Monterey 254 FSX vs. Chapparal 256 & 264

[SCSTWG]

Getting closer to pulling the trigger on a boat (1st timer). Thoughts on the following: Monterey 254 FSX vs. Chaparral 256 SSX vs. Chaparral Sunesta 264.

Going to keep it in the water or on a rack at the local lake about 10 miles away, but will also get a trailer to do occasional trips to other waterways. The local lake is 20 miles long by 5 miles wide and there are significant river tributaries to travel as well. Looking to relax with family and friends and do some occasional tubing or just cruise around a little. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[lkbum]

Re: Monterey 254 FSX vs. Chapparal 256 & 264

Any of those would make me happy. To help make the decision, I would go to NADA.com, and compare used boat values (1 to 5 years old), compare them to what you are looking at new for each model. Let the resell values speak for themselves. I personally look at how well and how much storage is incorporated into a boat. This will become very important over time. I would also avoid storing the boat in the water for extended periods of time, the fiberglass resin will absorb water and become heavier over time, grime on the bottom will greatly reduce your effieciency/top speed and you may have to deal with hull blisters at some point in time. Dry stack is much better (or a lift at the dock).

 

[jkust]

Re: Monterey 254 FSX vs. Chapparal 256 & 264

Interesting, when I shopped for boats this summer, the NADA had no correlation to the asking prices. The asking prices for private party were well above retail NADA values. The retail asking prices were even higher yet. I didn't understand why. About all I got out of NADA was the net weight numbers and to some extent the relativities between the brands but even then it was ify. Seems to me that NADA needs a territorial adjustment factor or something.
Monterey is hardley known in here MN and Chaparral is a bit more heard of. I looked at both and thought the monterey had more equipment but the Chap was more stylish. If the Monterey had the larger optional engine, I would have likely bought it. To get a relatively fair comparison and some really good insite from some knowlegable owners, visit the Chaparral owners site. Most have larger boats than mine and really know their stuff.

 

[KCook]

Re: Monterey 254 FSX vs. Chapparal 256 & 264

All nice boats, so it's a tough choice. You may want to factor in how good your local dealers are. Here is a link to another thread that may help -

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=212479

Kelly

 

[lkbum]

Re: Monterey 254 FSX vs. Chapparal 256 & 264

Interesting, when I shopped for boats this summer, the NADA had no correlation to the asking prices. The asking prices for private party were well above retail NADA values. The retail asking prices were even higher yet. I didn't understand why. About all I got out of NADA was the net weight numbers and to some extent the relativities between the brands but even then it was ify. Seems to me that NADA needs a territorial adjustment factor or something.

I don't think I was clear... What I use NADA is to track depreciation over time. I think the OP is looking at a new boat. If you look at the price of the same model, 1yr, 2 yr etc to 5 yr's or so, you will get an idea of new price and depreciation trend. All the boats (only 4) I've sold in the last 20 years were well above NADA because I bought them new, kept them in pristine condition and had accurate maintenance records. I think these items are the biggest influence on asking/sales price, sounds like you had a similar experience when shopping. That said, NADA is a statical average based on total boat sales that a bank would use to establish a loan value. Clearly not the gospel, but to establish resale trends it could help make a final decision later on. I have not researched these particular models, but for a JUmbo Bow Rider such as mine (2001 Chap 280ssi), I found the following resale info.. Cobalt - best, Sea Ray - next, Chap - Next and then the rest. Cobalts were just two expensive for me, the Sea Ray seemed to have some cavitation issues for that model and the Chap fit the bill.

 

[cmcpherson]

Re: Monterey 254 FSX vs. Chapparal 256 & 264

Montereys are great boats and a great value. Chaps are nice, but I would not trade my Monterey for one. Not a huge brand here in IL either, I know a few people in FL that own them, they are made there and it is a very highly thought of brand.

 

[jkust]

Re: Monterey 254 FSX vs. Chapparal 256 & 264

I don't think I was clear... What I use NADA is to track depreciation over time.

Yes, I agree with you. That is what I meant by relativities between brands. Since all of the boat years are generally non current, the prices they would indicate are resale prices and hence a depreciation comparison can be made. Most of the used boats I looked at were close to new with less than 60 hours and in like new shape so I took for granted that the NADA pricing showed that as well. Now that you mention it, I can't say I put any thought into how the NADA pricing is derivied. If it is a statistical average, I wonder where they gather their statistical sample on private party sales. With all that said, I would bet the reality for a larger cruiser is very different than a smaller everyman bowrider like mine.

 

[wewefirex2x]

Re: Monterey 254 FSX vs. Chapparal 256 & 264

I own a Monterey now (avatar). I fell in love with a Monterey 233 explorer but my wife said fix up the one you have. I've put enough money in the one have to pay for half the newer one. All I could say was YES DEAR!!!

 

[Five O'Clock]

Re: Monterey 254 FSX vs. Chapparal 256 & 264

I own a Monterey too, and I'll post about them not being well known...

In regards to maintenance, almost any marine store, west marine or boaters world or whatever, can deal with the basic repairs and cosmetic modifications, but I've needed some products that come directly from Monterey, and it was a pain. Monterey doesn't sell directly through their headquarters (not sure if most do) so I had to go through a "local" dealer. Since they are not well known in my area, there was not a dealer within a 3 hour drive...

I think the Monterey boat is great, but thats one downside I see to them, Especially if there are few dealers in the area (or few dealers that will actually stay in business) over the long run.