Should I buy '88 Chaparral? Opinions please.

[!Steve]

Hello, I am looking for a used boat. I have come across a 1988 Chaparral 19' open bow with a 5.0l I/O (Merc), not sure of the exact model. The boat looks like it is in pretty good shape, pretty clean. the guy is asking $4000 for it. I know for that price (or a little bit higher, but not much) I could get something like a Bayliner Capri that is a few years newer (I just missed out on a 94 Maxum for $4300).

I don't know that much about Chaparral boats, so my question is am I better off getting something a little newer, or are these boats so good that I should consider this one, a few years older, for about the same price.

I will be using it on a lake, mostly for pulling kids on tubes, skiiers, wakeboards etc and just cruising around.

Thanks!
Steve.

 

[IVAZ]

Re: Should I buy '88 Chaparral? Opinions please.

Chapp's have a good rep but I think that?s a bit high for a 21 year old boat. If the boat checks good I would offer them considerably less.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Should I buy '88 Chaparral? Opinions please.

Condition and care are more important than age.

What is NADA on that boat. That will give you a baseline, but remember that right now, in most markets, NADA is max price for a boat that is in exceptional condition.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Should I buy '88 Chaparral? Opinions please.

That old of a boat for that price would have to be immaculate, completely turn-key ready for the water and needing nothing. Even then it should probably be $1000 less. Chaps are good boats and that one has good power. Might be worth negotiating on.

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Should I buy '88 Chaparral? Opinions please.

Get it surveyed.