Boating — December 2018

(Brent) #1

SEE THE
VIDEO


SPEED EFFICIENCY OPERATIONnaut. stat. n. mi. s. mi. sound
rpm knots mph gph mpg mpg range range angle level
1000 4.34 5.00 1.30 3.34 3.85 196 225 0 69
1500 6.00 6.90 2.00 3.00 3.45 175 202 1 68
2000 7.21 8.30 3.00 2.40 2.77 141 162 3 73
2500 8.43 9.70 4.60 1.83 2.11 107 123 6 78
3000 12.34 14.20 7.10 1.74 2.00 102 117 7 82
3500 20.16 23.20 8.30 2.43 2.80 142 164 5 82
4000 23.98 27.60 9.50 2.52 2.91 148 170 4 83
4500 28.07 32.30 12.90 2.18 2.50 127 146 3 85
5000 32.59 37.50 14.40 2.26 2.60 132 152 4 84
5500 36.67 42.20 18.40 1.99 2.29 117 134 3 87
5900 39.71 45.70 24.20 1.64 1.89 96 110 3 90
MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED

High Points
XTwo-foot-deep swim platform is
ideal for coving, with an oversize
stainless-steel grab handle, four-
step telescopic ladder, and remote
for the Polk audio system.
XTired of hunting for seat-
adjustment levers? Chaparral
opts for oversize, easy-to-handle
polished levers, relocated to the
topside of the thigh bolsters.
XOptional electronic folding
sport arch is a stylish mix of
tubing and welded panels, and
incorporates a unique, simple-
to-deploy Bimini top.

Specs
· LOA: 25'0" · BEAM: 8'6"
· DRY WEIGHT: 4,700 lb. · SEATING/
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 14/2,006 lb.
· FUEL CAPACITY: 65 gal.

How We Tested
ENGINE: Volvo-Penta V8-300-CE/DPS
DRIVE/PROP: Sterndrive/FH4 propset
GEAR RATIO: 1.95:1
FUEL LOAD: 65 gal.
CREW WEIGHT: 350 lb.
Price
$95,305 (with test power)

CHAPARRAL


247 SSX


graced our tester’s dash, shaded by an
attractive brow. To port, a generous-size
head compartment includes a standard
port-a-potty, a large fl oor drain, and an
opening port for ventilation. The in-fl oor
ski locker is ready to handle water toys,
including wakeboards.
It’s the remainder of the seating,
however, that shines brightest. Behind the
captain’s perch, a 2-foot-8-inch bench cov-
ers a lift-out 25-quart cooler. Opposite, a
4-foot-8-inch-by-3-foot-9-inch L-shaped
bench accommodates additional passen-
gers in comfort. Pivot the backrest forward
to create a massive recliner out of the nearly
7-foot-wide, 3-foot-deep sun pad. Raise the
starboard quarter to reveal a convenient
transom walk-through.

Firewall the throttle, pass 40 mph, then
crank the wheel hard over on Chaparral’s
247 SSX. You won’t be disappointed.
Rather than the prop losing its grip or the
hull bucking unpredictably, the 247 SSX
stays glued to the water, fast, stable and
utterly predictable.
Credit Chaparral’s
Extended V-Plane hull. Its
sharp bow, extended run-
ning surface and tight aft
corners allow the craft to
power through turns with
exceptional results. The de-
sign also enhances low-speed
stability, provides a soft
and dry ride, and improves
fuel economy. With a 300 hp
Volvo Penta Duoprop stern-
drive under the sun pad, we
powered the 247 SSX onto
plane in 5.1 seconds, achieved
30 mph in 8 seconds, and

topped out at 46 mph. The best cruising
fuel economy we noted occurred with the
engine turning 4,000 rpm, the boat mak-
ing about 28 mph, and a net fuel economy
of nearly 3 mpg. Fast, effi cient and fun.
Passengers will appreciate the inviting
open-concept cockpit layout. At the bow,
minimum depth is a generous 2 feet 8 inch-
es, off ering a pronounced feeling of security.
The anchor locker opens on friction hinges,
has hangers for a Danforth-style anchor,
and incorporates a four-step boarding lad-
der. Seat cushions fl ip open lengthwise on
articulating hinges for easy stowage ac-
cess. Aft, twin captain’s chairs sit behind
the helm and port console. Optional twin
12-inch Simrad multifunction displays

PHOTOS: BILL DOSTER, COURTESY CHAPARRAL BOATS (HELM)

CHAPARRAL BOATS
Nashville, Georgia; 229-686-7481; chaparralboats.com

To see our video
review of the
247 SSX, scan
this tag or visit
boatingmag
.com/bbg18/
chaparral
247ssx.


C


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