Finally got the boat out of storage

Joined
Jul 10, 2012
Messages
16,464
Location
North Carolina Coast
Way behind the curveball. Second summer here and still getting settled in. Just a few days ago, got it out of storage, took it to the house, cleaned it up, yes, wife helped as I call it her boat since she wanted it.
Boat cleans up nice. Interior shot could be better, water was still on the seats and the snap in carpet is actually new/perfect. Want to get out this weekend but we are having endless storms, MAYBE a change for Sunday, will see.
Still have to change oil but typically I wait until the first outing since it's been used so little in the last two years, same goes for the gear oil in the VP SX-A drive.

Gear lube just arrived this week. Mobil 1 Delvac Synthetic from Summit. Engine oil I have been using Mystic 15w50 Diesel oil as I buy it in 2 gallon jugs and use it in my motorcycle too. I may switch over to Mobil 1 15/50 after using the mystic that I have used in the bike for the last almost decade. Recently put the Mobile 1 in the bike. Will see, no real reason except the Mobil is easier to buy sometimes.

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Boats are fun. Over maintaining them is barely enough when it comes to enjoying a day on the water !
 
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Very nice, it's definitely worth the hard work to enjoy a beautiful day out on the water. And down there you can extend your Summer into October, so you'll still get at least 3 months of fun in the sun.

Up here in the nort our Summer runs 2-3 months so every day counts when it's really nice out. We'll be taking ours tomorrow:
S14.webp


We added a small pad off the driveway just to store the boat on it during boating season, and when the boat is in winter storage it'll be used as an extra parking space for visitors.

Have fun out there and be safe. Don't forget those drain plugs!
 
Way behind the curveball. Second summer here and still getting settled in. Just a few days ago, got it out of storage, took it to the house, cleaned it up, yes, wife helped as I call it her boat since she wanted it.
Boat cleans up nice. Interior shot could be better, water was still on the seats and the snap in carpet is actually new/perfect. Want to get out this weekend but we are having endless storms, MAYBE a change for Sunday, will see.
Still have to change oil but typically I wait until the first outing since it's been used so little in the last two years, same goes for the gear oil in the VP SX-A drive.

Gear lube just arrived this week. Mobil 1 Delvac Synthetic from Summit. Engine oil I have been using Mystic 15w50 Diesel oil as I buy it in 2 gallon jugs and use it in my motorcycle too. I may switch over to Mobil 1 15/50 after using the mystic that I have used in the bike for the last almost decade. Recently put the Mobile 1 in the bike. Will see, no real reason except the Mobil is easier to buy sometimes.

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I couldn't tell but inboard or outboard? Is maintenance similar between the two?
 
I couldn't tell but inboard or outboard? Is maintenance similar between the two?
Its a Volvo Penta I/O ...
I wish it was an outboard. If a choice I would choose outboard but it can be dependent on how the boat is set up. Rear Swim platform is awesome on an I/O but an outboard to me is more simple and reliable due to no through hull driveshaft, bellows and joints. IN addition the outboard is specially manufactured (in most cases) for salt water operation where the inboard is a concerted automobile block.
I/O more quiet and definitely more fuel efficient ... but if a long term investment an outboard, more so in salt water is more easy to care for.
 
@97prizm

Here is a photo of the back
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We also have the factory extended swim platform, photo is grainy as I took this photo from my float and just zoomed in.
You can see it also has controls to control the stereo from the swim platform as well as raise and lower the outdrive which is handy. the control is located at the extreme right side of the boat photo swim platform on the side wall. .

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Our dog, 100% blind, never knows daylight from darkness, though somehow he knows using his other senses, like clockwork he is up at 8AM and barks to go to bed at 10:15PM (almost creepy), he LOVES the boat. ( I guess all dogs do)
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View of the extended swim platform
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Very nice, it's definitely worth the hard work to enjoy a beautiful day out on the water. And down there you can extend your Summer into October, so you'll still get at least 3 months of fun in the sun.

Up here in the nort our Summer runs 2-3 months so every day counts when it's really nice out. We'll be taking ours tomorrow:
View attachment 229887

We added a small pad off the driveway just to store the boat on it during boating season, and when the boat is in winter storage it'll be used as an extra parking space for visitors.

Have fun out there and be safe. Don't forget those drain plugs!
Nice, like the radar arch
 
I couldn't tell but inboard or outboard? Is maintenance similar between the two?
I know little about boats but my buddy sends me YouTubes of FWC busting people and all outboards. I google and seems most boats <= 47’ are outboards? I always though I/o and inboards were better but I guess I’m wrong. Nothing new 😆
 
I know little about boats but my buddy sends me YouTubes of FWC busting people and all outboards. I google and seems most boats <= 47’ are outboards? I always though I/o and inboards were better but I guess I’m wrong. Nothing new 😆
Well better is subject to the desires of the boat owner. However yes, you now see large boats with outboards but definitely not most boats that size.
The reason that it has become more popular (I think anyway) is the insane horsepower ratings they are starting to produce on an engine that literally hangs on the back of a boat.
300Hp used to be a lot, now 450 to 600 Hp per outboard engine.

Just one of these engines cost about $77,000 each, just for the engine itself. Installation and controls may cost extra I dont know
SO we have $300,000 + in engines here in this photo and then you need a boat. ;)

Screenshot 2024-07-12 at 5.08.36 PM.webp

Source - https://boattest.com/article/new-mercury-v12-600-hp-outboard
 
Well better is subject to the desires of the boat owner. However yes, you now see large boats with outboards but definitely not most boats that size.
The reason that it has become more popular (I think anyway) is the insane horsepower ratings they are starting to produce on an engine that literally hangs on the back of a boat.
300Hp used to be a lot, now 450 to 600 Hp per outboard engine.

Just one of these engines cost about $77,000 each, just for the engine itself. Installation and controls may cost extra I dont know
SO we have $300,000 + in engines here in this photo and then you need a boat. ;)

View attachment 229934
Source - https://boattest.com/article/new-mercury-v12-600-hp-outboard
It truly seems like there are simply not enough things for the wealthy to purchase, which is very fascinating. We’re looking at 2,400 HP. But once again we know not the torque, and I believe from what I read online, I/O and inboard have more torque. Just imagine what salt water does to machines…

I had a coworker get a 47’ Sea Ray used and it was $800k 10 years ago. Can’t imagine what it is today nor envision the fuel/marina/mooring/storage plus the house on the bay. we busted on her saying you live in a lifestyle of the rich and famous world, working for fun….
 
It truly seems like there are simply not enough things for the wealthy to purchase, which is very fascinating. We’re looking at 2,400 HP. But once again we know not the torque, and I believe from what I read online, I/O and inboard have more torque. Just imagine what salt water does to machines…

I had a coworker get a 47’ Sea Ray used and it was $800k 10 years ago. Can’t imagine what it is today nor envision the fuel/marina/mooring/storage plus the house on the bay. we busted on her saying you live in a lifestyle of the rich and famous world, working for fun….
You know, good point, torque. I never thought about this in boating but sure as heck have in motorcycles.
Im positive I/0 have more torque, though, not sure they can be a match for this HP in a smallish boat (47 feet)
This I think (and I can be wrong) explains why all O/B's get worse MPG than I/B's
 
You know, good point, torque. I never thought about this in boating but sure as heck have in motorcycles.
Im positive I/0 have more torque, though, not sure they can be a match for this HP in a smallish boat (47 feet)
This I think (and I can be wrong) explains why all O/B's get worse MPG than I/B's
I just remember my dad dreaming about boats (he dreamed about more things than I do lol) and looking at brochures, which is why I always assumed "better" and larger boats have I/O and even inboard.

Even if the Mercury is 600 HP, isn't the block of an I/O bigger than the outboard? The 600 HP outboard is big, but it would even seem the engine itself was designed around the overall exterior shape?
 
Chaparral makes an excellent boat. And VP makes an excellent I/O. But I believe I am the only guy in DE who likes I/O. Everyone else wants a Yamaha outboard.

I talked to at a Yahana certified mechanic (he had a Yamaha shirt on) and said I/O are much harder to work on.

It might be because I like engines and can see the nice 300HP engine when I lift the engine cover.

I bought a Diacom and have it available to read the VP codes.
 
Chaparral makes an excellent boat. And VP makes an excellent I/O. But I believe I am the only guy in DE who likes I/O. Everyone else wants a Yamaha outboard.

I talked to at a Yahana certified mechanic (he had a Yamaha shirt on) and said I/O are much harder to work on.

It might be because I like engines and can see the nice 300HP engine when I lift the engine cover.

I bought a Diacom and have it available to read the VP codes.
The beauty seems to be its inline 6 and diesel.

Seems the various HP are all 7.7 liters

 
Engine envy in post #11. Ours is a Rotax jet engine, 1.5L supercharged and intercooled making 250hp at 8k rpms.

It definitely gets up and goes, basically like a big jet ski. This being our first, we're just getting our feet wet in the boating lifestyle.
 
Nice boat, we have almost the same boat but an earlier model without the Sport Seat, we have the longer cockpit with the I/O hump in the middle.

Great Lakes Skipper is a good source for some proprietary Chaparral parts.

Enjoy!
 
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Well better is subject to the desires of the boat owner. However yes, you now see large boats with outboards but definitely not most boats that size.
The reason that it has become more popular (I think anyway) is the insane horsepower ratings they are starting to produce on an engine that literally hangs on the back of a boat.
300Hp used to be a lot, now 450 to 600 Hp per outboard engine.

I never liked outboards, but simply on aesthetics and sound. You have a beautiful, swept hull with these goiters on the stern.... But, I have become a convert. Our ocean boat is a dual outboard and I will say I cannot complain about much....except looks. Maintenance access is easy, less fire risk w/o the power plants in the hull, ability to trim up, etc., and they are whisper quiet at low speed/power settings.

Still prefer a clean stern:D...and yes, the rope is in a bad spot, a passenger placed them there after we were underway.
GW Wild Harbor e.webp
 
Chaparral makes an excellent boat. And VP makes an excellent I/O. But I believe I am the only guy in DE who likes I/O. Everyone else wants a Yamaha outboard.

I talked to at a Yahana certified mechanic (he had a Yamaha shirt on) and said I/O are much harder to work on.

It might be because I like engines and can see the nice 300HP engine when I lift the engine cover.

I bought a Diacom and have it available to read the VP codes.
Yeah, I like I/O's too, really, I like the integration and extra room on the swim platforms. I LOVE the better fuel economy too.
I love how quiet they are too.

I HATE the fact of all the through hull apparatus though. SO much to go wrong as a boat gets older. That really is my only beef.
I also feel more "Pressured" to flush the engine after each outing as the internal components are not designed from the ground up for salt water use (unless you have a heat exchanger) I only had one boat with one and I LOVED it but I dont think (?) that saves you for the high risers I do think it does save your exhaust manifold though.
 
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