2026 Chaparral SSX4 OB

Chaparral is a premium American builder of fibreglass sports bowriders, day boats and wake-surf boats ranging from 6.0m to 10.0m.

Based in Nashville, Georgia, the brand offers outboard-, sterndrive- and inboard-powered models to suit everything from family cruising and social towsports to luxury day boating.

For buyers chasing a premium sports bowrider, the SSX range stands out. It comprises six models, each finished with the high-quality materials, fixtures and fit-out for which Chaparral is well known.

The newest addition is the 8.8m SSX4 OB. It's currently the only outboard-powered model in the SSX line-up, with the remaining five variants powered by petrol sterndrives.

For this review, we tested a striking black-and-white SSX4 OB fitted with a Yamaha 300hp extra-longshaft outboard featuring Digital Electric Steering and Digital Electronic Controls (DEC).

The Chaparral SSX4 OB is available from Melbourne dealer Aussie Boat Sales, with package pricing starting at $230,600. That includes a Yamaha 250hp V6 four-stroke outboard and a custom Magic Tilt tandem-axle aluminium braked trailer.

The standard specification is impressive, with the SSX4 OB arriving well-equipped for family cruising, entertaining and social towsports. Buyers can also choose from a lengthy options list to tailor the boat to their needs.

Our test boat was optioned with the following equipment:

With the extra kit above, and upgraded with the more powerful Yamaha F300XSB2 pearlescent white-coloured four-stroke outboard, our test boat is priced at $275,000.

The SSX4 OB follows the classic American bowrider formula with dedicated social spaces at the bow and stern, separated by a sturdy, centre-opening toughened glass windscreen.

Beyond the windscreen, the cockpit is arranged around twin helm consoles, with the port console concealing a spacious change room and head compartment.

A large L-shaped lounge occupies the aft cockpit ahead of an expansive full-width sunpad, making the layout particularly well suited to entertaining.

With its 2.59m beam, the Chaparral feels wider than some rivals and offers excellent freedom of movement throughout the cockpit. It's also rated to carry up to 14 people, giving it genuine big-crew capability.

The bow lounge is generously proportioned and stands out for its thick, supportive backrests.

The starboard seat and backrest lift on gas struts to reveal a substantial storage locker within the helm console, while additional lockers beneath the port and centre bow seats provide plenty of space for gear.

Practical touches include stainless steel cup holders, coaming-top grab rails, stereo speakers, an anchorwell with nearby pop-up cleats, and provision for an optional bow table.

Storage is equally impressive aft, with a huge locker beneath the sunpad, another small bin on the port side of the sunpad, plus additional compartments beneath the cockpit seating and cockpit sole, and within the transom walkthrough.

High-quality stainless steel hinges and gas struts throughout reinforce the boat's premium feel.

The helm is neatly laid out with a tilt-adjust sports steering wheel, dark vinyl-trimmed dash and an elegant full-glass fascia.

The skipper’s pedestal seat offers swivel, slide and flip-up bolster adjustment, with armrest-mounted release levers making it easy to find the optimum driving position.

Our test boat was fitted with the optional Simrad NSX12 multifunction display, neatly integrated into the centre of the glass dash between two vertical banks of push-button switches. A Simrad NSX9 is included as standard.

The Yamaha digital throttle is mounted to starboard within a faux carbon-fibre side panel, falling naturally to hand whether seated or standing. That said, the SSX4 OB is at its best from the seated driving position, where the low-set helm provides shelter from the wind along with plenty of leg and foot room beneath the dash.

Opposite the helm, the port console houses the change room and head compartment. A hinged door opens to reveal a surprisingly large, step-down space with provision for a portable or electric-flush toilet, plus a full-length storage cupboard with optional solid-surface countertop, as well as a freshwater sink and port light.

The aft cockpit is designed for entertaining with a moulded L-shaped lounge to port and a padded jump seat to starboard behind the helm.

Versatility is a real highlight. Rotate the co-pilot's backrest forward and the port lounge becomes a comfortable aft-facing chaise, while the backrest behind the transom bench flips to create a second rear-facing lounge for two people – perfect for relaxing at anchor or keeping an eye on swimmers.

Beneath the giant aft sunpad is an enormous storage locker, while a step-through walkway to starboard provides easy access to the boarding platforms and telescopic swim ladder.

Overhead, a manually folding alloy wake tower incorporates an integrated bimini for shade, while the premium vinyl upholstery and well-padded coaming bolsters reflect the boat's high standard of finish.

Across confused chop on the Gold Coast Broadwater, the SSX4 OB delivers a soft, settled ride, with the fine entry at the bow slicing cleanly through waves and boat wakes.

The hull’s handling is also impressive. Nicely balanced, the SSX4 OB responds quickly to steering, throttle and trim input, while Yamaha's Digital Electric Steering gives the skipper effortless boat control.

The SSX4 OB likes being driven with enthusiasm, carving tight turns with confidence and remaining flat and predictable through sweeping figure-eight manoeuvres.

Wide forward chines suppress spray and enhance stability at speed, while the broad beam provides a reassuringly stable platform at rest.

Power comes from the maximum-rated Yamaha 300hp V6, pushing our test boat to 40 knots (74km/h) at 5700rpm. A 250hp option is available, but the 300hp is the pick for buyers wanting effortless performance for cruising and towsports.

Range on 95% of the 227L fuel supply at 3500rpm: 144.0nm.

The Chaparral SSX4 OB is a well-rounded bowrider that combines strong performance with a spacious, well-appointed interior, making it well suited to family cruising and watersports.

Built to a high standard and thoughtfully laid out, the SSX4 OB offers plenty of seating, storage and useful features, along with the comfort and finish expected of a premium bowrider.

Model: Chaparral SSX4 OB
Length overall: 8.08m
Beam: 2.59m
Draft: 460mm (motor up)
Bridge clearance: 1.88m (arch tower folded)
Deadrise: 20 degrees
Dry hull weight: 2,400kg
Towing weight: 3,370kg (approx)
Maximum power: 300hp
Transom height: 635mm (25") extra-longshaft
Engines as tested: Yamaha 300hp V6 four-stroke outboard
Fuel: 227L
Freshwater: 38L
Passengers: 14

Price from: $230,600 with a Yamaha 250hp extra-longshaft (25”) outboard engine with digital electric steering (DES), Magic-Tilt tandem-axle custom aluminium trailer.

Test boat price: $275,000 including an upgraded Yamaha F300XSB2 300hp pearlescent white-coloured extra-longshaft outboard engine with digital electronic steering (DES) and controls, black-coloured hull sides, Simrad NSX12 display upgrade with chart plotter, GPS, Wi-Fi, folding MTX tower with black canvas, cockpit and bow cover black with bimini top, Premium Package (bow scuff plate, transom stereo remote, transom tilt switch, air pump and fender clips), Sirius satellite stereo, Head cabinet upgrade (with solid-surface countertop, pressure water system and transom washdown), opening port light, slate-coloured interior, bowrider filler cushion with cockpit table and docking lights.

Supplied by: aussieboatsales.com.au