The exciting new Chaparral 257SSX Bowrider is a luxury sports boat that’s built to party, and with 380hp she’ll rock your world.
Chaparral’s motto, ‘The boats are the stars’, rings true
with the new 257SSX Bowrider, with its big 8.2L MerCruiser MAG DTS
V8 pushing 380 horses for thumping acceleration and
exhilaration.
The 257SSX hails from one of America’s largest and most
successful boat manufacturers, boasting a career spanning nearly
five decades. This boat is the first of the new Chaparral models to
make it downunder, and it certainly won’t be the last.
The new Chaparral is a big social entertainer born to party, and
on the water she’ll rock your world. The boat has a strong and very
attractive moulded Targa arch/wakeboard tower, accentuating the
flowing lines of the deep and soft-riding, yet extremely stable,
SSX hull. Deep shoulders mean the boat can carry a load of
revellers safely in the bow, while a number of seating options
allows room for the rest of the gang in the cockpit.
There’s a fresh, clean feel to the upholstered layout, with some
very innovative convertible ideas, including a surprisingly
spacious toilet below the passenger console, touch-button layback
rear lounges and the new woven graphite-look vinyl dash.
The 257SSX is an on-water freedom machine with comfort, style
and grace. But she turns into an unleashed vixen when you
pump the throttle and let her fly. She’ll fill you with confidence
on the water, whether in the slop or the glass. The big MerCruiser
has a very pleasing rumble with a deep, throaty note that’s
still low enough to allow a normal conversation in the
cockpit.
The boat drives through the Bravo 3X duo-prop drive with
instantaneous power, a very torquey mid-range and an exhilarating
top end. It also offers precise low-speed manoeuvring and
easily-controlled reversing.
Flying over the surface is quiet due to the strength and
efficiency of the Chaparral construction and foam-filled hull. The
257SSX is very nimble for a big hull and should carry the maximum
capacity of up to 14 passengers with ease. There was no prop slip
from a standing start or when my passengers started screaming with
delight as I threw her into some tight manoeuvres.
We boaties can sometimes forget people need facilities when
spending long hours on the water, but the 257SSX’s hidden toilet is
just the thing to keep everyone happy. It’s tucked very neatly
under the passenger console, with a large pivoting doorway
providing easy access. The roof is a little low for big
blokes, but my 6ft frame could still use it if necessary. A
pressurised freshwater system is standard and feeds the small
handbasin. Our test boat had the optional VHT vacuflush unit with
macerator.
Behind the wheel
The console lives up to Chaparral’s premium standards. The
company has used a new woven graphite-look vinyl for the dash, and
I must say it presents beautifully with the walnut wood grain
accents. The integrated digital and analogue instruments – Garmin
720s GPS/sounder/plotter – and all operating controls are right
where they should be. The adjustable-tilt sports steering wheel is
gorgeous.
The dash has twin six-gang waterproof switch panels and controls
for the optional Lenco trim tabs. I generally try to use trim tabs
as little as possible in boat tests so I can properly evaluate the
hull characteristics, but with the weight and load capacity of the
big bowrider, as well as a crew, I found a quick touch on the tabs
levelled the ride instantly.
Driver and passenger are treated to some of the best bolster
seats in the industry. These babies have quick swivel and length
adjustment levers actuated from the armrests – no more fiddling
around looking for levers under seats. The driver’s position allows
terrific vision through the windscreen, or just over it when
up on the bolster. While most would love the ergonomics of this
boat, I was previously spoiled by the comfort of the armrest on the
smaller 216SSi, and once spoilt it’s hard to go back.
The head unit for the up-spec Clarion six-speaker sound system
is mounted behind the two-way door separating the cockpit and the
bow. There are remote repeaters on the dash and the stern.
There is a storage area under the driver’s dash and this thing
is seriously big – a real advantage in open bowriders. There is
another so-called ski locker under the floor, which can allegedly
fit five people (although they might complain a bit).
Riding in comfort
Up front, there is a reasonably large anchor locker with plenty
of room for rope and chain, as well as a retainer for the sand
anchor. I really liked the fold-out stainless boarding ladder and
the small reversible navigation light rotating to a flush mount and
popping out when needed.
The bowrider seating is richly upholstered and features sloping
backrests and a fold-out armrest for each side. These armrests,
along with suitably placed hand rails, make your passengers feel
more secure in the bounciest part of the boat. A small insulated
wet box under the forward cushion helps keep the bow revellers
refreshed.
The centre-opening safety glass windscreen is of the highest
standard, and back in the cockpit the party really gets going with
the convertible seating options. Behind the driver, a console box
with a hinged upholstered lid houses a lift-out 35-litre
cooler.
On the passenger’s side is another ‘transition lounge’ that
swivels into a number of lockable positions to provide sideways
seating, or when rotated 90 degrees actually becomes the second
seat for a dinette. This is a unique combination coming together
with the rear lounge to make a face-to-face dinette for four
people. The removable tabletop is stored in its own drawer under
the floor and can also be used in the bow.
The rear lounge and centre walkway setup really appeals to me.
It’s great to be able to walk all the way through the middle of the
seats from the rear platform, eliminating wet and dirty feet all
over the upholstery – this is a sports boat, after all, so people
are supposed to get wet and dirty.
There’s still more. Not only do the back-to-back rear lounges
provide seating for rear and forward-facing passengers, but they
convert into full-length sun loungers with adjustable head rests at
the touch of a button.
The back is home to a well-proportioned deck that is a
terrific staging area for watersports, as well as an easy access
route for dockside boarding. It houses a folding four-step
telescopic ladder in an enclosed compartment and a long stainless
grab handle with tow point. The platform has a non-slip finish and
is beautifully moulded into the attractive transom.
Horses for courses
Chaparral has included many big-boat features in its 257SSX.
Access to the huge engine bay is via the touch of a button, where
hydraulic rams lift the entire rear lounge to reveal the
MerCruiser. It’s a mechanic’s dream for easy servicing and all of
the electrical components are high above the bilge.
A quick scan reveals the water tank and pressure pump, in-built
fire extinguisher system, twin batteries and a terrific display of
plumbing and electrical circuitry.
The big MerCruiser and Bravo 3X duo-prop drive pushes out 380hp.
It features multi-point fuel injection with digital throttle and
shift, and combo analogue/digital SmartCraft gauges. For saltwater
applications it has an enclosed cooling system as standard, and
brass housing for the water pump.
The engine and drive are a well-matched selection for a package
that would be caught short with anything less, although the
optional 5.7L (or maybe 6.2L) engine would still be suitable
for fewer passengers in a cruising environment.
But for confirmed petrol heads, Chaparral also offers a whopping
MerCruiser MAG HO punching out 430hp, or if you prefer a Volvo
there is an equivalent range from 300-380hp.
To finish, Chaparral has moulded one of the most attractive
Targa arches on the market. The arch is optional for those who have
a boat storage (height) problem, but in my opinion you should
either get it, or get yourself a bigger shed. The beautiful black
arch provides the framework for overhead lighting and a strong
Sunbrella bimini. On a sunny summer’s day we remained unbaked.
There’s a long list of other features and options like clip-in
carpet and cup holders in all the right places, plus some awesome
blue feature lighting around the cockpit, in the arch, under the
engine vents and on the stern quarter.
Our test boat had underwater lights and was finished in
high-gloss ebony and ivory gel coat, featuring a moulded powerline
with a silver accent. Tasteful decals and badges enhanced its
premium demeanour and sophisticated feel.
The verdict
I’ve got to stop taking my family on these Chaparral boat tests,
it’s going to cost me a fortune one day. They’ve been spoilt and
now expect no less for our own boating exploits.
For more information contact Ownaship on 0800 696 7447.
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SPECIFICATIONS |
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Chaparral 257SSX |
|
|
Construction: |
Fibreglass |
|
Length: |
7.77m |
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Beam: |
2.59m |
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Weight: |
2132kg dry (boat only) |
|
Deadrise: |
22.5° |
|
Rec. hp: |
380 |
|
Max. hp: |
430 |
|
Fuel: |
273L |
|
Water: |
51L |
|
Engine: |
MerCruiser MAG 8.2L |
|
Type: |
Multi-point electronic fuel |
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Gear ratio: |
2:1 |
|
Propeller: |
26in |
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Price as |
$138,000 |
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Priced from: |
$98,000 |
|
Options |
Bravo 3X; Garmin 720S; Clarion |
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Photography: Ellen Dewar and John Willis