RE: This boat @ The Atlanta boat show yesterday.
They had THIS VRX model rigged out to the max with options.
Many options were for wake boarding. IF you take out the pricing for the extended rear wake trim platform, the ballast tank option, and the "Deluxe" audio system,
the boat STILL comes in about $4000 + MORE than a 2015 Yamaha 242 Ltd S.
AND .... while they "claim" differently, there are SIGNIFICANT differences .. please read on:
- The seating material and fit/finish is NOT "superior" to that of the Yamahas.
- The engines, being super-charged: A) Eat up a TON MORE space in the motor department, making service FAR more difficult and B) Require a supercharger REBUILD every 100 hours (TIMES 2 engines !!!!!!) - NOT cheap whatsoever.
- They did STUPID things like make the dual battery and switch an OPTION< and then place the battery switch to where you cannot even get to it in the FAR recess of the motor compartment REAR side.
- They lack the dual throttle controls which is how knowledgeable Yamaha drivers conveniently and safely dock their boats, and more. They claim they don't REQUIRE that. However, that is only because they are using the BRP supplied engine AND drive-train, and that's how BRP has always done it.
- The battery(batteries) are DIFFICULT to get to (Engine compartment). I'ld hate to replace these with Optimum blues and they have to lug them into position. I have no idea how much difficulty putting an on-board quality charger, like a dual-bank Minn-Kota would make for an owner, but it AIN'T easy.
- The captain's seat is "ok" but by no means as good as the new Yamaha seats. And the passenger seat basically SUCKS for quality. Look at it and you'll understand.
- The "head" compartment is HUGE on the Chaparral, but it's WASTED space for most. I'll give them this: IF you wanted to use this for a porta-potty, or for changing, it IS a LOT larger than the Yamaha area. But it is our opinion, most owners do NOT use that area for those purposes.
- And no "Drink compartment," like on the new 24 footer Yamahas. And no wastebasket little holding space and netting, like Yamaha provides.
- I have no idea about the noise factor, but no one told us how "good it is on the Chaparrals.
Unlike the new Yamaha 24 footers for 2015 !!!! Every Yamaha dealer, sales person, and technical person @ this show COMPLAINED about the new 2015 Yamaha sound reduction system !!!!!!!!!!!!!! - They said it is so GOOD in design and function that, now, you MUST turn down the radio to talk to others while @ wide-open throttle ! ROFL ! Seriously .they said the new difference is far more than just INCREDIBLE !
So these are some of my FAST, FIRST observations. I spent about 75 minutes on the VRX looking at things. Both Barbie, who IS the proud OWNER of Miss B'Haven and who takes her boating quite seriously, and me both came away UNIMPRESSED with what Chaparral is offering. Let alone even with the Boat Show Discount, and eliminating the previously listed optional items, it still comes in $ 4000 + more than a 2015 242 LS. If the Chap was $ 4000 LESS (than a 242 LS), we'ld still buy the Yamaha.
Wishing everyone a great weekend. Mikey Lulejian - Lake Oconee, GA
, so Europe is a big scoop for Chaparral. Just a few weeks backs we had the London boat show and my local boat dealer is a Chap agent and sold at least four to boaters in my waters!
