Advise on 290 Sea Ray vs. 310 Chaparrel

[Seevee]

All,

I'm shopping for a new (used) boat, somewhere in the 2000 to 2007 range, twin IOs, gen and AC. Goal is for cruising the west coast of FL, intercoastal, a few overnites with perhaps 4. Currently have a 270 Sundancer, which is fine, but too small and no genny.

I've looked very hard at the 290 Sundancer, and then found a 310 Chaparrel, which has some very nice features.

Wondering if there's boaters out there that can describe the differences. I know the Chaparrel is bigger, but is it the same quality as Sea Ray? I love the walk thru windshield, great layout, and seems like a well balanced boat. I also like the 310 Sundancer, but want the copilot's lounge seat with the dancer does not have and that's a requirement. (I hate to have to jump over people when I'm docking the boat, so I don't want anyone next to me.

The 320 Sundancer is also a great boat, but hard to find with OIs, which I need for shallow water.

Thoughts?

Lrrryo

 

[Philster]

Re: Advise on 290 Sea Ray vs. 310 Chaparrel

Sea Ray is a good boat. Big company, probably selling more than anyone as far as regular folk boats go. They've had their GM and Toyota moments/issues: Big company, with major pitfalls that come from being a world leader in volume.

Chaparrel is a darn fine boat in its own right. They've tended to trend ahead in style and out-of-the-box thinking, whereas Sea Ray... well, see the GM/Toyota comment. Again, Sea Rays are good boats!

I think your decision comes down to getting what you want @ given price. Power packages being equal, find the one you want. Brand here is not very important.

These are quality boats. Find what you want and in the condition you want. Tell us about the power packages, drivetrain, etc.

.

 

[Seevee]

Re: Advise on 290 Sea Ray vs. 310 Chaparrel

Philster,

Thanks for the info. As for power, the Chap seems to come with either the Volvo, or the Merc 7.4, BIII. Is one better? I've had Merc before and been fine, but not without maintenance. A good power train and reliability is paramount.



Larryo

 

[Philster]

Re: Advise on 290 Sea Ray vs. 310 Chaparrel

Either company's version of the GM 454 (7.4L) V8 is fine, provided they both have dual props. If they both sport dual props on the drive, that's the way to go, so that's a draw.

A 454 (7.4L) is one of the most time tested power plants known to man. The dual-props offer better control.

Boats like that need surveys!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Advise on 290 Sea Ray vs. 310 Chaparrel

You may want to check out the Formula cruisers in that range as well if you life the lounge seat. I believe the 31PC has it, I don't know about the 27/29PC models. They should have twin I/O's in a variety of sizes.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Advise on 290 Sea Ray vs. 310 Chaparrel

Also look at Four Winns 318 Vista and 328 Vista. Several V318's in Florida now for sale. Between the two you mentioned, I like th layout and features on the Chap just a bit better than the Sea Ray 290DA. There is also a nice 2006 300DA at Boater's Landing you might consider. Happy shopping !!!

 

[Seevee]

Re: Advise on 290 Sea Ray vs. 310 Chaparrel

Slip,

I've looked at the Four Winns, and while a nice boat, just aint quite the quality. My neighbor has a larger Four Winns. And where's Boater's Landing? Might look at the 300DA.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Advise on 290 Sea Ray vs. 310 Chaparrel

Boater's Landing is in Fort Myer's.

Interesting comment "not quite the quality" Could you explain what you mean ?
I have had a Sea Ray, Four Winns, and currently on my second Monterey. I was happy with the "quality" of all three builders.
I would suggest you look at a Monterey 302 or 322. Or if you can afford it, a newer Monterey 320SY.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Advise on 290 Sea Ray vs. 310 Chaparrel

All,

I'm shopping for a new (used) boat, somewhere in the 2000 to 2007 range, twin IOs, gen and AC. Goal is for cruising the west coast of FL, intercoastal, a few overnites with perhaps 4. Currently have a 270 Sundancer, which is fine, but too small and no genny.

I've looked very hard at the 290 Sundancer, and then found a 310 Chaparrel, which has some very nice features.

Wondering if there's boaters out there that can describe the differences. I know the Chaparrel is bigger, but is it the same quality as Sea Ray? I love the walk thru windshield, great layout, and seems like a well balanced boat. I also like the 310 Sundancer, but want the copilot's lounge seat with the dancer does not have and that's a requirement. (I hate to have to jump over people when I'm docking the boat, so I don't want anyone next to me.

The 320 Sundancer is also a great boat, but hard to find with OIs, which I need for shallow water.

Thoughts?

Lrrryo

You pretty much answered your own question.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Advise on 290 Sea Ray vs. 310 Chaparrel

Philster,

Thanks for the info. As for power, the Chap seems to come with either the Volvo, or the Merc 7.4, BIII. Is one better? I've had Merc before and been fine, but not without maintenance. A good power train and reliability is paramount.





Larryo

BIII's have a corrosion problem more so then Volvo's. I have had both and like the Volvo's better. I figured out the problem with the BravoIII's and traded for a FourWinns with Volvo's. I think you get more for your money with a FourWinns over a SeaRay.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Advise on 290 Sea Ray vs. 310 Chaparrel

Boater's Landing is in Fort Myer's.

Interesting comment "not quite the quality" Could you explain what you mean ?
I have had a Sea Ray, Four Winns, and currently on my second Monterey. I was happy with the "quality" of all three builders.
I would suggest you look at a Monterey 302 or 322. Or if you can afford it, a newer Monterey 320SY.

I would like to here that also.I think the FourWinns is just as if not better then SeaRay.

 

[Seevee]

Re: Advise on 290 Sea Ray vs. 310 Chaparrel

Boater's Landing is in Fort Myer's.

Interesting comment "not quite the quality" Could you explain what you mean ?
I have had a Sea Ray, Four Winns, and currently on my second Monterey. I was happy with the "quality" of all three builders.
I would suggest you look at a Monterey 302 or 322. Or if you can afford it, a newer Monterey 320SY.

Slip,

Just looking at the appointments, trim, doors, etc., Sea Ray looks and feels a lot better and more solid.... but.... Im not an expert. Just looked at the Four Winns and SeaRay side by side a few years ago, and that's what I found, plus my neighbor has a bigger Four Winns that is no comparison to the larger Sea Ray.

Perhaps I should look again, as there's a few folks here that seem to think they are comparable. I'd suspect no difference in the power, gen, electronics, etc.