Chaparral 180 SSi, All-American Value

Chaparral 180 SSi is the perfect little runabout for these economic times.

By Brett Becker

February 24, 2009

The All-American good-looking Chaparral 180 SSi

The narrative behind the Chaparral boat company is the classic American success story. Jim Lane and Buck Peg founded the company in 1965, and through hard work and determination, they built the company from an idea into the household name it is today. Since its founding, the company has endured recessions and boom years, but it has consistently offered a quality product that holds its value over time-at least as much as any boat can do so.

The 180 SSi has versatile seats a sunbather can love.

Take the 180 SSi for instance. The smallest runabout in the SSi fleet, the 180 certainly doesn't look the part of an entry-level boat. Some runabouts at this price point drive like a hollowed-out cork with an outboard engine, but not the Chaparral 180 SSi. With a 20-degree deadrise and Chaparral's Kevlar-reinforced Extended V-Plane hull, the 180 SSi drives and feels like boats that cost thousands more.

The optional extended swim platform

Measuring 18 feet, 3 inches long and 7 feet, 2 inches abeam, the 180 SSi weighs in at 2,100 pounds, holds up to eight people, and can carry 23 gallons of fuel, which is plenty even if you go for the optional 190 hp V-6 engine.

Inside you'll find accoutrements of more expensive boats, such as a Sirius-ready and MP3-compatible four-speaker stereo system, wraparound walk-through windshield, digital hour meter, and full analog instrumentation with fog-resistant gauges. You also get a color-matched convertible top, in-floor ski stowage, and a locking glove box-all standard. You can choose one of three seating arrangements, tack on an extended swim platform, and even get snap-in carpeting.

An open layout distinguishes the 180 SSi.

The base retail price for the Chaparral 180 SSi is $22,437, which includes a 135-hp Volvo 3.0 GL SX, but no trailer. One of the intangibles that you won't find listed on the window sticker is resale value. When the economy picks up again, you might want to upgrade to a larger boat. When that happens, it will be nice to know the boat you own has retained more of its value than some others you could have bought for about the same price.

For more information, visit www.chaparralboats.com or call 229-686-7481.

Written by: Brett Becker

Brett Becker is a freelance writer and photographer who has covered the marine industry for 15 years. In addition to covering the ski boat and runabout markets for Boats.com, he regularly writes and shoots for BoatTrader.com. Based in Ventura, Calif., Becker holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s in mass communication from the University of Central Florida in Orlando.