Chaparral 227 SSX (2016-)

Brief Summary

The Chaparral 227 SSX produced impressive performance during our test runs particularly in the hole shot times, averaging just 3.6 seconds -- very strong, considering she was powered by a single MerCruiser 250-hp sterndrive engine. Speed at WOT was 45.5 mph, while best cruise was at 2500 rpms and 19.0 mph, where she got 3.7 mpg for a maximum range of 149 statute miles with a 10% reserve.

Key Features

• Extended V-Plane Hull
• Custom Bimini top with front windscreen
• Integrated extended swim platform
• Wide band gelcoat (Black, Biscayne Blue, Stealth Grey, or Fire Red)
• Ultra-Comfort pedestal seats with flip-up bolster
• Aft Sundeck with three-Way hinged cushions for walkthrough and Oasis lounge on port side
• Dedicated storage for standard ice chest
• Premium sound system: AM/FM Bluetooth, USB plug and remote control

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	23' 0'' / 7.01 m
Beam	8' 6'' 2.59 m
Dry Weight	3,900 lbs. 1,769 kg
Tested Weight	4,445 lbs. 2,021 kg
Draft	N/A
Draft Up	21.00'' 0.53 m
Draft Down	34.00'' 0.86 m
Deadrise/Transom	20-deg.
Max Headroom	open
Bridge Clearance	7' 8" 2.34 m
Weight Capacity	1,650 lbs. 748 kg
Person Capacity	12
Fuel Capacity	45 gal. 170 L
Water Capacity	N/A
Total Weight	4,445 lbs. 2,021 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	3.6 sec.
0 to 30	6.9 sec.
Ratio	1.6:2
Props	N/A
Load	2 persons, 1/2 fuel, no water, 50 lbs. of gear
Climate	86 deg., 74 humid.; wind: 0-5 mph; seas: calm

Engine Options

Tested Engine	1 x 250-hp MerCruiser 4.5L MPI
Std. Power	1 x 250-hp MerCruiser 4.5L MPI Alpha
Opt. Power	Not Available

Captain's Report Learn More
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Mission Statement

The 227 SSX is the smallest boat in Chaparral’s upscale sportboat series and she’s designed to compete with luxury bowriders while still coming in at a competitive price.
To fill that mission, she comes equipped with two coolers, convertible seating, a portable table that can be installed in the cockpit and bow, a premium stereo, a depth finder and a Bimini top with front windscreen.
Sterndrive power choices range from 225-hp to 350-hp in single and twin-prop packages from MerCruiser and Volvo Penta.

Features Inspection

The Swim Platform.

Let’s start by boarding the 227 SSX on the swim platform, which is deep enough fore and aft. Owners who have expensive boards might want to consider the optional Plasdeck decking. The ladder is aft to starboard in its own locker.

Versatile Lounging.

On first glance, the 227 SSX’s aft sun pad looked pretty straightforward until we looked closer. The port side cushion flips up to create a starboard facing chaise-style lounge. Underneath that cushion is a removable 25-quart cooler. There’s draining storage under the center cushion and the hinged starboard pad folds up to provide easy passage to the cockpit. Finally, there’s storage beneath a hatch in the walkway.

The Cockpit.

From the stern walkway, passengers step down into the 227 SSX’s cockpit, which gives the area a secure deeper feel. L-shaped seating wraps around to port and there’s a multi-position backrest for the forward section. It can be set for a co-pilot to sit up facing forward or laid down to create a long flat lounge. Across to starboard, there’s a single seat abaft the driver.

Cockpit Storage.

All the cockpit lounges have storage in the base and there’s a molded draining compartment beneath the forward bottom cushion. There’s padding in the bottom of the ski and wakeboard locker that’s accessed by a hatch between the driver’s and co-pilot’s seat. Additionally, the port console has a glovebox up top and a hatch in the bow passageway opens a compartment that’s big enough for duffel and gear bags.

The Helm.

The 227 SSX’s helm has a simple, upscale feel with the hand-wrapped darkly upholstered eyebrow over the multi-function gauges. Owners can opt for a Garmin chartplotter in the center of the panel. Accessory switches are in two columns outboard on each side. The digital hour meter and depth gauge and power-assisted tilt steering all come standard. The driver’s seat has a fold-up bolster for sit-down or stand-up operation and it swivels and slides fore and aft.

The Bow.

Moving forward into the 227 SSX’s bow, the passageway closes off with a lower door and the center section of the windshield. Having the ability to keep wind from entering the cockpit lets owners in northern climates extend their season. The bow comes standard with forward facing lounges and there’s a mount for the portable table. Additionally, owners can add the optional filler cushion to create one large pad.

Bow Storage.

Outboard beneath each removable cushion, there is carpeted storage in good sized lockers. Beneath the bow cushion is an insulated cooler that drains directly overboard. On the 227 SSX’s foredeck, a locker houses the beach ladder and anchor in the same compartment. The deck is molded with slots for the ladder to lie into. Fold it out and the anchor is secured with clips so it hangs instead of banging around in the locker.

Power and Performance

Chaparral offers the 227 SSX with choice of Volvo Penta or MerCruiser sterndrive power options with single- or dual propellers ranging from 250-hp to 350-hp. We tested the boat with the base package, a 250-hp MerCruiser 4.5L MPI.

Top speed

was 45.5 mph at 5000 rpm, where she burned 19.3 gph, giving us a range of 96 miles at wide open. We found the best range of 149 miles at 2500 rpm and 3500 rpm. She ran 19 mph and burned 5.2 gph at 2500 rpm and we saw 31.3 mph and 8.5 gph at 3500 rpm. Time-to-plane was 3.6 seconds and she accelerated to 30 mph in 6.9 seconds.

Bottom Design.

Chaparral’s Extended V-Plane bottom has garnered rave reviews since its inception. The concept is a straightforward one. The running surface extends aft past the drive on each side. It helps performance on many fronts. On takeoff, the bottom extensions act as trim tabs, forcing down the bow more quickly and giving the driver a better forward view. Because it provides a longer running surface than boats with a conventional transom design, the Extended V-Plane also has more stability both running and at rest. In turns, the 227 SSX felt smooth and predictable.

Pricing.

$60,517 with a 225-hp Volvo Penta V6-225 SX.

Engine Options

Warranty.

Limited Lifetime Hull Warranty has provisions for transferring coverage and includes limited cockpit upholstery, canvas, components, gelcoat and blister protection.

Options to Consider

Observations

The Chaparral 227 SSX is a high-end bowrider set up to be a luxury day boat with her adjustable lounges and seats, Bimini top and rich two-tone upholstery. For the price, she comes with a strong list of standard features including two coolers, a premium stereo system and a digital depth finder and hour meter.
Her performance and ride with the proven Extended V-Plane bottom design are highlights and we would recommend a dual-prop drive for improved maneuverability around the docks and for holding the boat on plane at lower speeds when towing wakeboarders and tubers.