Searay vs Chapparel

Gone Overboard

Gone Overboard

New Member
Aug 30, 2022
11
08075: South Jersey
Boat Info
2003 Searay weekender 225
Engines
Mercruiser 5.0 MPI 260 HP
Hi guys,

Second post here. You all are terrific! I am selling my 225 Weekender for a larger boat. I love Searays but am wondering the differences between them and Chapparel Signature series. They look really nice and seem a little less expensive than Searays. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!
 
I help out many fellow boaters with troubleshooting and performing maintenance on their boats. My brother in law has had 2 Chaparrals, a 27 and a 29 I believe. I hated working on them. The motors are difficult to work on as they were tucked up underneath the stern flooring. Most boats have their difficulties, but his were the most difficult. SeaRays seem easier to access things and they have this most wonderful forum of owners and past owners to help you get through just about anything. My choice would be SeaRay all day long.
 
I have a Chaparral 190 SSI, smaller than what you are looking at.
Had it for 8 years and it has been an excellent boat while the kids were growing up.
Quality is really good - on par with Sea Ray as both are very good quality imo.
Engines are universal - ours has a mercruiser 4.3l and never had any issues.
The Sea Ray support forum and after-market parts availability is better.
 
My last boat was a '92 Chaparral 2550 SX Sport 7.4 with a B1. Seemed like a heavier boat than comparable SR's , as it took rough water far better than my buddy's 26' SR. Maybe the 21 degree dead rise was more than the SR's, Don't know.

Just seemed like a better boat for rough water power runs. My current boat, '95 SR, is great on rivers and lakes, but the slightest snotty water and it is a rough ride. Have to admit though, the creature comforts and build detail seem better on the SR.

Really wish I didn't sell the 2550, but was too big and heavy for my old a$$ to trailer / launch / retrieve all the time.
 
One quick way too compare is checkout their spec sheet to see the difference in boats total weight. Usually the heavier the boat the more material went into building it. When people get on the Bayliner kick being built right next to a Sea Ray the weight is the difference.
 
I was told the sea ray is a little better if you plan to do coastal boating
 
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