Trade-A-Boat 492 2017

Combine all of this with a

surprisingly large enclosed head under

the passenger console, telescopic bow

ladder, ski locker underfloor, enclosed

walkthrough in the split wrap-around

windscreen, plenty of refreshment

holders, wet boxes and a lift-out cooler,

lift-out carpet throughout, a thumping

sound system and a gorgeous Targa

with bimini and you start to appreciate

the supreme world of Chaparral sports

boating. The love affair continues.

LIL’ SMALLER

We were given the opportunity to

experience the full SunCoast range at

Secret Men’s Business in conditions

from nasty chop with speedy currents

right though to ideal glassy conditions

where we could open them up. Whilst

the 250 is a truly marvellous boat, it

would be a handful on a trailer; for

that reason the 230 and 210 models are

more sensible for travelling boaties. But

everything else I could say about the

250 goes equally for its smaller siblings

in the Sports range.

Our 230 SunCoast also benefitted

from the Honda 250 Silver Bullet

rocketing the package out of the fun

sports classification and into the go-

fast world of serious horsepower. To be

honest, I think it’s the perfect balance

and will manage the weight of a big

crew while having the punch for deep

waterski starts.

Chaparral Australia packages the

230 perfectly for me, with a tandem

Easytow trailer and Garmin 7404

sounder/GPS, pressure water system

with bow and stern showers, removable

ski pole, twin batteries, hydraulic

steering, a full set of canvas including

bimini, plug-in table, toilet enclosure

carpet, and a glorious blue band with

striking graphics for A$129,999. This

was my pick of the bunch. I loved the

bigger boat but this would be far more

serviceable as a trailer boat.

SPORTY 210

The SunCoast Sports range is

completed by the nifty 210, a Mini-

Me of its big sisters packing its own

attractions and capabilities when

matched with the 200hp Honda. Again,

it’s a fun sports boat with plenty of

power and versatility this time amid the

heavy competition of the 19-21ft sector.

The 210 also features an inbuilt toilet

and our demo boat added an optional

folding arch/tower, carpet, ski mirror,

fixed board racks, tower speakers for

the Wet Sounds stereo system and

its upgraded amp and subwoofer, a

Garmin 7404 sounder/GPS and the

Easytow custom tandem trailer. It’s

a complete package for dedicated

watersports enthusiasts and whilst

slightly over standard towing width, it’s

a serious alternative with full Chaparral

features, luxury and excitement.

230 Suncoast (2017)

facts&figures

PRICED FROM

A$108,999

OPTIONS FITTED

Power-assist hydraulic steering, bimini,

cockpit and bow covers, dual battery

with isolator, removable ski pole, table

with bases cockpit and bow, pressure

water system, bow and transom

shower, removable aft seat and

backrest, carpet, wide colour band with

graphics, premium bucket seats with

bolster, electric toilet, graphite

upholstery, Easytow custom tandem

trailer, Garmin 7404 sounder/GPS

PRICE AS TESTED

A$129,999

GENERAL

MATERIAL Fibreglass

TYPE Outboard powered sports

bowrider

LENGTH 6.96m

BEAM 2.59m

WEIGHT 1588kg (dry)

CAPACITIES

PEOPLE 12

FUEL 265L

WATER 51L

ENGINE

MAKE/MODEL HONDA BF250

TYPE Four-stroke, SOHC, 60 ̊ V6, 24

valves

RATED HP 250

DISPLACEMENT 3583cc

WEIGHT 278kg

GEAR RATIO 2.00:1

58 tradeaboat.com.au