BoatBanter.com - Runabouts: How do the brands rank.

Jack Redington wrote:
Reggie Smithers wrote:

wrote:

Bryan wrote:

wrote in message
oups.com...

Nute wrote:

Sorry for the double post - My fault.

Now I know that everyone will have their personal bias, and I
don't want
to
start another flame war here, but I'd wonder if there is some loose
consensus on what the pecking order is quality-wise of boat brands.

I'm new to looking at boats, and just got back from the boat
show. I was
pretty overwhelmed by everything I saw there, and would like to
get some
opinions on how the following rank, with regard to quality and price:

Sea Ray
Larson
Regal
Glastron
Four Winns
Ebbtide
Rinker
Stingray
Bayliner

The order I listed them is about what my impression is at this
time. I
have
been trying to find a benchmark boat on all of their websites to
use to
compare prices, but can't seem to find a common config that lets me
compare
apples to apples.

Thanks
Nute

You're missing the 3 C's: Cobalt, Crownline, and Chapparal. These
boats
probably belong at or near the top of your list, depending upon what's
important to you.

Personally have never heard of an Ebbtide.

Chuck,
I climbed around on a Chapparal when I was trying to find a less
expensive
boat and it had a cheap feel to it. I don't know nothin' 'bout
buildin' no
boats, but I didn't like it because of it's aesthetics and it's feel
on the
lot. The Crownline and Cobalt were nice, but out of my boating
price range.
Why do you include the Chapparal?

Chapparal is highly regarded by some folks I know who are pretty savvy
about smaller boats. Based entirely on their recommendations I would
personally put that brand on any short list, but I would also be
prepared to take it off the list if it didn't measure up to my personal
standards.

My personally favorite runabout size boat among brands I could discuss
at some length is probably Crownline, with Cobalt, Larson, and Sea Ray
scoring very highly as well. There are, (IMO) no boats in this class
that so obviously blow all other good boats away that they are *must*
buys- so personal taste and preferances as well as convenience of a
dealership for service, etc etc etc often become the elements around
which a final decision is formed.

Chuck,
Crownline makes a very good boat, but I can't believe you would place
it above a Cobalt. Are you using a cost/value analysis, or do you
believe a Crownline is a superior boat to Cobalt.

I think Chapparrel makes a good boat also, but when I was checking
them out (5 or 6 years ago), I saw some fit and finish problems on
numerous new boats.

I am on my second Crownline, have two with one for sale. I would place
Cobalt above Crownline as well, I just don't think the added cost is
justified. Your mileage my vary.

Capt Jack R..
ps I have not owned a Cobalt

I would never spend the money on a Cobalt, but they are one hell of a
boat for someone who wants the best.

Crownline on the other hand is a boat that is universally considered a
great quality boat priced competitive with the bulk of mfg'ers.

They are a fairly new brand, but have gained a large market share due to
satisfied customers. I wonder if any owner has not been pleased with
their Crownline.

--
Reggie
************************************************** *************
That's my story and I am sticking to it.

************************************************** *************