Chaparral 247 SSX (2022-)

Brief Summary

The Chaparral 247 SSX Black Edition is a premium bowrider that offers many of the most desired features as part of its standard package and takes things up a notch when the Black Edition package is added.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	24'6" 7.46 m
Beam	8'6" 2.59 m
Dry Weight	4,500 lbs. 2,041.16 kg
Tested Weight	5,285 lbs. 2,397.23 kg
Draft	21.5" 54.61 cm
Deadrise/Transom	20 degrees
Weight Capacity	1,765 lbs. 800.59 kg
Person Capacity	13
Fuel Capacity	60 gallons 227.12 L
Total Weight	5,285 lbs. 2,397.23 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Ratio	2.20
Props	24 pitch
Load	3 persons; 1/2 fuel; 50 lbs. gear
Climate	81 deg.; 58 humid.; winds: 0-5; seas: calm

Engine Options

Tested Engine	1 x 300-hp Mercruiser 6.2L DTS w/ Bravo 3 Drive

Captain's Report

Report by Eric Colby

Mission Statement

The mission of the Chaparral 247 SSX Black Edition is to be a mid-sized luxury bowrider for an active family. She’s powered by a dual-prop sterndrive from Volvo Penta or MerCruiser and the Black Edition package includes the hullsides, bottom, windshield frame and EFX II Tower all finished in black. It also comes with a JL Audio system update, underwater lights, Silicone Vinyl Cayenne color upholstery with black accent vinyl and special edition badging.

Chaparral 247 SSX Black Edition Main Features

• Twin 7” (17.78) SIMRAD NSS EVO3 displays
• Infinity Power Step on swim platform
• Convertible aft seating
• Black Edition package
• Dual-prop sterndrive
• Black EFX II tower

Chaparral 247 SSX Black Edition Cockpit

Stepping aboard the 247 SSX Black Edition at the swim platform that is 42” (106.68 cm) deep and our test boat has Chaparral’s Infinity Power Step. Control switches are at the starboard bulwarks to activate the step. It lowers into the water to create a comfortable re-boarding spot for people and pets as well as a spot for two to hang out and stay cool in the water on a hot day. The beverage holders can double as rod holders for those who want to wet a line while relaxing.

Moving forward, a passageway to starboard is finished in the same SeaDek foam decking found throughout the boat. A hinged lid opens on tension hinges to access the battery switches. It’s two steps down into the cockpit. The sunpad atop the engine compartment can convert from seating that favors fore- and aft-facing seating to an aft-facing chaise lounge. A fixed seat is to port and all the aft-facing lounges are meant to be used when the boat is at anchor, beached or otherwise not moving. The storage under the port seat continues into the locker under the cockpit seating so this would be the most likely place for storing boards and other long items.

Throughout the 247 SSX Black Edition, we felt secure thanks to 28” (71.12 cm) of freeboard at the stern, 36” (91.44 cm) amidships and 42” (106.68 cm) at the bow.

In the cockpit, seating wraps all the way around, starting with a bench seat to starboard. Beverage holders and a speaker are tucked into the gunwales. The Envision Silicone vinyl stays cool to the touch and all side panels are wrapped in upholstery. Up to five color combinations are offered. Underneath the bench, there’s a molded 50-quart (47.32-liter) self-draining cooler. To port, an L-shaped lounge wraps from the front of the engine to the port console. A pedestal-mount table secures in the seat base. Beneath the port seat, there’s dedicated storage for a water-toy inflator. Forward to port, the seat has a flip bolster and a convertible backrest that can be used to create a one-person chaise. There’s a recessed armrest and stainless-steel beverage holder. A ski locker is between this seat and the driver’s bucket at the helm. Overhead is the upgraded EFX II tower.

Grab the rail on the base of the aft bench and give it a pull to get a look at the 6.2-liter MerCruiser 300-hp engine. Twin gas struts support the hatch when it’s up and make the lift easier. At the front of the compartment, there’s space for storing supplies. The engine is installed in a way that leaves plenty of space for daily checks and viewing the bilge area.

The Helm comes standard with twin 7” (17.78 cm) Simrad multi-function displays that can be user-configured to show a wealth of engine and course data. Columns of accessory switches are on each side of the tilt steering wheel. The stereo includes connectivity and is tucked under the starboard gunwale with a beverage holder just behind. The captain travels in a wraparound bucket seat that has Chaparral’s proprietary controls for swivel and slide at the front in readily visible and reach-able positions. There’s also a flip-up bolster. Controls are comfortably positioned on the starboard gunwale.

The Bow. Heading to the 247 SSX Black Edition’s bow, we pass through a 23” (58.42 cm) walkway and opening center section of the windshield. The walkway can be closed off with an air dam to keep things comfortable on a chilly morning. When it’s opened, it lies flush to the port console. Chaparral takes the conventional bowrider layout and adds a level with wider padded bolsters that wrap fully around the bow. The upholstery is finished with a diamond pattern and there’s a gentle curve to the seatback for added comfort.

Stainless-steel speakers and cupholders are in the gunwale and stainless-steel grab rails run full length. The port seat lifts and in this compartment, Chaparral provides point-of-use storage for the table, pedestal and bow filler cushion. There’s additional storage abaft and beneath the starboard seat and each is held open with support struts.

For convenience, the forward cushion lifts out to reveal a nonskid step to the forepeak. Under this step is an insulated cooler and there’s a mount for a removable table in the base. Above, a hatch opens the anchor locker. Pull-up cleats are on each side.

Chaparral Boats 247 SSX Black Edition Performance

The Numbers The 247 SSX is available with a dual-prop sterndrive from MerCruiser or Volvo Penta up to 350 hp. Our test boat had the 300-hp MerCruiser 6.2L Bravo Three. Our test boat measured 24’6” (7.47 m) long with an 8’6” (2.59) beam and she draws 21.5” (54.61 cm). Empty weight is listed at 4,500 lbs. (2,041.17 kg) and with three people, a half tank of fuel and test gear on board, we had an estimated test weight of 5,285 lbs. (2,397.24 kg). Spinning the engine up to 5000 rpm, we hit a top speed of 47.8 mph in choppy conditions. In calmer water, Chaparral hit a top number of 50.3. Our best cruise came at 3500 and 30.8 mph. The 9.5 gph translated to 3.3 mpg and a range of 176 statute miles with 10% of the boat’s 60-gallon (227.12-liter) fuel capacity held in reserve. In acceleration tests, the planed in 6.3 seconds with minimal bow rise.

In maneuvers, the 247 SSX is a fun boat to drive. Her manners were impeccable and the boat was propped appropriately. The Bravo Three props never cavitated in turns and when the winds and clouds rolled in at the end of the day, she hungrily ate up the lake chop.

Observations

On the Chaparral 247 SSX, the Black Edition isn’t an inexpensive upgrade, but for a family that wants a premium mid-sized runabout, it could be worth it, especially the upgrade to the tower for watersports and the Infinity Power Step in the swim platform. Additionally, Chaparral’s partnership with SIMRAD is significant for the amount of information the two screens provide.