br /><br />Keep in mind that it is a ten year old boat and there may have been some 'glass repairs. Don't necessarily run away from the boat if it has had a repair or two, as one that is done properly will likely outlast the rest of the boat. Again, the surveyor would know if any repairs were done right.<br /><br />Use your eyes and your nose (funny smells usually = mold/mildew = water staying somewhere where it doesn't belong = rot (eventually)). Look and smell at the cushions, carpet, storage areas and the bilge. Nothing should smell nasty (except the bilge probably doesn't smell like roses ;) <br /><br />As far as the asking price of $15K, a new 21' production boat would set you back twice that plus the cost of the trailer, etc. The seller probably does have some wiggle room, but again, the surveyor might be able to give you an appraisal of value as well.<br /><br />Best case and/or worst case depending upon how you look at it: if the survey reveals bad news, you've "saved" $15000 less the cost of the survey -or- the survey finds no major issues and you have lots of peace of mind (not to mention a full survey for the insurance co) that you've poured your money into a safe and worthy vessel -or- the survey reveals some items of concern but no showstoppers (major structural concerns, blown motor or bad outdrive) that allow you to then deduct the cost of repair from the asking price.<br /><br />Good luck and have fun.<br /><br /> --rml
 
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John Carpenter

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 1, 2002
Messages
336
Re: 1994 Chaparral 2130 SST

Did a quick search and found this on a '94 Chap.<br /><br /> http://www.yachtworld.com/core/list...&units=Feet&checked_boats=1238054&slim=quick& <br /><br />I would look around a bit...the Conquest sounds like a better deal. I personally would not survey a boat in this size/price range...but I have bought and sold a lot of boats. In my opinion, the boat referenced in this thread is priced pretty high.
 
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Bill_Hein

Cadet
Joined
Jun 8, 2004
Messages
20
Re: 1994 Chaparral 2130 SST

Never heard of anyone doing a "survey" for a boat in our area, but I know lots of people that do take used cars to their favorite mechanic to get checked out before they buy them - so if its available it would be a good idea.<br /><br />I guess I was always doing my own "survey". Hey - now I got it! I will advertise around the lakes and make a little extra $$ on the weekend doing test rides for perspective buyers! <br /><br />All kidding aside - if you can find someone to do it - go for it. Sounds like a good investment.<br /><br />Bill
 
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