Chaparrel 310 vs 290

[Seevee]

All,

I was considering a 310 Signature and noticed that a lot of them only have a 5.0 engines, and wondering if that is a bit underpowered for a 31 ft (12000 lb) boat. Comments.

Then I started looking at the 290, which actually looks pretty nice, and would be a lot peppier with the same 5.0 engines that a lot of them have.

Any comments about what Im giving up in the 310 other that just a bit more room.

Another thing.... I see that the deadrise is only 18 in both boats (I think). How would they ride in chop compared to the Sundancer which is the other boat I'm looking at.

 

[jkust]

Re: Chaparrel 310 vs 290

If you haven't done so, head over to the Chaparral owners forum at the Chaparral marine site. Many of those guys are on bigger bodies of water, own larger Chaps, have owned Sundancer, the 310 and the 290 and will be very informative.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Chaparrel 310 vs 290

My father had a Chaparral Signature 300 powered by twin 5.0 EFIs (240hp each) and Bravo 2 drives. It had no trouble getting on plane or staying on plane. We took it from Daytona Beach to Charleston SC and back in 9 days one year with 4 people aboard, and it didn't have any trouble. Seems like it got about 1mpg. Ride was good. I've not ridden in a Sundancer in that size so I can't compare it. But that's why you MUST take a sea trial.

I will say that my dad changed the Bravo 2s to Bravo 3s (long after the trip to SC) and it REALLY made a difference in all aspects of the boat. It did everything better. Everything. Except use less gas.

 

[Seevee]

Re: Chaparrel 310 vs 290

Thx for the comments...

Kjust, Yea, I've posted on the Chaparral site, thx, just thought I might get other thoughts here, as this is a much bigger forum.