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Brief Summary
The all-new Chaparral 280 OSX is the first hull in the outboard luxury OSX Series from Chaparral. Meeting both Yacht and NMMA certifications, she boasts unique features such as a rotating helm bench, convertible bow and aft seating areas, and a uniquely spacious head compartment along with her twin Yamaha 250s (standard being 200s). We found her to be not only entertainment-friendly, but also performance forward.
Key Features
- Cabin and head compartment
- Full-beam integrated swim platform
- Recessed transom door
- Lifetime limited hull warranty
- 21-degree deep-V hull
- Yamaha FourStroke F200 XCA (digital) engines
Test Results
RPM | MPH | Knots | GPH | MPG | NMPG | STAT. MILE | NM | dBa |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
600 | 4 | 3.5 | 1.3 | 3.2 | 2.8 | 346 | 300.5 | 59 |
1000 | 6 | 5.2 | 2.6 | 2.4 | 2 | 254 | 221 | 62 |
1500 | 8.5 | 7.4 | 4.3 | 2 | 1.7 | 213 | 185.6 | 73 |
2000 | 10 | 8.7 | 8.6 | 1.2 | 1 | 126 | 109.8 | 76 |
2500 | 15.5 | 13.5 | 11.1 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 151 | 131.1 | 80 |
3000 | 28 | 24.3 | 13.6 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 222 | 193.4 | 84 |
3500 | 35 | 30.4 | 18.1 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 209 | 181.6 | 87 |
4000 | 41 | 35.7 | 22.7 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 195 | 169.6 | 88 |
4500 | 47 | 40.9 | 30.4 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 167 | 145.4 | 91 |
5000 | 52 | 45.2 | 37.9 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 148 | 128.9 | 92 |
5500 | 57 | 49.6 | 42.9 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 143 | 124.8 | 94 |
6000 | 59.5 | 51.7 | 49.2 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 131 | 113.6 | 95 |
Specifications
Length Overall | 27' 8" (8.43 m) |
---|---|
Beam | 9' (2.74 m) |
Dry Weight | 7,294 lbs. (3,309 kg) |
Tested Weight | 8,395 lbs. (3,808 kg) |
Deadrise/Transom | 21-deg. |
Weight Capacity | Yacht Certified |
Person Capacity | Yacht Certified |
Fuel Capacity | 120 gal. (454 L) |
Water Capacity | 15 gal. (57 L) |
Total Weight | 8,395 lbs. (3,808 kg) |
Acceleration Times & Conditions
Time to Plane | N/A |
---|---|
0 to 30 | 9.7 sec. |
Props | Stainless |
Load | 2 persons, 1/4 fuel, no water, no water |
Climate | 91 deg, 64 humid.; wind: 1.7-2.5 mph; seas: >1 |
Engine Options
Tested Engine |
2 x 250-hp Yamaha |
---|---|
Std. Power |
2 x Yamaha four stroke 150-hp engines |
Opt. Power |
2 x Yamaha four stroke 200-hp engines 2 x Mercury 250-hp engines |
Captain's Report
By Capt. Greg Thornton
Mission
The team at Chaparral approached this new premium bowrider model with as many high-end touches as possible. The 280 OSX boasts 7” Multi-Touch displays, premium stereo and Sirius XM satellite radio, and an Electric EFX arch. But the fun continues well into her design and versatile accommodation areas. And Chaparral kept comfort in mind as well – all in a luxury outboard bowrider replete with her fair share of stainless steel, teak flooring and vanity solid surface countertops.
Distinguishing Features
- Rotating helm seating
Major Features
- Standard EFX electric arch
- Convertible bow seating area
- Convertible aft seating area
- Spacious head compartment
- Dive door
Design
Performance
The first version of the new Chaparral 280 OSX was outfitted with twin Yamaha FourStroke F250 XCA engines turning an SWS II stainless steel prop with a 15 ¼” (38.74 cm) diameter by 19” (48.26 cm) pitch. She had an LOA of 27’8” (8.43 m), a beam of 9’ (2.74 m), and a draft of 2’9” (0.84 m) draft. With a dry weight of 7,294 lbs. (3,309 kg.), 30-percent fuel and two people, we had a test weight of 8,395 lbs. (3,808 kg).
Best economical cruise came in at 3000 rpm and 28 mph. At that speed the 13.6 gph fuel burn translated into 2.1 mpg and a range of 222 statute miles. All while still holding back a 10-percent reserve of the boats 120-gallon (454 L) total fuel capacity. If trolling, 600 rpm produces 4 mph with a 1.3 gph fuel burn.
She had the same LOA of 27’8” (8.43 m), a beam of 9’ (2.74 m), and a draft of 2’9” (0.84 m). With a dry weight of 6,500 lbs. (2948 kg.), 25-percent fuel and two people, we had a test weight of 7,507 lbs. (3405 kg.)
On the second version of the 280 OSX we tested, the best economical cruise came in at 3500 rpm and 26.5 mph. At that speed, the 12 gph fuel burn translated into 2.2 mpg and a range of 239 statute miles. All while still holding back a 10-percent reserve of the boats 120-gallon (454 L) total fuel capacity. And while trolling, 600 rpm produces 3 mph with a 0.8 gph fuel burn.
Acceleration
Our first boat was outfitted with the Yamaha 250s. With this setup, the 280 OSX pushed from 20 mph in 5.5 seconds, to 30 in 7.7 seconds, and 40 came and went in 10.1 seconds.
As for acceleration with the Yamaha 200s, we reached planing speed in 5.9 seconds. She continued to 20 mph in 5.5 seconds, 30 in 7.7 seconds, and 40 came and went in 10.1 seconds.
Yamaha Twin 250s
0-20 mph : 5.5 seconds
0-30 mph : 7.7 seconds
0-40 mph : 10.1 seconds
Yamaha Twin 200s
0-20 mph: 6.6 seconds
0-30 mph: 9.7 seconds
0-40 mph: 13.3 seconds
Handling
Right out of the gate, she had very little noticeable bow rise change getting onto plane. With a 21-degree deadrise, she cut through what little testing conditions there were. And although we didn’t have much in the way of rough testing conditions, we did notice that she banked well in and out of turns while losing little in the way speed.
Boat Inspection
Accessed to the helm is gained from the port side. And once seated in the captain’s chair, the tilt-base mounted, hand-stitched wheel sat front and center. The initial feel was that everything that we needed was readily accessible and was within arm’s reach – which is great.
It would be nice to see a compass somewhere on the helm. Off to the right is the Optimus 360 joystick. Below are both engine start keys with safety lanyard. Lenco trim tab controls are just to the right of that.
The accessory switches are located above and on the right of the helm. While the 280 OSX’s accessory lighting switches are located to port. To the left of the wheel we find a cubby, audio and USB inputs, a 12V plug, and the Clarion audio controls. The binnacles are located on the starboard side of the helm.
One of the boats six JL Audio speaks is mounted just below the binnacles and the helm fuses are located beneath the console. There’s another speaker in the same location to port, and the boats only subwoofer is integrated into the aft cockpit seating.
Swivel Helm Seating
The helm seating area on the 280 OSX was both comfortable and practical. From a seated position there was unobstructed visibility all around and while standing, we found the same to be true. While seated, the armrests and bolsters did provide extra comfort and support.
To convert and revert to helm mode, simply pull and twist the knob which is located on the bottom right of the front of the helm bench and slide. Additionally, there are stainless-steal grab handles mounted on the back side of the seats.
Windscreen
The windscreen door and dam door are off to port. While a single windshield wiper is located to starboard on the windscreen.
Ground Tackle
There’s a manual hand-wrench to port and a 6” (12.24 cm) tie off cleat just forward. Attached to the windlass rode is a 14 lb. (6.35 kg) galvanized DTX plow anchor. Two 6” (15.24 cm) pull-up mooring cleats sit to port and starboard.
Mechanical Compartment
A brake on the starboard strut holds the entire section securely in place - both struts being attached to heavy duty brackets. To close, simply squeeze the break and pull the seat down. Access to the fuel tank, fuel lines, and digital fuel sending unit are located beneath the step down into the compartment.
Both engine fuel/water separators are located to either side of the bilge walls. The bilge pump is to center, along with a low and high-level float switch setup. Both engine hydraulic steering pumps are mounted aft; The Optimus 360 joystick steering unit sits in between. The thru-hull Airmar transducer records sonar and is located below the starboard fuel/water separator.
LED lighting is located throughout the compartment.
Bow
There was an immediate safe and spacious feel thanks to the 9” (22.86 cm) by 2 ½” (6.35 cm) bolsters which wrap around the inside of the bow area. From deck to bolster top is 2’8” (0.81 m) high.
Head
There was an overall headroom space from deck to ceiling of 4’9” (1.45 m), and while seated 3’3” (0.99 m) high by 3’4” (1.02 m) wide.
A functional port window was to starboard. With the push of a button, the electric head slides out on a track and is hid just below the door. The head lighting and flush buttons are mounted on the aft bulkhead. A carbon detection device is mounted just below.
Cockpit
This seating area easily converts to an aft-facing lounge. Off to port, the bench seating lifts to reveal storage for a 25 qt. (24 L) removable cooler. The boat’s universal Metrovac vacuum is stowed in this compartment as well as the boat’s only dinette table. As the main congregation area there are no shortage of JL Audio speakers in this area, as we have two to port along with a grab rail and a third to starboard behind the helm seat. Wrap around bolsters continue throughout the cockpit.
Hardtop
There was a strong structural design that seemed to follow the contour of the windscreen to port and starboard. That said, at idle or running speeds, the hardtop structure did nothing to hamper visibility during testing. The 3 ½’ (1.07 m) by 2 ½’ (0.76 m) skylight is bonded in.
Recessed lighting is located at either end of the hardtop as well.
Dive Door/Swim Platform
A heavy-duty magnet keeps the door securely open. The door handle has a push-button lock that engages when closed. A washdown hose is mounted just abaft the door.
The center transition platform measures 11” (27.94 cm), and the entire platform is laid with SeaDek. The aft facing bench seating is located to center. Off to either side are both a 6” (15.24 cm) pullup cleat and 6” (15.24 cm) aft facing mounted cleat.
The starboard side seating reveals convenient battery and holding tank access. Just below that is the pump out port, Clarion audio controls, and water fill. A retractable 12V extension cord is mounted to port, although it would be nice to see it located in a dryer location.
Construction
Color Decisions
- Wide Band Hull:
- Alloy Gray
- Black
- Blue
- Ice Blue
- Seafoam Green
- Stealth Gray
- White
- Painted Hull Stripe Color Options:
- Alloy Gray
- Black
- Blue
- Fire Red
- Lime Green
- Silver
- White Yellow
- Cockpit Upholstery Color Options:
- Black
- Blue
- Dune
- Ice Blue
- Seafoam Green
- Slate
Optional Equipment
-
Yamaha Twin Four Stroke F150XCA 150-hp ($157,120)
-
Yamaha Twin Four Stroke F200XCA 200-hp ($172,477)
-
Yamaha Twin Four Stroke F250-hp ($190,125)
-
Twin Mercury Verado 250XL DTS 250-hp ($195,022)
-
Seastar Optimus 360 Joystick ($15,725)
-
Electric toilet with 8 gallon holding tank ($1,918)
-
JL audio sound system upgrade ($2,782)
-
Bow and cockpit cover ($2,004)
-
Anchor – 14 lbs. polished stainless steel ($683)
-
Windlass package ($3,550)
-
Underwater lights ($875)
-
Fiberglass hardtop w/bonded sky light and overhead lights ($6,923)
-
Trim tabs with indicator switch ($1,340)
-
Seastar Optimus 360 steering system ($15,725)
-
Trailer – Aluminum Triple Axel with Aluminum Wheels (N/A)
Price
The price is $172,477 equipped as is with twin Yamaha FourStroke F200 XCA 200-hp engines.
As much as Chaparral keeps the base price down, we suspect that when all is said and done with optioning, a majority of buyers will likely be in the 235K range.
Observation
Suffice it to say, we found the all-new 280 OSX from Chaparral to be a strong player in the game. With her rotating helm bench, convertible bow and aft seating areas, sizable head, swim platform and dive door, along with hardtop and engine packages, it’s easy to see how a few hours could turn into an entire day of safe and fun boating – with style and comfort.