Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

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

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

"Nute" wrote in message
...
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


I do not give it a whole lot of weight, but here is what JD Power and
Associates had to say:

http://www.jdpower.com/news/releases...asp?ID=2005018

With a small runabout I don't think you will go wrong with any of those
brands you listed, although I don't know about the Ebbtide brand. You may
want to throw Maxum in the mix also if you are shopping.

BTW: SeaRay, IMO, does not belong at the top of the list, nor does Bayliner
belong on the bottom.

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

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.

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

wrote:
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.

Neighbor had an Ebbtide before he got his new Alumacraft. It was a nice
boat.
http://www.ebbtideboats.com/

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:40:03 -0600, "Nute" wrote:

#1 Sea Ray, Glastron, Four Winns, Larson
#2 Regal, Ebbtide, Rinker
#3 Stingray
up for grabs: Bayliner.

bayliner has a el cheapo boat that ive ridden in which seems to be
half way decent - it has a small mercruiser i/o and is around 10k,
boat, motor and trailer. it appears to be a very nice little entry
boat for somebody who just wants something to run around in on the
weekends.

just my opinion.

I agree. A nicely priced entry level boat for inland lakes.

BTW: You can upsize the power package.

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

Shortwave Sportfishing wrote:
On Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:40:03 -0600, "Nute" wrote:

#1 Sea Ray, Glastron, Four Winns, Larson
#2 Regal, Ebbtide, Rinker
#3 Stingray
up for grabs: Bayliner.

bayliner has a el cheapo boat that ive ridden in which seems to be
half way decent - it has a small mercruiser i/o and is around 10k,
boat, motor and trailer. it appears to be a very nice little entry
boat for somebody who just wants something to run around in on the
weekends.

just my opinion.
Anyone who is new to boating and is looking to boat on a lake, bay or
close to shore should definitely check out buying a used Bayliner.
There are a ton of them for sale and you can negotiate a great deal.
Their quality improved immensely during the 90's. After you have been
boating for awhile, you can decide exactly what is the ideal boat.
Since you purchased your first boat used, you will not take the big
depreciation hit. If you did a good job negotiating, you might even be
able to sell the boat for the same thing you paid for it.

--
Reggie
************************************************** *************

Q. What's the difference between a brown-noser and a ****-head?
A. Depth perception.
************************************************** *************

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

On 24 Jan 2006 13:35:29 -0800, wrote:

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.

I agree. You might want to add Tiara to that list also since they
make some very nice boats, as well as Albemarle.

Some of the smaller speedboats like the Baja 26 are interesting also
if you just want a fast runabout. Be sure to get one with "Silent
Choice" if you live near me.

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

JimH wrote:
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...

On Tue, 24 Jan 2006 13:40:03 -0600, "Nute" wrote:


#1 Sea Ray, Glastron, Four Winns, Larson
#2 Regal, Ebbtide, Rinker
#3 Stingray
up for grabs: Bayliner.

bayliner has a el cheapo boat that ive ridden in which seems to be
half way decent - it has a small mercruiser i/o and is around 10k,
boat, motor and trailer. it appears to be a very nice little entry
boat for somebody who just wants something to run around in on the
weekends.

just my opinion.


I agree. A nicely priced entry level boat for inland lakes.

BTW: You can upsize the power package.



And when you do upgrade the $10K special jumps to a level that can get
you a better boat and trailer.

Dan

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

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?

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

Bryan wrote:

Sea Ray
Larson
Regal
Glastron
Four Winns
Ebbtide
Rinker
Stingray
Bayliner

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?

And let's not forget the insightful thoughts from Tom Fournier:

The Bayliner bashing is a form of entertainment by a minority of rec.boats
subscribers. There have been rebuttals by respected members of the industry
only to be flamed by people who choose to remain ignorant. Bayliner is
mentioned in this newsgroup probably 20-1 vs. other brands so the flamers
are actually indirectly promoting the product. Many Bayliner owners have
thoughtfully responded with facts regarding their boats so people who may
not have considered buying a Bayliner may actually reconsider after having
read real life testimonials.

FACT: Bayliners retain a higher percentage of their purchase price than do
most other brands who compete in their size/price range.

FACT: Bayliner offers a high value for the money when compared to competing
brands.

FACT: Bayliner is backed by U.S. Marine, the largest and most profitable of
the over 4000 US boat manufacturers.

FACT: Bayliners are not overbuilt but are purpose built and should not be
confused with boats that offer higher quality lamination schedules, vinyls,
hardware, trim, gauges etc. at higher prices.

FACT: Bayliners are not the best built boats but do offer many thousands of
people the ability to afford to enjoy one of our greatest past times.

Tom Fournier
ABOS Marine Blue Book Editor

--
Skipper

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

On Tue, 24 Jan 2006 21:04:34 -0600, Skipper wrote:

FACT: Bayliners retain a higher percentage of their purchase price than do
most other brands who compete in their size/price range.

Frankly I don't believe that, unless we are talking about some really
narrow age range like less than 2 years old.

FACT: Bayliner offers a high value for the money when compared to competing
brands.

That's a matter of perception, and understanding what you are NOT
getting.

FACT: Bayliner is backed by U.S. Marine, the largest and most profitable of
the over 4000 US boat manufacturers.

Possibly true but so what?

FACT: Bayliners are not overbuilt but are purpose built and should not be
confused with boats that offer higher quality lamination schedules, vinyls,
hardware, trim, gauges etc. at higher prices.

And that is an understatement.

FACT: Bayliners are not the best built boats but do offer many thousands of
people the ability to afford to enjoy one of our greatest past times.

Unquestionably true.

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

Harry Krause wrote:

FACT: Bayliners retain a higher percentage of their purchase price than do
most other brands who compete in their size/price range.

FACT: Bayliner offers a high value for the money when compared to competing
brands.

FACT: Bayliner is backed by U.S. Marine, the largest and most profitable of
the over 4000 US boat manufacturers.

FACT: Bayliners are not overbuilt but are purpose built and should not be
confused with boats that offer higher quality lamination schedules, vinyls,
hardware, trim, gauges etc. at higher prices.

FACT: Bayliners are not the best built boats but do offer many thousands of
people the ability to afford to enjoy one of our greatest past times.

Tom Fournier
ABOS Marine Blue Book Editor

Oh, NOT *this* crap again, Snipper. It was b.s. when you first posted
it, and it was b.s. the next 100 times you posted it.

Actually, the Marine Blue Book was the *original* pricing guide used by
marine professionals. It is generally accepted to reflect the most
accurate boat values of all the guides. It remains the most respected
and is sold *only* to those in the business...and the pros pay a hefty
annual fee for the advice. Tom's insight is hardly "crap".

Would you like a current evaluation for a used Parker or fab
lobsterboat? If so, I'll need the years of manufacture, power and
equipment lists, and model numbers. Photos will not be required as the
Bluebook gives four (4) condition values.

--
Skipper

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

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?



One thing to consider is looking around at the used market for the
higher end Boats. I picked up a very nice and clean 2000 Crownline 225
last fall for less then half the msrp of a new one.

Currently selling a 210 cuddy Crownline that I don't think I will have
any trouble unloading. I have one interested party that is going to look
it over even though he said he really wnats a bowrider - Because of the
respect of the nameplate.

Happy hunting - looking is one of the funnest parts of buying. :-)

Capt Jack R..

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

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.

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

wrote in message
oups.com...

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.


Thanks, Chuck. I had already looked at the Sea Ray, but was trying to find
a less expensive first unused boat; so I checked out other boats including
the Chapparal. Looking at it confirmed my Sea Ray choice. Looking at
MasterCraft, Crownline, etc. convinced me my Sea Ray wasn't that expensive.
Real happy with my choice, except for two things: now I want a shorter
winter and a bigger boat for overnighting.

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

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.

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

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


Crownline is my personal favorite, which doesn't automatically make it
the world's best boat.

Once you get down to a group of very well made boats, a lot of the
preferances become subjective. I would absolutely respect an opinion
than Cobalt is a "better" boat than a Crownline, precisely because
there will always be a number of subjective factors influencing the
final conclusions.

I might think that filet mignon is better than lobster. You would be
free to disagree. :-)

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

wrote in message
oups.com...

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.

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

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


Crownline is my personal favorite, which doesn't automatically make it
the world's best boat.

Once you get down to a group of very well made boats, a lot of the
preferances become subjective. I would absolutely respect an opinion
than Cobalt is a "better" boat than a Crownline, precisely because
there will always be a number of subjective factors influencing the
final conclusions.

I might think that filet mignon is better than lobster. You would be
free to disagree. :-)


One without the other is good, but together, fan taz teak!

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

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

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

Reggie Smithers wrote:


Chuck, but few people would think a Buick is a better car than a BMW. ; )


You overrate the Cobalt and underrate the Crownline, IMO.




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

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

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.
 

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.

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

Runabouts: How do the brands rank.