Chaparral 257 SSX

From the fittings to the overall finish, the Chaparrals are hard to fault. Sure, we have seen a few blemishes, but nothing that would stop you buying one and flaunting it to the world.

Another thing about Chaparral is that the company doesn’t rest on its laurels and keep churning out the same old formula. No sir. This is a company that is innovative and progressive. The Chaparral 257 SSX is testament to that.

Yep, it’s a big Yankee bowrider, but as we’ll see later, it’s one that incorporates some very clever and innovative features to make it something much more than ‘just another bowrider from the cookie-cutter mould.'

Options fitted to the test included the engine upgrade to an 8.2 litre MerCruiser Mag DTS with Bravo 3 “X”, Garmin 720S, premium sound system with amp and sub woofer, targa arch with bimini and front clears, fire extinguisher system, Magic Tilt aluminium tandem trailer with premium upgrade, premium package (docking lights, eight pop-up cleats, bow scuff plate), dual battery, trim tabs, 12-volt air pump, underwater lights, cockpit and bow cover, Vacuflush head with macerator, snap-in carpet, swim platform logo mat, transom tilt switch and stereo remote... the list goes on.

Obviously not all of this necessary or needed but Scott O’Hare from Chaparral Australia wanted the works on this 257 SSX to show what is possible with this first model ever in the country. Suffice to say, it's a loaded boat!

The 257 SSX features two great aft-facing lounge seats on the transom. They're a great place to watch the kids playing in the briny or sit and have a cool drink in the afternoon. But with a flick of a switch, these seats can individually convert to chaise lounges for sunbaking or a nap. Chaparral claims that this is the only boat in its class to offer twin sun lounges of this magnitude.

Similarly, the lounge on the portside of the cockpit converts to individual seats or, with the addition of a slot-in table, it’ll morph into a dinette.

On the starboard side, there’s a moulded compartment that houses the supplied cooler, which in turn has a padded top and can be used as an impromptu seat.

Both the skipper and co-pilot sit in luxury, with a pair of adjustable suspension pedestal seats that are as comfortable as any we’ve tried. Chaparral has spared no expense on the dash either. It is both aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing, with digital gauges and stainless-steel bevels flanked with rocker switches for all functions on the boat.

The Garmin 720S fits in to the centre of the dash as though it was made for it. Looking for all the world like original equipment, we found it very easy to use and see.

The matching portside fascia is also vinyl-wrapped and features a lockable glove box for all your valuables should you leave the boat.

But the big news is that the whole of the portside console swings away to reveal a full bathroom compartment. This features a Vacuflush loo, vanity unit with pull-out tap, screened port hole and hanging area for your jackets or clothes.

To complement the bathroom, the boat features a 50-litre water capacity and there is a 14-litre holding tank.

Opposite, in the starboard-side console ahead of the skipper, is a cavernous locker with sufficient dry storage to easily stow all the food and gear for a big family day out.

Meanwhile, the deep bow-seating area has abundant freeboard to support the weight of, say, a couple of adults riding up front. There's room to stretch your legs on the long lounges, more dry storage below, and just a good sense of safety in this big bowrider.

We really like the fact the 257 SSX has a bow ladder for accessing your favourite beach without getting your feet wet. Another nice touch is the flip-away nav. light that keeps the foredeck snag-free when being used as a thoroughfare to your land-based picnic spot.

The 257 SSX comes with an anchor locker -- bravo! -- as that's not always a given on an American boat. But it doesn't have a bow sprit and/or roller to prevent potential gelcoat chips when retrieving the anchor and chain section of your rode. Be mindful of that, reach out and take care.

Hit the button on the dash and the engine compartment lifts on electrically-operated gas struts. There’s plenty of room in the engine bay. One batter adorns each side of the engine but you can easily get around the block for servicing and maintenance.

As for the hull, the SSX hull has a fine entry with a truly sharp 22.5 degree deadrise. The hull is a proven design that offers a smooth and dry ride. As stated, Chaparral’s build quality is well proven and the company offers a lifetime hull warranty and two-year drive-train warranty with warranties on all other components (stereo, GPS etc).

Push forward on the electronic controls and 257 SSX gently urges ahead. It’s a progressive acceleration that won’t have the crew complaining about you trying to chuck them over the transom. Some boats are bit jerky in their power delivery, but not the Chaparral. It’s a lovely linear power boost thanks to the digital throttle controller (DTS).

The hull gets up onto the plane early and when there, the 22.5-degree deadrise chops the water like the proverbial knife. Our test day was pretty calm but over some fairly substantial wakes, we got a good idea that this boat can handle the rough stuff.

I found the helm position to be great. The wheel is adjustable up and down and the seats adjust fore and aft as well as swivel. The bolster comes up and down so you can stand for extra vision if you want.

Steering is hydraulic and although light it still offers a bit of ‘feel’. The trim tabs worked a treat and a tap here and there was all that was needed to keep the boat flat on our blustery test day.

With both the engine trim and the tabs, it’d be easy to get the boat riding and performing no matter how many people you had aboard.

In this regard, we also found the 257 SSX to be remarkably stable. We'd have no hesitation lunching aboard.

In terms of performance, we were told by Scott "Mr Chaparral" O'Hare that this was a 50mph boat... he didn’t lie. We put the Garmin GPS on and recorded a top speed of 47 knots (54 mph) at 4900rpm, which sure isn’t hanging around.

Cruising we found 3000rpm was comfortable at 25 knots or a fast cruise at 3500rpm returned around 33 knots. In other words, you'll arrive at your favourite bolthole in no time. 

If you want to take the kids out for the day and do some towing, the Chaparral can handle the load and even blow up the tubes with the 12V air pump. Want to do some serious skiing or wakeboading? The big V8 will haul you out with ease. If you’d prefer to go and tie up at your favourite waterside restaurant, well, let's just say the Chaparral will look damn hot as you cruise into the marina.

A smooth boat on the water that handles with aplomb, the 257 SSX is hard to fault. The fit and finish, warranty and backup should ensure many happy years on the water. This could well be the future direction of pleasure boating. Carpe diem.

Price From: $98,000 (5.7-litre MerCruiser, covers, auto-fire, premium package, Aussie safeties and rego, no-trailer)

Material: Fibreglass (Kevlar reinforced)
Length: 7.77 metres
Beam:  2.59 metres
Engine: MerCruiser 8.2 MAG with Bravo 3 X
Weight:  2132kg dry (boat only)        
Deadrise: 22.5 degrees
Max. HP: 430HP
Fuel: 273 litres
Holding tank: 25 litres
Water:  51 litres
People: 14