Which Chaparral Boat is Right for You?
Whether you’re looking for your first boat or your tenth, the shopping process can be a little daunting with all the options, sizes, colors, etc. While those are all important things to consider, the first thing to decide is how you want to use the boat and what you’ll be doing while you’re out on the water. Are you going to be out on the bay of Green Bay, doing most of your boating here on Lake Winnebago, planning on doing weekend cruises up to Fremont? These are all great options to choose from, but sometimes different types of boating.
Here are some insights on each model line by Chaparral Boats to provide a starting point in the shopping experience and help you line up the right boat for the lifestyle you want.
SSi: Value Packed Versatility
Perfect First Boat
Value Focused
Agile Performance
The Chaparral SSi line of boats is all about value-added family boating. Coming in at 21’, and 23’, either of the sizes can be rigged with either sterndrive or outboard power plans and the 21 SSIs available in either the standard (sport) edition or the Ski & Fish package.
Even though this model line by Chaparral is budget conscious, it certainly doesn’t skimp and added options can always be chosen. Common choices include a folding wakeboard tower, Simrad touch screen display, and bow filler cushions.
SSX: Luxury Meets Performance
Exclusive Options
Sporty Performance
Innovative Tech
The Chaparral SSX line is the bread and butter of the current product lineup. With 6 different boats ranging from 24’ - 34’, there really is something for everyone (even an outboard option!).
All boats that Chaparral produces put quality and comfort first, but this model line takes it a step further with exclusive features like the Infinity Power Step and dual touchscreen glass dash display.
Speaking of the Infinity Power Step, it managed to snag the NMMA Innovation Award at the Miami International Boat Show the very first year that it came out - and for good reason. At the touch of a button the swim platform at the stern of the boat lowers itself down into the water making it a game changer in terms of safety and convenience for kids, seniors, and even our favorite boat dogs.
Convenience on the water is another important topic. Just like the plentiful storage in these boats, you can’t have enough of it. Key features besides the private head compartment (26’+ models) that really amp up the ease of a day on the lake are the flip-up armrests in the bow, massive multi-position sun lounge at the stern, and stainless steel clip-on fender holders.
Also available on select SSX models is the all new Black Edition package. Taking notes from high performance automotive interiors, Chaparral's exclusive Black Edition envelopes the boat (and trailer!) in an entirely new level of luxury and quality. Cayenne color Sileather with black accents provides the ultimate resistance against stains and has a 100% silicone composition made from recycled fibers. It’s also really soft to the touch.
Side note: The Chaparral 267 SSX is our first choice when we get asked what the perfect boat is for Lake Winnebago and is what we always choose as a ‘dealer demo’.
OSX: Twin Outboard
Expansive Space
Center-console feel
Cabin
The OSX line by Chaparral is a dynamic example of combining space for entertainment (the helm seating literally rotates to the side of the boat for extra space) and robust outboard power (up to 700HP) to take any day on the water to the next level.
Currently offered in 28’ or 30’ size options, both boats feature multi-person helm seats, massive head compartments, walk-around bow access, dive doors, and an exhaustive list of upgradable features.
In the Chaparral 300 OSX there’s even a step down cabin that makes it a contender for overnighting and weekend trips.
We mentioned the rotating helm - first of all it’s an unprecedented move that just makes sense. The entire helm seat can be rotated from the forward facing position over to the starboard side wall of the boat. It transforms the interior from a center console ‘feel’ to a wide open, massive cockpit for entertaining. Chaparral even thought about people that might not care for the new feature though. If it’s not for you then no worries, you can swap it out for an optional full wet bar.
There really are too many features to make an exhaustive list here, but this boat is a great option for bigger bodies of water or for anyone that plans on spending the night on the boat with the added benefit of a large bow seating area.
Surf: Bowrider/Wake Surf Hybrid
Wake Surfing
Wakeboarding
Forward Facing Drive
Chaparral’s Surf model line brings a sporty, sleek attitude to the classic family bowrider and pairs it with powerful wake sport options like the Malibu Surf Gate and ballast system. A favorite among those that often have teenagers on board, the 21’ - 30’ Chaparral Surfs offer wide open spaces from bow to stern and are exclusively available with forward facing drives to provide safe, powerful propulsion. The Forward Drive is a new propulsion system that provides versatility, added passenger comfort, efficiency, flexible trim and a host of performance benefits. It is one of the most versatile propulsion system available but does require a bit more water depth than other models
The Malibu Surf Gate lets you instantly adjust your wake via the Simrad touchscreen display. It makes controlling your ride easy and straightforward. The 21’ and 23’ models are perfect for someone that wants to learn the ropes of wake surfing and the 26’, 28’, and 30’ options are exhilarating for even the most discerning enthusiast.
There’s clearly a lot that goes into choosing the right boat and there are so many different options and features to consider, but hopefully this breakdown helps unpack some of the differences between the model lines. No matter what size or model you end up going with, Chaparral is a high quality choice built to last and make the most of sunny summer days on the water.
Contact your local Chaparral dealer today for more info, to get some answers to your questions, or to take a test drive.
Full Chaparral model breakdown at time of writing:
SSi Line:
21 SSi
21 SSi Outboard
21 SSi Ski/Fish
21 SSi Ski/Fish Outboard
23 SSi
23 SSi Outboard
SSX Line:
267 SSX
267 SSX Outboard
287 SSX
307 SSX
317 SSX
347 SSX
OSX Line:
280 OSX
300 OSX
Surf Line:
21 Surf
23 Surf
26 Surf
28 Surf
30 Surf
*Note: This is written from a perspective of our local waterways here in Central Wisconsin. Different bodies of water or salt water may come with different recommendations. As always, your local dealer is one of the best resources to help you make the right choice when it comes to your next boat.