Looking for advice on boats

[Hopeful]

I grew up with a 1987 chaparral 200xlc with a v8 I think 350 ci. It was a great boat. It pulled hard and never had a problem getting people up slalom skiing. We pulled up some big guys. Like 7 foot plus and 300lbs+ guys. All while having at least 5+ people in the boat.
This boat is now own a family member of mine. I would love to buy it from him so I could give my family the memories I was able to get. But he will not sell. lol.

I have been looking at saving up to get a boat and want something that would be equivalent to the one I gre up with. Idk if chaparral’s quality is as good as it was when my family got the new one in 1987. I am looking for feedback back.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for the long question.

 

[Doc]

Sounds like a FUN boat. My brother bought a new 1986 Chaparral. I think it was 19.6. It also had a 350 in it and ran great. We would go skiing with 8 of us onboard. 4 adults (two couples) and 4 kids. It did fantastic. We had a blast.

From what I've read the new Chaps are still quality boats but I have not owned one, so I hope current owners will chime in.

For what you are wanting a 20ft boat with a 350 or bigger engine should do the trick. The bigger boat you go for the bigger the engine has to be to pull up the skiers while hauling 5+ people along. Good luck to you in finding the perfect boat.