Jun 12
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This spring, when you are in the market for a new speed boat, take a good look at the competition. Visit a boat show near you and do some comparison shopping. Customers are all looking for specific products, such as a basic boat for leisure cruising or a high-speed, customized vessel that will tow skiers. They want room for four, or room for seven passengers. Some are looking for a party boat. Others just want a reliable cruiser that will get them and their family members out on the water in safety and comfort.
Among the high performance brands, there can be a lot of high price tags. Buying a good boat is never cheap, but you can still be economical without sacrificing quality and style. Chaparral has a reputation for combining solid speed boat performance and a sleek look at a good price.
The company lists a fleet of models: the SSi, SSx, H20, Sunesta, XTreme, Signature, and Premiere. Consumers can pay for basic performance or high class luxury. There are day-trippers and sleepers. It is typical for the boat price to include its trailer.
Each one of the models listed is similar in shape: a bullet with a racing stripe down the side. Colors vary from vivid yellow to dark red. While some have a wraparound windshield at the very front, others make room for passengers to ride at the top of the boat. This means the canopy could be at the front of the boat, but it might be in the middle instead which gives the vessel a very different look. On a Signature Cruiser, controls are oriented towards the rear with a raised front portion and guard rails around the front.
Standard features on each boat include cockpit grab handles, removable cushions and power steering. Tune into an FM radio show while you laze on the water, or plug in your MP3. There is a Gardboard drain plug, and kids’ favorite feature, a built-in swim platform so they can slide into the water.
Customize your boat to increase the engine size. Add a tilt steering wheel and compass. Ask for a Bimini top, mooring cover and snap-in carpet. Rod holders can be added for fishermen. All of these things will push the price of your boat up, but since this is where you can expect to spend each summer for several years, it is worth paying to get exactly what you want. Deep Blue Yacht Supply is one of the industry leaders in providing propellers, marine hardware, and running gear for the full line of Chapparal boats.