Chaparral 203 Vortex VR: Review

With a touchscreen control panel you simply dial-up the speed and ride, as the 250hp Rotax engine with jet drive responds with alacrity.

I often wonder why Top End anglers don’t use jet boats: rockbars and snags take a huge toll on props and outboard legs in rivers like the Daly and Sampan Creek. And the size of the test boat is not a hindrance for fishing enclosed waters.

The boat has an extended swim platform that has multiple uses. Anglers could stand on this spacious, stable platform to flick lures. Those who prefer being in the water will find easy access. And there is no prop to be concerned about.

The BRP Rotax jet-engine technology is proven and uncomplicated. A Medallion touchscreen lets you switch from Cruise to Ski to Eco and Docking modes. And this 20-footer packs a lot of seating and storage along with jet-powered punch.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- Join the jet set with a sporty 20-footer
The test boat was fitted with a single 1.5L Rotax BRP supercharged engine rated at 250hp. The boat featured a wide band blue hull, table with side mount bases in the cockpit and bow, bow walk-through door, air pump, and auto fire system.

All panels have dual illuminated LED switches and water resistant DC breakers. Cockpit upholstery was blue with a blue canvas, bimini, cockpit and bow covers. The pretty rig rode on a Magic Tilt custom aluminium trailer. The test boat was $89,999, but up from a starting price of $84,999.

DESIGN AND LAYOUT
- A roomy boat with thoughtful inclusions
It isn’t until you step aboard the 203 VR that you get a feel for the volume of the boat. It’s 6.17m long with a 2.44m beam so you don’t need a towing permit.

In the water the boat doesn’t appear that big. So Chaparral has done an admirable job of creating the feeling of size and space. There is abundant seating — in the bow, the U-shaped cockpit and even at transom — for eight passengers.

The stainless steel aft ladder is enclosed, and is a neat fit and easy to access. There is a dedicated anchor locker moulded up front. All neat and tidy. There is also heaps of under seat and underfloor storage space and the test boat came with a table with side mounts bases in the cockpit and bow.

In this bowrider there’s room for adults on the lounges up front. Access to the bow is through a forward door and fold out windscreen.

The helm has a neat fascia, adjustable seat, and features a flip-up bolster if you prefer to stand. Seating is best described as car-like, with a well laid-out symmetrical dash topped with hand-stitched and wrapped upholstery. Just to ensure one size fits all, the steering wheel height is adjustable.

The Medallion 6.5in. colour display sits in the middle of the gauges with rocker switches below for lights, bilge pump, water pressure and the like. The standard dash/helm package comes with four control setting modes:

>> Cruise: Allows the driver to set a desired maximum speed
>> Ski: Allows for a controlled launch and maintains towing speed
>> Eco: Optimises fuel efficiency by limiting engine torque
>> Docking: Limits engine power for increased manoeuvrability

The throttle is well placed and the observer gets a comfortable seat that can be reversed to form a rear-facing chaise lounge, while the driver can see what is happening astern through a rear-view mirror. On the starboard side dash is a 12-volt socket, depth gauge, hour meter dual illuminated LED switches and water-resistant DC breakers.

The cockpit layout is U-shaped with a single, slide and swivel, helm bucket seat. The port seat is a reversible lounge that folds flat to provide an aft facing seat. The rear platform seating provides the perfect zone to set up for a ride and for coaching beginners.   

Other accoutrements include stainless-steel drink holders, speakers fitted neatly into the coamings and stainless steel pop-up cleats to ensure a clear deck. The deck is self-draining and there is a bilge pump down aft with access through an inspection hatch.

ON THE WATER
- Power to burn
The 203VR is a quick boat with oodles of power. It handles well and the steering control is excellent when moving forward. However, when it comes to reversing it might take a driver a few minutes to come to terms with the fact that everything is in reverse due to the jet unit.

On the comfort level, it’s difficult to ask for anything better. Even in a slight chop, or skimming across the back of another boat’s wake, the 203VR was a smooth machine, and at home in bigger salty waves.

I was surprised at how easily the boat pulled a skier out of the water. The skier re-entered the boat with ease, and the large stern platform gave plenty of uncluttered space for sorting rope and skis.

Chaparral performance data gives a top speed of 40 knots (47 mph) and a 3.35 seconds’ plane time. Optimum efficiency is at 5500rpm, which the company says is 18.5 knots (21.3 mph), burning fuel at a rate of 1.8km/l (4.3 mpg).

For a sportsboat, that’s pretty hot performance and good economy. But the real accomplishment of the Chaparral 203 VR are the smiles-per-gallon you collect along the way.

LIKES
>> Comfortable ride and spacious
>> Excellent handling and stability
>> Foldaway cleats
>> Plenty of storage

NOT SO MUCH
>> Lack of bow roller for anchoring
>> Docking manoeuvrability – more hours behind the helm would help

Specifications: Chaparral 203 Vortex VR
Price as Tested: $89,999 with single 250hp 1.5L Rotax BRP supercharged engine, wide band blue hull, table with side mount bases in the cockpit and bow, bow walk-through door, air pump, auto fire system, and trailer.
Priced From: $84,999 with single 200hp 1.5L Rotax BRP supercharged engine on trailer.
Length Overall with swim platform: 6.17m (20ft 3in.)
Beam: 2.44m (8ft)
Dry Weight: 1179kg
Fuel: 132lt    
Deadrise: 19 degrees
Draft: 33cm (13in.)
Engine (max): 250hp
Trailer: Magic Tilt aluminium