243 VR Horse Power

[Mitchell Marrone]

Hello everyone! Found this site and was blown away by all the information available! If someone could help me with a couple of questions I have regarding the 243 VR, it would be greatly appreciated. Couple of weeks ago, after looking at a lot of boats, I ordered a 243 VR with the 200 hp engines. Looking through the site, I am getting the impression that everyone gets the 250 hp engines. Did I make a mistake? Dealer said only difference would be a few lost MPHs on top end, so I didn't think it was worth the extra money. Can I/should I call the dealer and try to change my order? Another concern is it appears the jet boats are beset with a lot of problems and poor quality control. Is the outboard really a better choice? I also thought the jet would be great for south Florida due to the low draft but it also seems the intakes get clogged a lot. Any comments or suggestions regarding the issues I have noted would be very helpful.

 

[blackhawkpilot]

PM sent.

 

[BobJohnson]

I have a 223 so couple feet shorter than yours. I have twin 150’s. I get great hole shot and the boat pulls my 200 lbs on a slalom ski. I get 42 mph top speed. A 243 with 2 200’s should be fine. I really do think all you will miss is 5mph top end.

These boats are very well built. You see issues online because people come here when something does come up wrong. There’s plenty of posts on this site showing great days on the water with no issues. Plus when it comes to winterizing, nothing compares to the ease of a jet system.

Regarding sucking something up, yes it’s possible. 9 Times out of 10 you can clear the grated by going in reverse and killing engines (water flows through jet and clears). Rather have this than an out drive and a busted prop.
Keep the order in and enjoy. Welcome to the site.

 

[Wr3ckdiver]

My boat never gets the intake clogged, and its really great for the shallow bays around where I live. I am actually surprised with all the people with large draft boats here, they probably run aground a lot. Having a jet virtually eliminates this issue...

 

[Mitchell Marrone]

PM sent.

Thank you! Seems like an awesome boat.

 

[Mitchell Marrone]

My boat never gets the intake clogged, and its really great for the shallow bays around where I live. I am actually surprised with all the people with large draft boats here, they probably run aground a lot. Having a jet virtually eliminates this issue...

Thanks! Since you boat in Florida you know what I mean.

 

[Mitchell Marrone]

PM sent.

Thanks!

 

[Scottintexas]

glad to have you on board, it's to late now but a test ride is always advisable, maybe get one when the boat is delivered to make sure there's no operational issues though,

 

[Vandyman]

I have the 223 with twin 200's and power is more than ample. Not sure of the weight delta from the 243, but I max out around 54mph. I do not have ballast tanks or anything though. Acceleration is quite brisk and handling insane. We don't have much grass in our lake but so far no major issues with twigs and such. One or two minor issues where I had to power down or hit the throttle pretty good, but whatever it was cleared.

 

[GTBRMC]

Welcome aboard!

The Chap 243 VR is a beautiful boat with classic lines. I have not driven any Chap jets, but I suspect 400hp through twin jets will be more than plenty of power... plus a lot less thirsty than the 250 hp variant. Also, the 250s include external intercooled superchargers... more cost, more complexity, more maintenance down the road, and it definitely does not help reliability.

Good discussion here if you haven't read it:
https://jetboaters.net/threads/difference-between-rotax-200-and-250.8223

Post pix when you get her!

 

[daned15]

Congrats on the VR! I went back and forth too last Jan.... I ended up with the twin 250's. I can only tell you what mine will do and I boat on Lake Erie so can be choppy! I hit 58/59 twice last year... Burns some fuel doing so but 90% of the time I running around 28-30 MPH which I have to believe yours will be just fine running at that speed. Enjoy

 

[NJ Chaparral Dealer]

Hello,
This may help with an engine issue.


GENUINE BRP SERVICE MANUAL 150 - 200 - 250 FOR CHAPARRAL VORTEX JET BOAT * ** IN STOCK & READY TO SHIP! - Cecil Marine