Few questions about 15' chaparral tri-hull

[dandsphillips08]

I am buying a 15 foot chaparral tri-hull from my step dad. Before i joined the Army, i helped him get the boat and trailer and we rigged it with a 115 hp evinrude. (80s model) We have had the boat running in the back yard, and it ran excellent. He had it winterized last year. And im in korea now, ill be back in the states in January. My question is will the chaparral hold the engine? It is rated for an 85hp i think. But the 85hp all the way up to 140hp evinrude V4s weigh the same. The transom is like a rock. And another question is to anybody that has every owned one of the boats, the sides seem kindof thin. Or is it my imagination? And last but not least, i plan on having this boat on the patomac river and the chesapeak bay. How does it handle rough water? Any answers you have will be great. Thank you and god bless

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Few questions about 15' chaparral tri-hull

Wow where to start.

Thank you for your service...... welcome to iboats!

The weight of the OB is true not an issue but the "force and stress" could tear your boat apart. We here on iboats do not support any "over-power" plans.

You can do a search and find many (including myself) have owned various tri-hull boats. I had a 15' Stuery that would fly with an 85 but it was a real hard riding hull. You will not be happy with a tri-hull ride in choppy water/rough water. You will find it more of a chore to drive and control.

Bob
Retired Active Duty Army

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: Few questions about 15' chaparral tri-hull

You should also check your state laws for this issue. It is overpowered big time. I hope the army has a good dental plan. You will lose a few fillings in rough water. LOL. Thanks you for serving.

 

[dandsphillips08]

Re: Few questions about 15' chaparral tri-hull

thanks for the replies, i just found a deal on an 18 foot Mitchell Vhull. It is in pretty good shape. And all it needs is a motor. And i have the perfect motor. It would probably be alot smoother riding in rough water, and the sides are almost three feet tall. so it would probably be alot safer also. I was looking at all the weight that i was going to be putting in the Chaparral with two gas tanks, or just one big one, a 20 gallon bait tank, tackle, me and at least one other person. It would be really overweighted. And im going to have it on the Potomac and the Chesapeak bay. Thats why i started looking for bigger boat. Does anybody have any info on Mitchell boats, i have never heard of them, but it seems to be a great boat

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Few questions about 15' chaparral tri-hull

Unknown to me?

The v hull will be a much better choice for the water you are headed to. Weight distribution will be a key item.

One thing I failed to mention and Tall Canadian hinted at.... if you over-power you are liable if anything should happen. Most insurance companies will not consider covering an over-powered boat.

 

[Les Robb]

Re: Few questions about 15' chaparral tri-hull

Mitchell's that were manufactured in Florida were not a mass produced boat
but the quality was exceptional. I owned a 16' and regret the day I sold it and the guy I bought it from bought a 20' or so like you describe with high sides, deep v design and it would really cut through a rough sea. Don't know if they are still in business but if they are and still build their boats the same, would buy one in a skinny minute.

Thank you and of all of our servicemen & women for you service to our country.

 

[dandsphillips08]

Re: Few questions about 15' chaparral tri-hull

thank yall again for the responses. They have definatly helped out alot. So is anybody is the market for a nice 15 foot chaparral tri hull. Its in great shape. floors are solid as a rock and so is the transom. Its sitting on a bass boat style trailer, so the boat sits between the fenders rather than on top of them. its a great boat trailer combo. Just needs a motor. Rated for up to 85 hp. Make offer