Which New Boat Would You Choose?

[mrtommy03]

Hello,
I am in the market for a new boat, and I have narrowed it down to the following three:

1) Chaparral 196
2) Glastron GT 205
3) Yamaha SX210 (Twin jet engines)

Any advice on which may be the better boat? If it makes any difference, we aren't avid skiers or wakeboarders. We do ski, but just for recreation, as well as pulling tubers, and cruising.

Thoughts?

 

[superpop]

Re: Which New Boat Would You Choose?

I am a bit biased but I would chose the Chaparral hands down. They make awesome boats and mine has been flawless in its operation and use. Not sure about the 196 but everything I have heard is that they use quality parts, and construction in all of their boat lines. I am not a fan of the jet boats but that is just personal preference. Glastron's are OK but tend to have more of a lower end reputation. Have you looked at the used market, there are some really nice boats out there that can be had for a song. Be prepared to lose a lot of equity when you drive it off the lot, the first two years are the worst for boats.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Which New Boat Would You Choose?

First of all, don't buy new. That's just asking for a punch to the nuts when you take it of the lot. Boats depreciate faster than just about any other asset you can buy. Find one 2-3 years old if you want something newer, at least you can get it with a large portion of the depreciation already gone.

I would also second the Chap. It's a little smaller in length, but a foot or so isn't gong to make a big difference. I don't consider Glastron's to be cheapp, but they aren't on the same level as the Chap by a long shot.

As far as the Yammy is concerned, they mke a great boat I've heard, and I have no issue with the modern jet drives, but twin jet drives are gonna eat your lunch on fuel. While the modern jets are more fuel-efficient than their predecessors (Berkley pumps, etc), they still are a good bit behind the efficiency of an I/O. You will want a V8 no matter what I/O you choose.

 

[Ben Diss]

Re: Which New Boat Would You Choose?

I think you'll find the Yamaha has the best floor plan. The trade-off is the jet drives handle differently than props/rudders. It'll also be the lightest, making trailering easier.

 

[Subliminal]

Re: Which New Boat Would You Choose?

I'd say it really depended on the price. The glastron is definitely the budget boat in that stack...

When we were buying our boat, we got it from a Monterey dealer...he said he picked up Glastron a few years back to fill the void...the cheapest Monterey MSRP's over $30k, whereas a 'comparable' glastron could be had for a little over half of that.

That being said, the Glastron that was sitting right next to my boat when I bought it was also very nice looking.

I'd probably have to decide about jet vs. no jet. I kind of like the Yamahas, and know a guy who has one...it was a fun boat...outfitted with huge speakers on the tower, a big swim deck.

Chap definitely has a good reputation.

I'm say go with the Monterey. I keed, I keed!

 

[Snobike Mike]

Re: Which New Boat Would You Choose?

I'd go Chaparral for sure, I'd just get a bigger one more in the size range of the Yami you've listed.

I always recommend the biggest boat you can afford with the best power you can afford as you'll be happiest.

On the Yami side, they are gas guzzlers. I compared a Yami to the boat I ended up buying and with a 320hp I/O I get at least 20% better fuel economy in a similar sized boat at same speeds cruise to WOT.