Chaparral’s 267 SSX proves the value of big-block sterndrives.
At a flick of the smooth electronic shift lever, the power levitates this nearly 5,000-pound rocket onto plane. Once there, a combination of the 22-degree transom deadrise and 380 engine horsepower nested low on the stringers speeds us to nearly 50 mph.
The balanced center of gravity of this large bowrider is enhanced by the massive engine block to give us excellent stability through sharp turns. It also cut smoothly through the chop and doubled-up waves we created on our windless test day. Control of the ponies is intuitive thanks to the responsive power steering and silky throttle lever.
And the frosting on the cake is the incredibly wide, deep swim platform with an aft-facing bench and what Chaparral calls the Infinity Power Step. Touch a button at the transom door, and an electric ram raises a large platform and rotates it into the water resting 12 inches deep—an ideal sandbar spot. When it is deployed, the engine ignition is deactivated for safety.
Chaparral’s new glass-cockpit-style design replaces circular gauges with a 12-inch Simrad NSS Evo 3 touchscreen with fully integrated engine data, plus navigation, sonar, and a seamless interface with Chaparral’s choice JL Audio system. The display is set in a carbon-fiber panel for a techie touch, and the leather-covered, stainless-steel spoke wheel adds to the performance appeal.
Open the passenger console door like a secret passageway, and step down into the fully finished head compartment. A shower head below complements another at the transom.
Other conveniences in the Chaparral included five inductive chargers, 14 stainless-steel cup holders, and highly polished grab rails at the bow and along the coamings where they are handiest for boaters and guests.
The aft seatback is divided. If you pull the steel bar aft, the seatback divides, half lying even with the aft end of the bench, the other half forming an inclined pillow adding still another element of luxury and fun to the 267 SSX.
High Points
- Silicone-based vinyl is extremely resistant to mildew and stains.
- There are five inductive phone chargers on board.
- Wind dam at the windshield protects the cockpit from uncomfortable weather.
How We Tested
- Engine: MerCruiser 8.2L 380 hp
- Drive/Prop: Sterndrive/Bravo 3 26-pitch stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 2.00:1 Fuel Load: 30 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 700 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $228,155 |
| LOA: | 26’5″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (max): | 2″ (engines up), 3’1″ (engines down) |
| Dry Weight (approx.): | 4,700 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | Yacht Certified |
| Fuel Capacity: | 65 gal. |
