215 feedbac

[Light twin]

Hi, my next boat will be a jetboat and while researching all the options discovered this website. Having read through many excellent posts/observations I've reached the conclusion that
a) I like the Scarab, and
b) it will be more sensible for me to go for the 215 instead of the 195.

I've found a couple of used 2014 models with about 30 hours on the 200hp engines. I can't help thinking that these boats suffered from the rotax gremlins often mentioned on these forums and the owners have just given up on their boat. I'm lured by the 'bargain' price tag of the boats, but at what hidden cost?

I've always had Mercruiser sterndrives until now so I'm venturing into new (and potentially expensive) territory so any advice regarding pre-buy inspections, in particular things to look for that are unique to these engines/electrics and propulsion units, will be gratefully appreciated.
Any questions you wished you had asked, any differences in options you regret taking/not taking?
Is a used 30 hr engine that much different to a new one?

Many thanks!

 

[Luc Lafreniere]

Hi, I bought my 165 (2015 model) this spring with 22hrs on it. I've since doubled the hours on the boat and have had zero issues. So I can't/won't speak for everyone, but my personal experience of buying a slightly used boat has been great keeping in mind I've only added about 21hrs on it since the purchase. Overall, I've been very happy with the boat and the dealer that had it before seems to have done a good job of checking everything before delivering it to me. Lights were cleared properly, boat was in wonderful working order (had very minor issues only, mostly stuff I had to learn about), oil change was performed, new battery installed, etc.

 

[Light twin]

Sounds as though you got a good one! Now I just need to find a similar condition 215

 

[Scarabpaul]

I purchased a new 2015 215HO last year. I have put 25hrs on it so far and it has been great. my maintenance light just came on for the 25hr service so I need the dealer to clear it. other than that I have been completely satisfied, the boat is fast, turns on a dime and I get compliments every time I take it out. so far I have install seadek, dual batteries and cobra fins. only regret is I should have purchased a tower. I had a 150 speedster with the single rotax engine and I will never go to a single engine again, the acceleration is unreal with the twins.

 

[Light twin]

Fantastic. V jealous. ...all the used 215s I've seen so far don't have the tower. Can I ask what hp engines you have in your boat?

 

[Scarabpaul]

Fantastic. V jealous. ...all the used 215s I've seen so far don't have the tower. Can I ask what hp engines you have in your boat?

I got the twin 200's.

 

[Pirana]

I'm pretty sure someone will tell you, but the main gremlin, specially on the first year models is the shaft misalignment causing the carbon seal to wear out and leaking water into the hull....so that would be my main look out on a used jetboat.

 

[PanamaJet]

I would not get a 2014 - most of the issues that people have reported have been with the 2014 and 2015 model years. The lower price was not worth the hassle for me.

 

[Ronnie0471]

2016 / 215 HOI orange 45 hours, great boat , sexy boat perfect size, some minor issues, most I fixed myself. I may have it for sale soon due to upgrade time. Near buffalo ny

 

[Elio195HOI]

Hi, my next boat will be a jetboat and while researching all the options discovered this website. Having read through many excellent posts/observations I've reached the conclusion that
a) I like the Scarab, and
b) it will be more sensible for me to go for the 215 instead of the 195.

I've found a couple of used 2014 models with about 30 hours on the 200hp engines. I can't help thinking that these boats suffered from the rotax gremlins often mentioned on these forums and the owners have just given up on their boat. I'm lured by the 'bargain' price tag of the boats, but at what hidden cost?

I've always had Mercruiser sterndrives until now so I'm venturing into new (and potentially expensive) territory so any advice regarding pre-buy inspections, in particular things to look for that are unique to these engines/electrics and propulsion units, will be gratefully appreciated.
Any questions you wished you had asked, any differences in options you regret taking/not taking?
Is a used 30 hr engine that much different to a new one?

Many thanks!

Stay away from 2014 for sure. Still trying to work the bugs out.

 

[Light twin]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Seems to be a consistent theme and general consensus regarding the 2014 models. Nice idea Ronnie but in all fairness to you yours will probably be too much for me.

 

[Lee Weismiller]

I purchased a new 2015 215HO last year. I have put 25hrs on it so far and it has been great. my maintenance light just came on for the 25hr service so I need the dealer to clear it. other than that I have been completely satisfied, the boat is fast, turns on a dime and I get compliments every time I take it out. so far I have install seadek, dual batteries and cobra fins. only regret is I should have purchased a tower. I had a 150 speedster with the single rotax engine and I will never go to a single engine again, the acceleration is unreal with the twins.

Hi there, I also have a brand new 2015 215HO, I just turned the 25 hr mark and my service guy quoted me 480$ (Canadian) ?? You said dealer just had to clear it. Is there actual maintenance that needs to be done? Never had a brand new boat before. Thanks!

 

[Scarabpaul]

Hi there, I also have a brand new 2015 215HO, I just turned the 25 hr mark and my service guy quoted me 480$ (Canadian) ?? You said dealer just had to clear it. Is there actual maintenance that needs to be done? Never had a brand new boat before. Thanks!

before I stored my boat for winter I completed my oil change and plugs prior to hitting 25hrs. I spoke to the dealer and they advised that they would clear the maintenance reminder when it came on. now if they do it free of charge we will see ...

 

[Light twin]

Many thanks guys, a 223vrx has fallen into my lap, top of the line model, so, Inspection going well, I'll be posting on the Chaparral pages.

I've posted on there for any suggestions regarding things to look for in particular during the pre-buy inspection. .. rotax and jet pump specific. Any feedback always appreciated.

 

[a4effort]

Many thanks guys, a 223vrx has fallen into my lap, top of the line model, so, Inspection going well, I'll be posting on the Chaparral pages.

I've posted on there for any suggestions regarding things to look for in particular during the pre-buy inspection. .. rotax and jet pump specific. Any feedback always appreciated.

Best of luck with your purchase process and acquiring what sounds like a very nice chaparral! I think it would be ok to drop a pic in this thread for us Scarab cousins to check out

 

[Light twin]

Ok, will do

 

[Mark Brannon]

I purchased a new 2015 215HO last year. I have put 25hrs on it so far and it has been great. my maintenance light just came on for the 25hr service so I need the dealer to clear it. other than that I have been completely satisfied, the boat is fast, turns on a dime and I get compliments every time I take it out. so far I have install seadek, dual batteries and cobra fins. only regret is I should have purchased a tower. I had a 150 speedster with the single rotax engine and I will never go to a single engine again, the acceleration is unreal with the twins.

@Scarabpaul where did you mount the 2nd battery on your 215HO? This is on my project list for the fall (along with the on board charger)

 

[Scarabpaul]

@Scarabpaul where did you mount the 2nd battery on your 215HO? This is on my project list for the fall (along with the on board charger)

I installed it on the starboard side under the seat . Very easy, I followed scarabmikes instructions.