by fatmattyd » Wed Jan 17, 2018 10:06 am
I emailed OP directly a few weeks back, but I'll share my opinion here now. As such, opinions are like... well, you get the idea. Everyone has one, and they all can stink.
I'm going to respectfully disagree with some of what's been posted.
I think the Chap is an excellent boat. Fit and finish, in my opinion, are every bit as quality as the Regal. I think the ride is excellent, and there are some features that I really like (self-draining cockpit, some of the design styling, etc).
I do think the stepped hull adds to the Regal. My little 2100 with the 4.3L certainly seems to benefit from it, from what I can tell. Still wish I'd gone with the 300hp though.
That said... I think, for me, the decision would come down to this:
1) Which boat do you prefer? Are there options, layout choices, fit and finish differences that you like?
2) Is sales pricing comparable?
3) The dealer experience. I don't think a boat is like a car - it's just not as easy to switch dealerships with a boat. I think a boat purchase involves much more of a relationship
with your boat dealer. The volume on boat sales isn't as high (as cars), so many more items are hand-assembled. Things will go wrong with the boat, and I think how a dealership handles
it has a lot to do with the overall customer ownership experience. In my case, I haven't had a great experience with my dealer, in contacting Regal, or with Volvo Penta, and so I'm biased.
The dealership next door to mine sells Chaps, and that operation is definitely a step up.
That said, if you're getting the sleazy vibe from the Chap dealer, that would very much turn me off.
4) Engine - I think you'd be fine with either one, and both choices you list will have ample power. That new Merc 300hp 6.2L is a monster. Seriously. The volvo penta 5.7L 350HP is no slouch either, but
I'd be more interested in getting the newer 5.3L, especially if it has the new water drain feature (though draining without it is not really a challenge either). If there's a big difference between mechanic choices
in your area, maybe this is a bigger concern. However, I would want to have it serviced at the purchasing dealer, and of course they'd be certified on what they're selling (which gets back to #3).
In the end, go with what makes you happy. Boating is supposed to be fun!
If you're really torn, make a firm decision and then sleep on it. If you can't sleep that night or don't feel comfortable with your choice in the morning, then you've got your answer.
Good luck!