Spotlight: Chaparral 347 SSX
One thing the big US boat brands tend to do really well is the luxury bowrider. It’s where boats such as the range-topping Chaparral 347 SSX swing into focus.The Chaparral 347 SSX takes the concept of a bowrider, and then supersizes it inside a 10.2-metre-long hull. That long waterline means that the Chaparral 347 SSX also includes a fully enclosed cabin taking advantage of the wide 3.0-metre beam that can extend day trips into overnight adventures.
The boat backs up its flagship status with the latest in electronic helm technology, featuring twin side-by-side Simrad 9.0-inch touchscreen navigation units housed in aluminium and stainless steel panels, and push-button switches backlit using LED lighting.
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Befitting its luxury bent, the Chaparral 347 SSX features hand-stitched two-tone upholstery in either Slate or Dune hues spread across sun lounges, the optional wet bar area, and below decks.
Standard features in the cabin include an LED TV; a carbon monoxide detector (very important if someone is in the cabin space while the engines are running); a cedar-lined hanging locker; an L-shaped seat that converts to a full-size berth; three cabin portholes; a galley space with stainless steel microwave oven; and a built-in bin.
The space also includes an enclosed wet head with an opening porthole and wood flooring.
Options that make life more comfortable below include a mains-powered 10,000BTU air-conditioning system, and wooden-slat blinds.
Other features included as standard on the Chaparral 347 SSX include a two-speed windscreen wiper; canvas storage covers; a fibreglass hardtop with LED lighting and an overhead stainless steel grab rail; bow cushions and icebox; a 34-litre removable icebox in the cockpit; teak-inlaid cockpit table; twin helm seat with forward and aft adjustment; electrically opening engine room hatch; eight-speaker audio system (two in-cabin) with helm and transom controls; 15 stainless steel drink holders; transom shower; shore power with a 15-metre cable; and teak inlay on the swim deck that includes a hide-away ladder.
Motive power comes via a number of petrol-fuelled inboard engine choices, ranging from twin 300hp 6.2-litre Mercury MerCruiser fitted with Bravo3 sterndrive legs up to twin 380hp 8.2-litre MerCruisers. Owners can also choose from a range of Volvo Penta inboard engines ranging from twin 300hp 5.3-litre V8s to twin 380hp 6.2-litre V8s, fitted with Duoprop drive legs.
The Volvo Penta drive systems also come with the option of joystick controls to make low-speed driving – think of bumping the Chaparral 347 SSX in and out of a marina berth – much simpler.
Standard trim tabs mean it is easy to get the best performance out of the Chaparral 347 SSX at all cruising speeds, while a windlass package including 4.5 metres of chain and 80 metres of rode attached to a stainless steel plough anchor ensures the boat stays where it is put.
If you need electricity away from shore, a 3.5kW Westerbeke petrol generator is available.
Chaparral offers a limited lifetime warranty on its hulls.
Chaparral boats are sold in Victoria via Williamstown-based Aussie Boat Sales and Domana’s MYMarine, in NSW via Mulgrave-based Blakes Marine, and in Queensland via Springwood-based Australian Marine Centre.
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