Vortex is done…..stick a fork in them

[Enduro900]

RIP Vortex. The line never really took off for Chap. Their dealer network didnt like them for the most part. Then the “Vortex” as a separate brand didn’t seem to help with dealer build-out either.

Bummer as I really like the product, their MAP pricing was much more fair that Scarabs inflated MSRP/dicker format.

Just talked to my local Vortex dealer to confirm. There was never any discussion of a “pause”, BRP cannot/will not be able to supply engines at a level that would make sense to continue the line (maybe because BRP is using the excess PWC engine production for their own Switch)?

I does look like Scarab is continuing at least for now, with 2022 models (although their website has not been updated either for 2022, which makes one wonder)

 

[Jim_in_Delaware]

This would be understandable. Looks like they are adding more OB's to the Chapparal line.

Jim

 

[ShlepRock]

RIP Vortex. The line never really took off for Chap. Their dealer network didnt like them for the most part. Then the “Vortex” as a separate brand didn’t seem to help with dealer build-out either.

Bummer as I really like the product, their MAP pricing was much more fair that Scarabs inflated MSRP/dicker format.

Just talked to my local Vortex dealer to confirm. There was never any discussion of a “pause”, BRP cannot/will not be able to supply engines at a level that would make sense to continue the line (maybe because BRP is using the excess PWC engine production for their own Switch)?

I does look like Scarab is continuing at least for now, with 2022 models (although their website has not been updated either for 2022, which makes one wonder)

Scarab never updates their site till Oct/Nov...

 

[ChrisM]

I think it took off quite well for Chaparral, yes the dealers were not very helpful for the long survival. My dealer stated they dropped the line because there too many colors, and various features/options, that they couldn't enough variations in stock. I dis-believe this and really feel the NAP, was what their issue was.
Chaparral dealers also need/needed separate licensure for BRP, and Vortex, according to the dealer I purchased mine from.

 

[Chatt_Jetsetter]

Yeah this is a real shame and most of us Vortex owners just don't get it. Chap builds great boats, and the Vortex is a great alternative to a Yamaha in the jet boat market. Honestly, we all benefit from more choices and competition, not less. I like the Scarab line and they use the BRP engines as well, but I'd rather have a Vortex.

 

[GTBRMC]

It was not difficult to see it coming, but I am still sad to see it. The Chap / Vortex boats were beautiful and a very competitive challenger to Yamaha (as others have noted). Sad that they have never really caught on. I watched the Chap jet boat life from the beginning to the end with more than casual interest. From my perspective, it did seem as if the dealer network and the broader customer base never really embraced the jet driven product.

 

[ChrisM]

A screenshot from the vortex forum.....

 

[VitaminSea]

Looks like the moderators also threw in the towel.
That’s sad, as there is still the need for a knowledge base for “how to’s”, etc. Hopefully users find their way to JB.net

 

[Chatt_Jetsetter]

A screenshot from the vortex forum.....

View attachment 166005

Oh yeah, the Vortex "forums" have been dead since pretty much the start. There is a very active, very good Facebook group though for Vortex owners.

 

[Jim_in_Delaware]

The Chaparral forum isn't much better, forum.chaparralboats.com. Mostly spammers. I believe that most of the Chaparral owners have move over to a Facebook group.

Jim