Whooohooo

[JCMINIS]

Just put a deposit on a 1987 Chaparral 198XL.Picking it up tomorrow evening. It has the 4.3V6. Owner bought it new 20 years ago.Has 300 hrs on the meter.Ran like a top on test drive, zero leaks.Interior looks nearly brand new.I love folks who take good care of their stuff.Owner had ALL info including the orignal brochure from way back when.I thought that was cool.I will get pics of it tomorrow and post them up.Sorry just had to gloat a little.
It will be our 1st boat so im sure I will be wearing you folks out,trying to gain more knowledge.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Whooohooo

Congratulations!

Sounds like the previous owner had a great love for the boat which is great news for you. What did the seller get for his new ride???

Can't wait to see the pictures.​

 

[JCMINIS]

Re: Whooohooo

Here is a couple of pics I will get more later this evening.(the owner snapped these for me).

 

[tmh]

Re: Whooohooo

Is that original interior???? Can't be original carpet, can it? Man, that is in outrageously nice condition!!!! Looks 5 yrs old, not 20. You have to tell us what you paid...good info for other buyers.

This is a good example for folks looking to buy a boat but with a constrained budget - this type of boat IS out there. This one may be in rare condition, but some are close that were owned by folks who treated them like family members. maybe a few bucks more, but still very inexpensive. You don't need a boat expert to see this one was well-cared for.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Whooohooo

That looks spectacular. My last two boats have been used cream puffs too. My first boat was very cheap, but a toilet. I'm very willing to pay a premium for obvious loving care like that. Congrats! Have a blast.

 

[blue77]

Re: Whooohooo

That is the best looking 20 year old boat I've seen (not that i'm an expert), it is beautiful

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Whooohooo

I am glad you got a good boat. As you know (or will find out) the sterndrives take some periodic maintenance. If the boat has been in fresh water all its life, you are particular lucky. If it has been salty, you have more stuff to check out.

Exhaust Manifolds: If uesd in fresh water exclusively and never replaced, they may be due. if used in salty water, they must have been changed at least once, and if so, are due again, immediately.

Check/inspect: Hoses, belts, Change filters (one on top of fuel pump, one in carb inlet), Inspect: dist cap and rotor, plug wires.

If used in salt water, check timing cover and oil pan for rust. Check thermostat cover for rustout.

The rest of the maintenance needs will be obvious.....

 

[MikDee]

Re: Whooohooo

Wow! Lots of Luck! That boat looks Pristine! A Great choice also, perfect size, style, power, & condition, in my opinion, the only other thing you need is something hefty to tow it with. Look's like you really got a good deal,

 

[dingbat]

Re: Whooohooo

The hull is in great shape, congratulation.

350 hours of use in 20 years is great for the fiberglass but not the best for the motor and certainly not for anything made of rubber.

Do yourself a favor and replace all the hoses,belts, etc. made of rubber (i.e. dry rot) and last but not least the bellows on the outdrive. It will not take long for the bellows to crack and start leaking after being used that being used that little in 20hose years.

 

[JCMINIS]

Re: Whooohooo

Thanks for the tips,the boat has been in fresh water all its life,it was bought new put in the lake and hasnt been out(the owner has a slip with lift). I checked all belts,hoses,etc.They all look brand new, no dry rot and everything was semi-shiny and smooth,although the owner claims to have never replaced anything but o-rings in the carb.Owner states everything is original,even the carpet.I paid right at NADA average.
The previous owner was very imformative taking plenty of time showing me this and that,operations and such.But I bought it used and it may sink on its next outing,chance ya take.I have shopped long and hard and believe I got exactly what I was looking for.Cant tell ya how many boats I have looked at and passed up.

As a 20 year M/C tech should I replace all the rubber components even though they look good ? I am gonna do belts and a service just because I am a maintenece freak and it would drive me nuts if I didnt.

Thanks again for all the tips.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Whooohooo

Let us know how the maiden voyage goes.​

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Whooohooo

really, really nice find.

 

[JCMINIS]

Re: Whooohooo

Let us know how the maiden voyage goes.​

I will, we are heading out tomorrow.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Whooohooo

JC - The bellows on the outdrive and the exhaust manifolds are the items I would worry most about. After 20 years the belows are way overdue to be replaced, and the manifolds need to be throughly inspected. Both of these items are extremely important as a bad manifold/riser will allow water into your motor, possibly ruining it, and a bad bellow will allow the boat to sink.

Now, if you just replace the manifolds and risers (about $700 a set aftermarket, if you do the labor), you will never need to do it again, in the boat's lifetime.

 

[JCMINIS]

Re: Whooohooo

JC - Now, if you just replace the manifolds and risers (about $700 a set aftermarket, if you do the labor), you will never need to do it again, in the boat's lifetime.

Sweet thanks,I will check them and most likely change them.I will also change the bellows.I hope to run it for the rest of the season here in NC.Then I will put her in the garage and go to work.

Thanks again

 

[tmh]

Re: Whooohooo

hey, just yesterday I saw that same boat at our marina - must be within a year or so of yours 'cause it looked almost identical. Really nice boat (NOT in the great condition yours is). That must have really high-quality upholstery because this one had very few blemishes also. No idea what engine it had though, owner wasn't around to ask.

 

[JCMINIS]

Re: Whooohooo

Well,everything went well.Pulled the kids all day and just cruised around and had a blast.I need to do some reading on trim operation though.Boat ran great.Think we are going back tomorrow.

JC

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Whooohooo

Well,everything went well.Pulled the kids all day and just cruised around and had a blast.I need to do some reading on trim operation though.Boat ran great.Think we are going back tomorrow.

JC

Always have it trimmed down when taking off, either by yourself or not.
Then after it "comes" up, start trimming up till you find it's sweet spot.
The boat will let you know when you find it.
Great looking boat.
I'm sure with care it will give you many years of good service.