Chaparral 223 Jet Boat | CLA 76 Flybridge | MJM 35z
The Michael Peters-designed CLA 76 hull is as good as ever, but the model has seen a bit of evolution since she first came out. The bow area has been opened up substantially, with decks to walk around the sun pad and settee. The house is longer, making for a larger salon and also added space to the flying bridge. And the interior has seen a completely new design with a galley up.
To design a boat for the way it’s used 80 percent of the time, as MJM has told us it does, is a sensible approach that serves as a guidepost for many decisions for a naval architect and a builder. When we inspected the MJM 35z, and considered that rule, we could see why decisions were made they were. And, she is powered by another trend: outboard engines.
It is important to note that the Chaparral 223 VRX has a 20-degree deadrise, which is greater than virtually every other jet boat on the market in class. This makes for a better ride, a weakness that some jet boats have in a chop. Powered with twin Rotax jets, the Chaparral 223 VRX is a dedicated wakesports boat that comes standard with a tower, Wet Sounds speakers, bold graphics and interior colors. Her time to plane was 2.1 seconds and she had a top speed of 52.9 mph. The “Lateral Thrust” control system allows for better handling at the docks, as well as keeping swimmers safe in the water.
Whether chasing king mackerel, sailfish or other offshore species, the MAKO® 284 CC pushed with the new twin 300-hp Mercury V-8 outboards will get to the fish fast, with a top speed of 55.9 mph. Best cruise came at 3500 rpm and 28.8 mph, where she burned just 14.0 gph for a range of 423 statute miles from her 228-gallon (863 L) tank, with 10% reserve.
In addition to having fewer parts, 2-Stroke engines like Evinrude's E-TEC G2 series generate twice as many power strokes for every revolution of the crankshaft as 4-Strokes. The 2-Stroke design requires less maintenance, and can be built lighter than 4-Strokes of similar output in many applications.
Trying to decide between 3- and 4-blade propellers? As with anything to do with boats, it’s what the boater is looking for that makes all the difference. Understanding why the differences exist will help any boater make a more informed decision.
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