At the Sand Bar Again
Jet Boat Addict
- Messages
- 32
- Reaction score
- 14
- Points
- 107
- Location
- Marblehead/Sandusky Bay, Ohio
- Boat Make
- Chaparral
- Year
- 2016
- Boat Model
- VR
- Boat Length
- 22
Hi all, I was never known to let well enough alone, so I made a few modifications to my Vortex. I have the 223, but from the gallery on the Chaparral website, most of these mods would likely apply to all models. I liked the results so I thought I'd post a few photos in the Media section.
(1) For the useless space to the right of the cupholder on the port side. I cut in, and added a SS pan for the cell phone, car keys, sun-block, etc. It was just a food prep warming pan. The size is "1/9". E-bay $10-12.
(2) I added a second set of bimini mounting brackets. Previously, the original location left the bimini top just floating and bouncing in front of the seats, which caused binding on the gelcoat and brackets. I didn't want to bother with patching the holes from the originals, so I just purchased another pair ($25-30) and added them about 5-6 inches back from the originals. This now allows the Bimini top (when down) to rest nicely on the area between the seats. Some days, we don't even put the bimini top up, which was impossible before. It also allows the Bimini to set on the windshield when I put on the mooring cover.
(3) Ladder modification. I was not a fan of the ladder protruding so far off the swim platform. We often hang out there with our feet in the water and it would likely get in the way. So when I ordered the boat, I specifically asked the dealer to provide the ladder "loose" and not mounted. I took it to a buddy of mine and had him machine some slots in place of the mounting holes. I used some nylon spacers and SS screws/washers to re-mount it. Now it slides flush when not in use, but extends perfectly when needed. The lid works just the same whether if in or out positions. I will admit, it was a challenge to install. I could have used a longer arm to reach all the way back into the recess to hold the nuts/washers when installing. About $25 labor & hardware.
(4) Fire Extinguisher mounting bracket. I was surprised the Chaparral did not come with a fire extinguisher and dedicated mounting location like my previous Yamaha did. I noticed some dead space in the port side"closet" just inside the door. I found by removing the filler board, I could easily mount one there. I used a hole saw a little larger than the OD of the F.E. and added some scrap Trex I had laying around. I used a double layer on the bottom, drilling the top one with the same hole saw. Slips in there perfectly and is very accessible if ever needed. No Cost.
Other than that, I just added some carpeting to the storage areas and rubber padding to the glove box and other cubby holes to pad cell phones etc.
I hope these tips work for you and improve your ride.
Let me know if you have any specific questions or need additional photos.
Good Luck
(1) For the useless space to the right of the cupholder on the port side. I cut in, and added a SS pan for the cell phone, car keys, sun-block, etc. It was just a food prep warming pan. The size is "1/9". E-bay $10-12.
(2) I added a second set of bimini mounting brackets. Previously, the original location left the bimini top just floating and bouncing in front of the seats, which caused binding on the gelcoat and brackets. I didn't want to bother with patching the holes from the originals, so I just purchased another pair ($25-30) and added them about 5-6 inches back from the originals. This now allows the Bimini top (when down) to rest nicely on the area between the seats. Some days, we don't even put the bimini top up, which was impossible before. It also allows the Bimini to set on the windshield when I put on the mooring cover.
(3) Ladder modification. I was not a fan of the ladder protruding so far off the swim platform. We often hang out there with our feet in the water and it would likely get in the way. So when I ordered the boat, I specifically asked the dealer to provide the ladder "loose" and not mounted. I took it to a buddy of mine and had him machine some slots in place of the mounting holes. I used some nylon spacers and SS screws/washers to re-mount it. Now it slides flush when not in use, but extends perfectly when needed. The lid works just the same whether if in or out positions. I will admit, it was a challenge to install. I could have used a longer arm to reach all the way back into the recess to hold the nuts/washers when installing. About $25 labor & hardware.
(4) Fire Extinguisher mounting bracket. I was surprised the Chaparral did not come with a fire extinguisher and dedicated mounting location like my previous Yamaha did. I noticed some dead space in the port side"closet" just inside the door. I found by removing the filler board, I could easily mount one there. I used a hole saw a little larger than the OD of the F.E. and added some scrap Trex I had laying around. I used a double layer on the bottom, drilling the top one with the same hole saw. Slips in there perfectly and is very accessible if ever needed. No Cost.
Other than that, I just added some carpeting to the storage areas and rubber padding to the glove box and other cubby holes to pad cell phones etc.
I hope these tips work for you and improve your ride.
Let me know if you have any specific questions or need additional photos.
Good Luck
