2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions? / UPDATED

[BTMCB]

Hey guys and gals,

I have been looking at new boats. Not a case of 2' itis, just a case a "new boat" 'itis. Think I have now narrowed the search to a 2011 Chaparral 206SSI with a 5.0L VP GXI SX, 270HP. Anyone have first hand knowledge of this model performance and cost wise? I am lake testing it tomorrow. Thanks for any comments / reviews in advance. And yes, I know all the reasons why most like to buy slightly used but as I noted in another thread - I like to buy new.

Thanks again.

UPDATE: 8/13/11. Lake test was yesterday, met the dealer today, finalized the negotiations, signed the papers and dropped off the Maxum. My new boat (one mentioned above) will be ready to be picked up Tuesday evening. Dealer is installing some upgrades. Bitter sweet day - my Maxum served me well and never let me down, so it was difficult to trade it in and leave her at the dealer. But, am excited about the new boat. Will post photos and update my signature and avatar shortly.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

You'll be really happy with a Chaparral. Mine's almost 20 years old and she's timeless. When you look at the attention to detail, the fit and finish of a Chaparral, you won't be disappointed.

Sorry, I'm not familiar with the model your looking at other than having seen it at my local dealer in June. They have several. All I can tell you is that it's a beautiful boat; but you already know that. When you water test her, you'll see just how beautiful she really is. You're going to love that boat.

Have fun!!!

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

I took this model out with a 5.0 carbed Volvo in it. Very nice boat, and with the GXI you will be very happy. It is a high quality ride and the fit and finish is top notch. Had they not been asking $6k over what it was worth I would have bought it. Unfortunately the dealer tried to pull a fast one on me and I bought a Monterey instead. I am happier with my choice because it is the color I wanted and has an EFI engine. The Chap had a horrible color scheme, but I would have lived with it because it was such a nice boat. That is if they had a better price on it.

So if you get a good deal, you will not be dissapointed with this choice. Chap makes one hell of a boat. I had a 90 2000SL many years ago and regreted selling it from the day they picked it up. I am happy now with the Monterey, but all things being equal, color and price and year, I would have chosen the Chap hands down.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

I took this model out with a 5.0 carbed Volvo in it. Very nice boat, and with the GXI you will be very happy. It is a high quality ride and the fit and finish is top notch. Had they not been asking $6k over what it was worth I would have bought it. Unfortunately the dealer tried to pull a fast one on me and I bought a Monterey instead. I am happier with my choice because it is the color I wanted and has an EFI engine. The Chap had a horrible color scheme, but I would have lived with it because it was such a nice boat. That is if they had a better price on it.

So if you get a good deal, you will not be dissapointed with this choice. Chap makes one hell of a boat. I had a 90 2000SL many years ago and regreted selling it from the day they picked it up. I am happy now with the Monterey, but all things being equal, color and price and year, I would have chosen the Chap hands down.

Thanks for the input. What were they asking, if you don't mind?

Veritas, I appreciate your input too.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

Oh, you know what, it was actually an 05 204SSi. I just looked at the ad again. I seemed to remember it being newer, but same basic design etc. They were asking $26995.

 

[PeteyDaMan]

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

That is way too much for an 05 IMO. I purchased my 07 210SSI with the VP 5.0 GXi/SX back in 2009 for less than that, granted it was a private party sale, not through a dealer.
There is also a lot more to consider buying a 6 year old boat vs buying a new one. First and foremost, how well was it maintained? Do they have the maintenance records? How may hours are on it?
Is there a warranty? Chaparral does allow the transfer of the hull warranty, but with a transfer cost of $500 and it must be done within 6 months of the sale.

 

[jkust]

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

I can't speak for that model but it certainly looks nice. As a Chaparral owner, all I can do is sing the praises of the construction and attention to the details that so many overlooked in the mid 2000's. What I like about the Chaps is that other than the most entry level model, every one was almost identical just a differenc loa. Same, accessories, same build, same everything no matter the size of the BR meaning if the corner wasn't cut on their biggest bowrider it wasn't cut on their smaller ones. My only hesitation about your suggested engine is that the same power package was the top power on my 18 footer. Either my 18 footer would have flown had I had it or your prospective 500 lb heavier boat with bigger gas tank and more gear will possibly be mediocre for top end which I suppose is the case for heavy hulls anyway. At least on the newest Chap, smaller bowrider, they have significantly lowered the engine options. Where a 270hp was the top power for their 18 footers it is now 225hp. All that said it seems most of the brands have really gained ground on things that used to be premium brand only features. I know you realize it but compaing prices from region to region is a little pointless and at least in high price Minnesota, serves to frustrate you knowing how much more rec equipment and vehicles in general cost here. I.E. take a southern income and lifestyle in general and move here and watch it drop dramatically. I've known quite a few southern transplants who didn't do their due dilligence when accepting job offers.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

That is way too much for an 05 IMO. I purchased my 07 210SSI with the VP 5.0 GXi/SX back in 2009 for less than that, granted it was a private party sale, not through a dealer.
There is also a lot more to consider buying a 6 year old boat vs buying a new one. First and foremost, how well was it maintained? Do they have the maintenance records? How may hours are on it?
Is there a warranty? Chaparral does allow the transfer of the hull warranty, but with a transfer cost of $500 and it must be done within 6 months of the sale.

You do realize that in the previous post I said the dealer tried to screw me and I bought a Monterey 214FS dont you? It was as nice if not nicer than the Chap, and I was told that they were in the same family. A brother or something that started Monterey. I would have prefered the Chap, but since they wouldnt move on the price, and it was about $6-7k over valued and not in that great of shape.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

I can't speak for that model but it certainly looks nice. As a Chaparral owner, all I can do is sing the praises of the construction and attention to the details that so many overlooked in the mid 2000's. What I like about the Chaps is that other than the most entry level model, every one was almost identical just a differenc loa. Same, accessories, same build, same everything no matter the size of the BR meaning if the corner wasn't cut on their biggest bowrider it wasn't cut on their smaller ones. My only hesitation about your suggested engine is that the same power package was the top power on my 18 footer. Either my 18 footer would have flown had I had it or your prospective 500 lb heavier boat with bigger gas tank and more gear will possibly be mediocre for top end which I suppose is the case for heavy hulls anyway. At least on the newest Chap, smaller bowrider, they have significantly lowered the engine options. Where a 270hp was the top power for their 18 footers it is now 225hp. All that said it seems most of the brands have really gained ground on things that used to be premium brand only features. I know you realize it but compaing prices from region to region is a little pointless and at least in high price Minnesota, serves to frustrate you knowing how much more rec equipment and vehicles in general cost here. I.E. take a southern income and lifestyle in general and move here and watch it drop dramatically. I've known quite a few southern transplants who didn't do their due dilligence when accepting job offers.

Since I found that my Monterey was similar in build and quality to the Chap, and mine is a 214FS, similar in size and weight, I can promise you the 5.0 EFI is not underpowered by any stretch of the imagination. Mine is the 260hp Mercruiser version, but it propells the boat to almost 60mph. It is a little sluggish coming out of the hole compared to my Q7 with a 5.7 Mercruiser, it still gets up and goes. Just a little more civilized doing it. The Tahoe would leap out of the water, and if everyone wasnt hanging on, I ended up with people laying on the floor or broken seat posts. LOL. The Monterey and the 5.0 EFI pulls tubes and wakeboarders and skis and kneeboards effortlessly.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

Thanks guys for the input!

Lake test is tomorrow (Friday).

Wish someone in my neck of the woods could comment about what deals the dealers are giving on the 2011 model 206SSI.Right now, I am about 25% less than MSRP and dealer is adding some goodies (full custom cover, platform matting with logo, dual battery set up, Bimini with eisenglas, etc ) at no cost. Also, I am getting very nice dual axle trailer with disc brakes. I realize they are in business to make money and aren't giving me the boat but I am feeling this a "fair" deal.

Again, thanks for the input and I hope the test goes good tomorrow!

 

[Knightrider2]

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

I have a 2002 Chaparral 200 SSe and am very pleased with the quality of the boat. The fit, finish and detail is the best. It was more boat than what I was looking for but after testing it, I was sold.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

Thanks guys for the input!

Lake test is tomorrow (Friday).

Wish someone in my neck of the woods could comment about what deals the dealers are giving on the 2011 model 206SSI.Right now, I am about 25% less than MSRP and dealer is adding some goodies (full custom cover, platform matting with logo, dual battery set up, Bimini with eisenglas, etc ) at no cost. Also, I am getting very nice dual axle trailer with disc brakes. I realize they are in business to make money and aren't giving me the boat but I am feeling this a "fair" deal.

Again, thanks for the input and I hope the test goes good tomorrow!

Sounds like you are getting a great deal. Times are tough for new boat sales, so they are selling them cheap. I talked to a lot of dealers before we bought the Monterey, and they all told me that the used boat market was booming due to people exporting them to places like Australia and the like. Their money is worth more in America than it has ever been worth, so they are taking advantage of it. New boats are not selling at all. This comes from half a dozen differant dealers. So if you can swing a new one, now is the time to buy. You certainly wont be dissapointed in a Chap.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

Re: 2011 Chaparral 206SSI opinions?

UPDATE: 8/13/11. Lake test was yesterday, met the dealer today, finalized the negotiations, signed the papers and dropped off the Maxum. My new boat (one mentioned above) will be ready to be picked up Tuesday evening. Dealer is installing some upgrades. Bitter sweet day - my Maxum served me well and never let me down, so it was difficult to trade it in and leave her at the dealer. But, am excited about the new boat. Will post photos and update my signature and avatar shortly.