New boat buying advice

[markvan]

Looking to purchase a new boat around the 40K-45K range. My wife's only request so far is that it has an enclosed helm (like most of the deck boats do, I knew I should have went to the boat show by myself......basically we have it narrowed down to the following; Glastron GX 255, Chaparrel 236ssi and their 236 sunesta, Maxum 2400SR3, Sea Ray 220 Sundeck, or Hurricane SD257 which from what i can tell is a new model in 2005 for hurricane. <br /><br />Does anyone have any experience or input on any of these boats. <br />Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: New boat buying advice

This is a boat question.<br /><br />Moving it there.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: New boat buying advice

This may not seem funny to some, but I think (what do I know) the guys that frequent the I/O forum would have the best advice for this....don't count on it being moved though....hopefully some will catch this.<br />I've worked on many of the searays, but 270 sundancers were the smallest, most were 290's.<br />We have Maxxums out the rear on Texoma, been wrenching on several of those too. We see a "Few" Glastrons, not many and shorter versions mostly...a few Chaparreles as well, but not many.<br />The Searay and Maxxum outnumber by far in that area. My thoughts are if it were me, based on items I worked on, I'd go with the searay without a question.<br />Do some research, check resale values for future thoughts, and see if some of the I/O boys come over and add a few thoughts...lot a good folk here with some good experience..hang tight!

 

[KCook]

Re: New boat buying advice

Several different flavors in that list. The Sea Ray does have the nicest fit-and-finish. Unfortunately, also the smallest at 22'. For value most bang-for-the-buck should be Glastron and Maxum. Hurricanes are high on utility, that would be a good pick for fishing or primitive lakes. Chaparral also makes a nice boat, but their new designs leave me cross-eyed.<br /><br />These boats are different enough that picking a favorite should not be that hard. Go back to the boat show and spend some quality time in each of them.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[carrotsnapper]

Re: New boat buying advice

Wish I had to make this decision

 

[natethegreat978]

Re: New boat buying advice

Hey guys,<br /> This is my first post on this board just to let you know... I've been posting on the BoatUS board for a little while now.<br /> I love chaparral, and I think they make a great boat, but as KCook mentioned, you either love their designs or hate them... If you like the design, it is a great boat. Sea ray is also very nice, although you can't get a volvo on it... Maxum is also nice and I have read pretty good review about them (but not awesome). I don't know much about Glastron... But make sure that whatever boat you get, it fits your needs.<br /><br />Good Luck Making Your Choice!<br />Nate

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: New boat buying advice

Hi Nate, welcome to i-boats!!!<br /><br />Aldo