Posted: January 27 2007 at 21:01 | IP Logged

My wife and I just returned from a Boat Show in CT where we expected to solidify our decision to purchase a new Four Winns 240 Horizon.   This would have been our 3rd Four Winns boat.  After scrutinizing this boat, we both were disappointed that we were no longer excited by it.  

On the bright side, we were able to check out the Chaparral SSI 246 at the show.  We were both very impressed with it and it seemed to pass nearly every one of our 'tests'.    So, here I am online trying to find out as much as I can about Chaparral and this boat, when I discovered this forum.   Well, I'm a little concerned after reading the posts about people not being able to get parts for their boats, and the lack of response from Chaparral customer service.   In comparison, when I e-mail Four Winns with a question, I generally will get a reply the same day within a few hours - or the next day if I left the message later in the day.   They have been great to deal with, and were very helpful last summer when we had an issue that was outside the warranty period, but covered the repair.   So you can imagine my disappointment to see some of the posts here.   Is it really that bad?   Will I be sorry if I spend $xx,xxx of my money on a Chaparral?

Does anyone here have a newer 246?   It's one thing to look at, sit in, and play with all the goodies on the boat at a show, but with temperatures in the single digits here, it will be some time before I could expect to test drive this boat.   It would be nice to know how this boat; tracks at slow speeds, handles rough water, sounds / engine noise (we like a quiet boat), ease of docking, and dare I open this can of worms; Volvo vs. Merc???

I'd appreciate your comments - especially if you have this boat and can share your experiences.   Thanks in advance!  Pete

Posted: January 27 2007 at 22:00 | IP Logged

I have had my issues with Chaparral as you would with any brand but the key is to have great dealer support. I would do the homework on your local Chap dealer and then make your decision. The quality of Chap is up there with some other larger rands and the factory support was good in my experience. As far as Merc vs. Volvo, Volvo is the better choice without question. Dont take my word for it, ask any mechanic that has worked on both. Good luck with your search

Posted: February 15 2007 at 22:40 | IP Logged

Thanks for the feedback!

We're still seriously considering the 246 even though it's quite a bit more money than we planned for.   

The dealer I am looking to buy the Chaparral from says he has a Customer Satisfaction Rating of 98.5%.    While that sounds great - does anyone know how I can verify this claim?    How much credibility is in that rating anyway?  

Since he deals almost exclusively with Mercury, we would go with the Merc - 350 Mag with a Bravo-3 outdrive.   From what most people tell me, you really can't go wrong with either.  The one negative aspect of Volvo is their parts distribution, but the power plant is just as good if not a tad better than Merc - but I'm sure everyone has a 'story' to tell about their good and bad experiences with both engines.

Kinda funny how 'we' start thinking about boating when the thermometer is in the single digits.    Something to look forward to, for sure.