I have a friend with a 21' villain and it is an excellent boat. Well built and rides pretty good for it's size. Runs great too with the 350-400hp small block. He definately suprises alot of big block boats.

I second the http://bryantboats.com/boat270.html
I love ours. Hand made, no chopper gun, no wood, great quality.

Nice boat that is just above average in quality. I see a lot of inconsistancy in quality, and this is my issue with the boat. If you go to a dealer, you will see one with very nice rigging and finish and another with lots of caulking, gaps, and bad wiring. They make very good use of space and the hulls perform well.

Definetly not in the team photo with Formula and Cobalt on quality. I would put them in the ranks above Four Winns but below Sea Ray.

Bryant is nice, but miss in many design areas and finishes. I wanted to like the 270 Bryant, but once I saw it I walked away.

Anyway, the Chaparral is a nice boat that is a little above average IMO.

Thanks everyone for the helpful comments.

My neighbor (OSO member centerfield) has one and i've been on it alot. It's a very comfortable boat. Plenty of room for 8-10 and the girls love the head under the port console. I don't think he has had any problems at all with it.

I worked at a Chaparral dealership for years. Lots of warranty issues but usually taken care of without a hassle. Not a bad boat. Also worked at a Four Winns dealership, very few warranty issues. I just don't think Chaparral is in the same class as Four Winns or Sea Ray. But my sister has a 27 Signature with 350Mag Bravo 3 and loves it, only real problem is constant windshield misalignment.

I would recommend that your friend pick up a used Sea Ray 270 Sundeck. It would be a much better choice in terms of quality, on-going service and resale. The Sundeck series is the proven, market leader in this category.

I own a 2004 260 SSi open bow with a 496 MAG. Above average quality production boat. I agree with the comment on inconsistant quality but most all production boats have this issue. Not a Cobalt or Formula but also not a Rinker (I owned 2 Rinkers so I'm not bashing them).

I will let him know that.Thanks!

just tell him to cut to the chase and buy a cigarette....