On May 30, 7:20 pm, Wayne.B wrote:
On 30 May 2007 14:05:31 -0700, Brad wrote:

The Yacht Survey appears to be a book resource. I guess I'm hoping to
avoid spending money on magazines and books and try to get opinions
from great people like you who may have used or owned these types of
boats or know people and heard what they said.

When it comes to boats and boating, a book will be the cheapest thing
you ever buy. It might even be considered an investment.

Crownline, Cobalt, Chaparral and SeaRay all have decent reputations in
the runabout market.

Thanks. Maybe I will be the book - one of both of them. However, I
have noticed that some people - a relatively small but recognizable
percentage - of people that I've spoken with or conversed with online
say that the brand names you mention above are superior to say,
Glastron or Stingray. I have pretty much come to the conclusion that
Bayliners are junk - I haven't heard one positive word about that
brand.

So I guess if I can get your opinion on that - the Crownline and
Chaparral brands in particular over the Glastron and Stingrays - that
would be very helpful.

JD Power has all these brands in the same class, but I called local
Crownline and Chaparral dealers and their entry level boats - the 18
range - are thousands of dollars more than the Glastron or the
Stingray - again, for the 17-18 foot entry level boat.

My local Chaparral dealer said their entry level boat would be roughly
$20,000, and my Glastron dealer said he would sell me the 185 RX out
the door for $14,500.

I guess I'm wondering what the extra $5,000-6000 is going to get me,
aside from a shinier hull, better paint job, fancier knobs, and maybe
carpeting. If it's a structural thing, I'd be interested in knowing
that. The motor is the same, that much I know for sure, so it would
seem one component of the boat - and the biggest one - is the same yet
$6,000 or more in difference of price?

This is assuming a MerC 3.0 in the boat. I will be upgrading the boat
to a 4.3, however.

If you have any comments or insight, that's be great.

Thanks again.