Chaparral 300 OSX (2020-)

Brief Summary

The Chaparral 300 OSX is the company’s answer to the need for an outboard-powered sportboat in the 30' (9.14 m) range. It combines a centrally-positioned console with a spacious bow and a cabin that can accommodate two for a weekend.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	29' 6" 9 m
Beam	9' 6" 2.89 m
Dry Weight	8,900 lbs. 4,037 kg
Tested Weight	10,012 lbs. 4,541 kg
Draft Up	22" 56 cm
Draft Down	34" 86 cm
Deadrise/Transom	22-deg.
Bridge Clearance	8' 6" 2.41 m
Weight Capacity	Yacht Certified
Person Capacity	Yacht Certified
Fuel Capacity	170 gal. 644 L
Water Capacity	25 gal. 95 L
Total Weight	10,012 lbs. 4,541 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

0 to 30	8.6 sec.
Props	Stainless
Load	2 persons, no water, 1/5 fuel
Climate	89 deg., 65 humid.; wind 2.5-2.7 mph; seas: calm

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 300-hp Yamaha F300 XCA
Std. Power	2 x 250-hp Yamaha Four Stroke engines
Opt. Power	2 x 300-hp Yamaha Four Stroke engines 2 x 250-hp Mercury Verado engines 2 x 300-hp Mercury Verado engines 2 x 300-hp Mercury Verado Warm Fusion engines 2 x 350-hp Mercury Verado engines 2 x 350-hp Mercury Verado Warm Fusion engines

Warranty

Hull Warranty Extended	Limited Lifetime

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By Capt. Martin Frobisher

Mission Statement

Chaparral designed the 300 OSX to meet the demand of customers who wanted a sportboat in the 30' (9.14 m) range with outboard power. Owners can get the boat with twin outboards up to 700-hp total and she blends the best elements of center and dual-console layouts in one inviting boat. Belowdecks there’s a cabin that can sleep two.

Major Features

• Pivoting helm seat
• Aft lounge that converts into multi-position sunlounge
• Standard fiberglass hardtop with a powder-coated frame
• Twin Simrad multifunction displays come standard
• Available Sea Star hydraulic steering
• Structural grid construction
• Aft cabin with privacy curtain and dinette that converts to a berth

Features Inspection

The Helm. From the moment we stepped aboard the 300 OSX, we couldn’t help but notice the helm being situated in the center of the boat, but it didn’t feel like a typical “center console” either. In many ways, it felt more like a dual console with the spacious bow lounges and aft cockpit. Stepping up to the helm, we had clear forward visibility with clean sight lines through the tailor-made tempered-glass windshield.

For those who like to look over the windshield, there was also 21” (53.34 cm) of open space between the top of the stainless-steel frame and the fiberglass hardtop, under which there was full standing headroom. The dash panel was finished in hand-sewn upholstery and the boat comes standard with twin Simrad MFDs. They were on each side of a Yamaha display. Outboard on each side were accessory switches that lit up when activated.

The binnacle controls are to starboard of the tilt steering wheel with the Optimus 360 joystick alongside to starboard. The Lenco trim tab switch panel has integrated position indicators and were mounted vertically outboard of the controls. There was space ahead of the controls and we’d move them to that position so the driver can reach forward and adjust the trim with the levers advanced. Also, it should be noted that a passenger emerging from the 300 OSX’s cabin could accidentally hit the joystick.

To the left of the steering wheel was a small cubby that could be good for stashing a cell phone. Alongside were plugs for audio auxiliary, dual USB and 12-volt power plus the Clarion stereo controls. To keep the helm from feeling cluttered, the pop-out circuit breakers were under the dash panel. Overhead, the hardtop had a sunroof with manually sliding shade and screen, plus speakers and tri-color courtesy lights.

Helm Seating. The 300 OSX has three-person seating behind the helm. The captain’s seat is in the center on a double-wide seat. To starboard is a separate companion seat. Our test boat had tri-color ‘Biscayne Blue’ upholstery with diamond stitching.

Height from the deck to the top of the bolster when up was 33” (83.82 cm) in leaning post mode. The bolster is heavily padded on two sides so it is comfortable to sit on and lean against. The starboard companion seat has its own bolster and armrest.

The Bow. Heading up to the bow via the 19” (48.26 cm) wide port side passageway way, we come to the sizable lounge-seating section. Instead of having narrow port and starboard chaise seating found on most bowriders, the single 300 OSX lounge has room enough for three adults to sunbathe or ride side by side.

This lounge measures 62” (157.48 cm) wide at the back, tapering to 53” (134.62 cm) forward. The chaise seat is 41” (104.14 cm) fore and aft. A filler cushion makes this forward lounging section even larger. A side-mounted cockpit table can serve guests on three sides. Stainless-steel rails are 94” (238.76 cm) long. Depth in the bow is 36” (91.44 cm) and in cubbies to port and starboard are JL audio speakers and beverage holders.

Ground Tackle

The forward-center bow cushion lifts up to aid in getting on and off the boat from the bow. Under the step is a 140-quart (132 L) insulated compartment for ice and drinks. The top of the anchor locker is finished with a diamond nonskid pattern, just under the hatch is an electric Lewmar windlass and rode storage locker with a 6” (15.24 cm) tie-off cleat for good measure. The windlass can be controlled with switches in the foredeck or at the helm to handle the 22-lb. (9.97 kg) polished stainless-steel DTX anchor that fits perfectly through the stem. To port and starboard are 7 ¾” (19.68 cm) pull-up cleats mooring cleats are port and starboard.

Entry to the cabin is to starboard of the helm. Passengers and crew will want to be aware of the joystick and try not to hit it when exiting the cabin.

The Cockpit. Aft in the 300 OSX’s cockpit, a lounge wraps around to port and beneath the corner cushion is a compartment for a 25-quart (24 L) carry-on cooler. In the stern of the boat is a convertible lounge that can be moved into a variety of positions with the push of a button. Controlled by LED pushbutton switches just aft of the boat’s hullside door, the lounge can be set up for forward or aft-facing backrests or laid flat to create a large tanning platform. When laid out, it measures 84” (213.36 cm) long x 53” (134.62 cm). This lounge should be one of the most popular features on the boat. Additionally, a removable table can be installed in front of the lounge. Our test boat had the optional SureShade retractable shade that extends aft from the hardtop to provide a respite from the midday sun.

Chaparral offers two options for the helm seat. Pull a release latch and the entire structure can pivot aft to starboard to open the boat’s cockpit for entertaining. This is the standard configuration. If an owner prefers, he can opt for a prep station with a sink refrigerator and a wastebasket beneath a hinged hatch in the countertop.

Mechanical Compartment. Access to the 300 OSX’s mechanical systems is provided by pushing a button and the entire aft seat structure raises via an electro-hydraulic ram. The underside of the seat is finished in high-density acoustical foam to dampen sound. There’s access to the optional generator and front and center we saw a slot to stow cockpit table.

The fuel-water separators, batteries, and Optimus 360 steering system are all easily accessed. Batteries are outboard on each side with the steering actuators in the center. Engine battery banks are wired in emergency parallel and have voltage sensing relays. To port, a separate compartment houses the detachable swim ladder and the engine batteries with a blade breaker. Forward is the optional 12V pump for the cabin.

We were surprised to see single clamps for this 12-volt pump. Based on our experience with Chaparral, we’re going to chalk this one up as a one-time incident because the manufacturer has always followed ABYC guidelines.

Dive Door. With the rear seat lowered, we head aft and to starboard there is a hullside door. An optional ladder can be deployed for diving and we like the push-button locking mechanism on the door. Just aft below the remote stereo controls is a washdown hose.

The Stern. Working our way aft, the passageway closes with a hinged gate. The full-beam platform measures 3’3” (1.01 m) fore to aft and is covered with slip-resistant optional Plasdeck mat. Fuel fills are to port and starboard on an angled section of the transom.

Just below are fixed 8” (20.32 cm) cleats and below those are 8” (20.32 cm) pull-up cleats. The four-step swim ladder extends 30” (.81 m), exceeding the ABYC 22” (55.88 cm) length requirement. To port is a 30-amp shorepower outlet, blackwater pump and freshwater fill.

Performance

The Numbers. Our test boat was equipped with twin Yamaha Four Stroke F300 XCA outboards finished in the engine manufacturer’s custom white paint. She measured 29’6” (8.84 m) long with a beam of 9’ (2.74 m) and a draft of 2’10” (86.36 cm). Dry weight is listed at 8,900 pounds (4,036.97 kg.) and with two people, test gear and 30 gallons of fuel aboard, we had an estimated test weight of 10,012 pounds (4,541.37 kg).

Speed and Range. With the throttles down, the 300 OSX ran a top speed of 57 mph at 6000 rpm. Best economical cruise came at 3500 rpm, where we ran 33 mph and burned 17.8 gph, which translated into 1.9 mpg and a range of 284 statute miles. This was calculated while holding back a 10-percent reserve of the boat’s 170-gallon (644 L) fuel capacity. At 650 rpm, we saw 3.5 mph and 2.9 mpg. In acceleration tests, the boat ran through 20 mph in 6.6 seconds and continued to 30 in 8.6 seconds, 40 in 11.7 seconds and 50 in 17.4.

Handling 

Our test boat had the optional Optimus hydraulic steering that made the 300 OSX feel super smooth in maneuvers. She zigged and zagged cleanly through S turns and held her line cleanly when we made sweeping arcs. Around the docks, the optional Optimus 360 joystick let us put the boat wherever we wanted with ease.

Price

• Retail price with twin 250-hp Yamaha F250XCA outboards including stainless-steel props and CLP display ($252,332)
• Retail price with twin 300-hp Yamaha F300XCA outboards including stainless-steel props and CLP display ($256,947)

Options to Consider

• Wide band Biscayne Blue hullside paint
• Bow and cockpit covers: $2,065
• Premium package: $1,300 — includes docking lights, bow scuff plate, fender holders and air pump
• Blue LED underwater lights: $875
• 18,000 Btu Cockpit Air conditioning
• 7.5kW gas generator
• Aft cockpit electric grill
• VacuFlush head with holding tank and macerator
• Windshield side wings
• VHF radio with antenna
• Hydraulic extended swim platform
• Yeti cooler
• SUP board racks
• Bow sunshade
• SureShade retractable cockpit awning

Observations

Chaparral has had a long history of building popular sterndrive-powered boats, so it won’t come as a surprise if the 300 OSX does the same as an outboard-propelled model. The center console with the offset bow passage creates an inviting forward area and the swing-away helm set and convertible aft lounge should deliver lots of versatility.

A healthy standard equipment list includes the windlass, twin Simrad MFDs, the Yamaha Command Link Plus display, and the sunroof. Options that will likely prove to be popular will be the air conditioning and pumpout head in the cabin and the Optimus joystick at the helm.