WEBVTT 1 00:00:02.970 --> 00:00:03.950 The following opinions 2 00:00:03.950 --> 00:00:07.170 are solely those of BoatTest.com and its test Captain. 3 00:00:07.170 --> 00:00:09.410 line:15% Hi, Captain Steve for BoatTest.com and today 4 00:00:09.410 --> 00:00:11.350 we'll be conducting a full features inspection 5 00:00:11.350 --> 00:00:13.830 and performance evaluation on the all new 6 00:00:13.830 --> 00:00:18.830 line:15% NMMA Certified 257 SSX Outboard from Chaparral. 7 00:00:18.830 --> 00:00:20.990 This is the builder's newest luxury bow rider 8 00:00:20.990 --> 00:00:23.730 and in addition to generous amounts of stainless steel, 9 00:00:23.730 --> 00:00:27.660 they fit a few more premium details into this 25-footer. 10 00:00:27.660 --> 00:00:29.430 Let's start with the operational features, 11 00:00:29.430 --> 00:00:30.630 beginning with the helm. 12 00:00:31.470 --> 00:00:33.710 The helm is located to starboard. 13 00:00:33.710 --> 00:00:35.160 The wheel is mounted to a tilt base 14 00:00:35.160 --> 00:00:37.210 and driving power steering. 15 00:00:37.210 --> 00:00:38.820 The single engine throttle lever control 16 00:00:38.820 --> 00:00:41.100 includes the integrated trim buttons. 17 00:00:41.100 --> 00:00:42.490 To port were the lighting switches 18 00:00:42.490 --> 00:00:44.360 in a centralized L design. 19 00:00:44.360 --> 00:00:45.850 This is repeated to the other side 20 00:00:45.850 --> 00:00:47.373 and a storage cubby is below. 21 00:00:48.450 --> 00:00:51.610 line:15% Twin, 7-inch touchscreen displays included moving maps, 22 00:00:51.610 --> 00:00:53.900 line:15% and they were integrated into the engine monitoring 23 00:00:53.900 --> 00:00:56.410 for full digital gauge displays. 24 00:00:56.410 --> 00:00:57.770 And notice how the screens are angled 25 00:00:57.770 --> 00:00:59.670 to better face the operator. 26 00:00:59.670 --> 00:01:01.570 Water resistant push button DC breakers 27 00:01:01.570 --> 00:01:03.250 were mounted below the dash. 28 00:01:03.250 --> 00:01:06.400 Console storage was accessed via a side door. 29 00:01:06.400 --> 00:01:09.250 line:15% One of the six, 6-inch pull-up cleats was located 30 00:01:09.250 --> 00:01:10.610 at the starboard side, mid-ship, 31 00:01:10.610 --> 00:01:13.540 making a driver side tie up much more convenient. 32 00:01:13.540 --> 00:01:15.160 Clarion auto controls are included 33 00:01:15.160 --> 00:01:18.170 with an auxiliary audio and USB input jack. 34 00:01:18.170 --> 00:01:21.593 The system includes six JL audio water-resistant speakers. 35 00:01:22.510 --> 00:01:24.630 A single forward-mounted subwoofer speaker set 36 00:01:24.630 --> 00:01:26.620 up aft the captain's chair. 37 00:01:26.620 --> 00:01:28.860 The helm seat includes a flip-up bolster, 38 00:01:28.860 --> 00:01:31.420 and an open back for ventilation. 39 00:01:31.420 --> 00:01:33.840 The seat is fully adjustable with actuating levers 40 00:01:33.840 --> 00:01:36.330 at the front of the armrests. 41 00:01:36.330 --> 00:01:38.300 The observer seat was configured just the same 42 00:01:38.300 --> 00:01:39.480 and both had grab-rails 43 00:01:39.480 --> 00:01:42.000 built into the backs of each chair. 44 00:01:42.000 --> 00:01:43.930 To port was a vertical grab-rail. 45 00:01:43.930 --> 00:01:45.350 The stainless steel trimmed windscreen 46 00:01:45.350 --> 00:01:47.760 wrapped around to both sides. 47 00:01:47.760 --> 00:01:49.340 The entire boat decking was finished 48 00:01:49.340 --> 00:01:51.010 in a diamond, non-skid and could be used 49 00:01:51.010 --> 00:01:52.780 along with the inside seat for an additional 50 00:01:52.780 --> 00:01:54.690 point of entry and egress. 51 00:01:54.690 --> 00:01:56.070 line:15% Pull-up cleats set to either side 52 00:01:56.070 --> 00:01:57.520 line:15% of the forward anchor locker, 53 00:01:57.520 --> 00:01:58.840 control switches were seated 54 00:01:58.840 --> 00:02:01.230 at the inside of the starboard bow cleat. 55 00:02:01.230 --> 00:02:04.140 Seated in an anchor roller was a polished, stainless steel 56 00:02:04.140 --> 00:02:05.830 plow anchor that was controlled 57 00:02:05.830 --> 00:02:07.890 by an optional Lewmar windlass. 58 00:02:07.890 --> 00:02:09.540 A manual hand wrench for the windlass 59 00:02:09.540 --> 00:02:11.830 and a tie-off cleat sat as forward. 60 00:02:11.830 --> 00:02:13.930 A stainless steel flip-open navigation light 61 00:02:13.930 --> 00:02:16.787 was mounted into the deck just forward of the windlass. 62 00:02:16.787 --> 00:02:19.970 The 257 SSX OB comes standard with a boarding ladder 63 00:02:19.970 --> 00:02:21.750 in lieu of the premium windless package 64 00:02:21.750 --> 00:02:23.510 in the anchor locker. 65 00:02:23.510 --> 00:02:25.210 A stainless steel grab-rail allowed us 66 00:02:25.210 --> 00:02:27.180 to lift up the aft bench seating and reveal 67 00:02:27.180 --> 00:02:29.260 what would normally house the inboard engine. 68 00:02:29.260 --> 00:02:31.540 Two gas-assist struts maintained the weight 69 00:02:31.540 --> 00:02:33.600 of the seating section, which has a storage. 70 00:02:33.600 --> 00:02:36.640 A welcome safety feature was the starboard side's 71 00:02:36.640 --> 00:02:38.170 self-locking strut. 72 00:02:38.170 --> 00:02:39.970 A very deliberate push on the strut brake 73 00:02:39.970 --> 00:02:43.340 allowed us to depress and slowly close the hatch. 74 00:02:43.340 --> 00:02:44.633 The engine fuel primer boss sat just about 75 00:02:44.633 --> 00:02:46.530 aft end of starboard. 76 00:02:46.530 --> 00:02:49.470 Bilge access was gained by removing the rear panel, 77 00:02:49.470 --> 00:02:51.730 giving access to the power steering pump, 78 00:02:51.730 --> 00:02:54.700 fuel-water separator, and single mag zone bilge pump 79 00:02:54.700 --> 00:02:55.713 with float switch. 80 00:02:57.420 --> 00:03:00.130 The Chaparral 257 SSX was equipped with a single 81 00:03:00.130 --> 00:03:03.120 Yamaha 300 horsepower V-6, 4.2 liter, 82 00:03:03.120 --> 00:03:04.310 four-stroke engine, 83 00:03:04.310 --> 00:03:06.970 line:15% turning a Saltwater Series II stainless steel prop 84 00:03:06.970 --> 00:03:10.273 line:15% with a 15 and a half inch diameter and 18-inch pitch. 85 00:03:10.273 --> 00:03:13.230 line:15% She has a length, overall, of 25 feet six inches, 86 00:03:13.230 --> 00:03:14.610 line:15% a beam of eight feet six inches, 87 00:03:14.610 --> 00:03:16.880 line:15% and a draft two feet nine inches. 88 00:03:16.880 --> 00:03:18.930 line:15% With an empty weight of 5,040 pounds, 89 00:03:18.930 --> 00:03:21.220 line:15% 50% fuel, and two people onboard, 90 00:03:21.220 --> 00:03:24.823 line:15% we had an estimated test weight of 5,512 pounds. 91 00:03:26.220 --> 00:03:30.210 line:15% At 6,000 RPM, we hit a top speed of 52 miles per hour. 92 00:03:30.210 --> 00:03:32.680 line:15% The best economic crews came in at 3500 RPM 93 00:03:32.680 --> 00:03:35.080 line:15% and 26.1 miles per hour. 94 00:03:35.080 --> 00:03:37.520 line:15% At that speed, that 9.1-gallon-per-hour fuel burn 95 00:03:37.520 --> 00:03:40.020 line:15% translated into 2.9 miles per gallon 96 00:03:40.020 --> 00:03:42.271 line:15% and a range of 168 statute miles, 97 00:03:42.271 --> 00:03:44.890 line:15% all while still holding back a 10% reserve 98 00:03:44.890 --> 00:03:47.483 line:15% of the boat's 65 gallon total fuel capacity. 99 00:03:48.580 --> 00:03:52.790 line:15% In no wake mode, 600 RPM produces 3.6 miles per hour 100 00:03:52.790 --> 00:03:55.310 line:15% with a six gallon per hour fuel burn. 101 00:03:55.310 --> 00:03:57.563 For acceleration, we reached 20 miles per hour 102 00:03:57.563 --> 00:03:58.674 in 6.9 seconds, 103 00:03:58.674 --> 00:04:00.653 30 in 9.4 seconds, 104 00:04:00.653 --> 00:04:01.486 line:15% and 40 came and went in 13.2 seconds. 105 00:04:05.160 --> 00:04:06.960 With little to no chop and a light breeze, 106 00:04:06.960 --> 00:04:08.640 we set out for our test runs. 107 00:04:08.640 --> 00:04:10.900 We didn't find it necessary to use much trim 108 00:04:10.900 --> 00:04:12.320 to obtain optimal running angles 109 00:04:12.320 --> 00:04:15.470 throughout the testing, and be it at idle or top speed, 110 00:04:15.470 --> 00:04:17.880 handling proved to be quite responsive. 111 00:04:17.880 --> 00:04:19.690 When it was time to put the hammer down, 112 00:04:19.690 --> 00:04:22.760 line:15% this 5,512 pound vessel with a 22 degree 113 00:04:22.760 --> 00:04:24.060 line:15% dead-rise, deep-V hull 114 00:04:24.060 --> 00:04:25.400 cut through our chase boat's wake, 115 00:04:25.400 --> 00:04:26.790 projecting little spray 116 00:04:26.790 --> 00:04:29.260 and maintaining her speed and course. 117 00:04:29.260 --> 00:04:31.840 Now, let's move on to the features. 118 00:04:31.840 --> 00:04:33.160 As we made our way to the bow 119 00:04:33.160 --> 00:04:35.540 through the one and a half foot wide walkway 120 00:04:35.540 --> 00:04:38.460 we found the seating area to be both roomy and comfortable 121 00:04:38.460 --> 00:04:41.600 with some thoughtful touches such as flip-up armrests, 122 00:04:41.600 --> 00:04:44.163 JL audio speakers, and courtesy lighting. 123 00:04:45.070 --> 00:04:47.200 The deep-set lounges, along with the two 124 00:04:47.200 --> 00:04:49.360 line:15% four foot eight inch stainless steel bow rails 125 00:04:49.360 --> 00:04:51.100 line:15% and grab handles made the team feel 126 00:04:51.100 --> 00:04:53.460 safe and secure while underway. 127 00:04:53.460 --> 00:04:54.610 The diamond-stitched upholstery 128 00:04:54.610 --> 00:04:57.250 was tri-color Biscayne blue throughout the boat. 129 00:04:57.250 --> 00:04:58.740 line:15% From the seat to the top of the bolster 130 00:04:58.740 --> 00:05:00.540 line:15% was one foot four inches. 131 00:05:00.540 --> 00:05:03.390 line:15% We measured a leg room space of one foot seven inches wide 132 00:05:03.390 --> 00:05:06.320 line:15% by two foot three inches long between the seats. 133 00:05:06.320 --> 00:05:08.010 line:15% The boat's 10 gallon water tank fill 134 00:05:08.010 --> 00:05:10.750 line:15% was located just astern to the starboard lounge. 135 00:05:10.750 --> 00:05:12.560 The forward bow seat cushion lifts to reveal 136 00:05:12.560 --> 00:05:14.900 storage for the bow table and also a place to mount 137 00:05:14.900 --> 00:05:16.960 a filler cushion, converting the entire space 138 00:05:16.960 --> 00:05:19.110 into one large sun pad. 139 00:05:19.110 --> 00:05:20.540 The air dam and windshield doors 140 00:05:20.540 --> 00:05:23.170 sectioned off the bow from the cockpit. 141 00:05:23.170 --> 00:05:25.900 line:15% The port side console houses the head. 142 00:05:25.900 --> 00:05:27.230 line:15% We'd like to see a latch or strut 143 00:05:27.230 --> 00:05:28.340 line:15% that would provide resistance 144 00:05:28.340 --> 00:05:30.330 and keep the door securely open. 145 00:05:30.330 --> 00:05:31.400 Our test boat was outfitted 146 00:05:31.400 --> 00:05:32.980 with the premium electrical head unit 147 00:05:32.980 --> 00:05:34.330 and solid surface countertop 148 00:05:34.330 --> 00:05:37.050 with pressure water sink and vanity mirror. 149 00:05:37.050 --> 00:05:39.230 The head's electric controls were mounted on the bulkhead 150 00:05:39.230 --> 00:05:41.050 just to the left of the sink. 151 00:05:41.050 --> 00:05:43.140 There was a lockable glove box located just forward 152 00:05:43.140 --> 00:05:44.810 of the observer, complete with an integrated 153 00:05:44.810 --> 00:05:46.950 slip-resistant mat on the inside, 154 00:05:46.950 --> 00:05:49.800 and a stylized stainless steel trim piece on the outside. 155 00:05:50.840 --> 00:05:53.690 The cockpit features an array of seating configurations. 156 00:05:53.690 --> 00:05:56.610 A single bench-style seat was located behind the helm chair, 157 00:05:56.610 --> 00:05:59.200 L-shaped seating continued around to starboard. 158 00:05:59.200 --> 00:06:00.560 A grab-rail and audio speaker 159 00:06:00.560 --> 00:06:03.170 were recessed into the starboard gunnel. 160 00:06:03.170 --> 00:06:05.080 There's plenty of storage throughout the cockpit area, 161 00:06:05.080 --> 00:06:08.210 including dedicated storage for 25-quart carry-on cooler 162 00:06:08.210 --> 00:06:10.279 under the starboard seat. 163 00:06:10.279 --> 00:06:12.030 And a table could be mounted to accommodate 164 00:06:12.030 --> 00:06:13.970 more of a social aspect. 165 00:06:13.970 --> 00:06:16.670 Aft, into the center, is a convertible bench seat. 166 00:06:16.670 --> 00:06:18.830 Converting this seating section into a sun pad 167 00:06:18.830 --> 00:06:21.320 is as easy as pulling the stainless steel grab-rail 168 00:06:21.320 --> 00:06:23.680 to stern and down. 169 00:06:23.680 --> 00:06:25.060 line:15% The aft-facing bench seat 170 00:06:25.060 --> 00:06:28.310 line:15% measured five feet four inches wide by 18 inches deep. 171 00:06:28.310 --> 00:06:30.830 Two drink holders sat on the corner. 172 00:06:30.830 --> 00:06:32.590 The entire boat was outfitted with snap-in, 173 00:06:32.590 --> 00:06:35.400 sea deck flooring, and a self-bilging 174 00:06:35.400 --> 00:06:37.100 cockpit drainage system. 175 00:06:37.100 --> 00:06:38.640 A built-in ski locker was located 176 00:06:38.640 --> 00:06:40.470 between the two helm chairs and held open 177 00:06:40.470 --> 00:06:42.620 by a sturdy gas strut. 178 00:06:42.620 --> 00:06:43.900 Our test boat was also equipped 179 00:06:43.900 --> 00:06:45.510 with the optional EFX tower 180 00:06:45.510 --> 00:06:47.100 with two JL audio speakers 181 00:06:47.100 --> 00:06:48.670 which added to the overall look 182 00:06:48.670 --> 00:06:50.960 and functionality of the 257. 183 00:06:50.960 --> 00:06:53.350 line:15% The tower raised and lowered, reducing the bridge clearance 184 00:06:53.350 --> 00:06:56.283 line:15% from eight foot one inch to six feet, when fully extended. 185 00:06:57.260 --> 00:06:59.470 An anchor light was wired in up top. 186 00:06:59.470 --> 00:07:01.880 And with the electronic EFX tower fully extended 187 00:07:01.880 --> 00:07:04.323 and in place, we had good visibility all around. 188 00:07:05.340 --> 00:07:07.740 Transitioning through the cockpit towards the swim platform, 189 00:07:07.740 --> 00:07:09.300 we stepped up two eight-inch steps 190 00:07:09.300 --> 00:07:11.390 through a 15-inch starboard side passageway 191 00:07:11.390 --> 00:07:13.570 with big sea deck non-skid. 192 00:07:13.570 --> 00:07:15.220 To starboard was the main breaker panel 193 00:07:15.220 --> 00:07:17.310 housing the emergency parallel switch, 194 00:07:17.310 --> 00:07:19.260 battery switches, helm main, 195 00:07:19.260 --> 00:07:21.770 stereo amp breaker, and windlass breakers. 196 00:07:21.770 --> 00:07:23.660 We'd stick on some protective bumpers to the door 197 00:07:23.660 --> 00:07:26.160 to keep it from slamming into the adjacent gellco. 198 00:07:28.100 --> 00:07:30.590 This one platform measured in an eight foot one inch wide 199 00:07:30.590 --> 00:07:33.040 and had a transition space of five and a half inches 200 00:07:33.040 --> 00:07:34.890 ahead of the engine. 201 00:07:34.890 --> 00:07:36.650 At the base of the convertible aft seating, 202 00:07:36.650 --> 00:07:38.900 Chaparral added some embossed stainless steel trim, 203 00:07:38.900 --> 00:07:40.930 enhancing the look of the 257. 204 00:07:40.930 --> 00:07:43.200 To port is the head pump-out connection, 205 00:07:43.200 --> 00:07:46.303 the remote Clarion stereo control, and a freshwater shower. 206 00:07:47.750 --> 00:07:49.370 Above, there's a stainless grab-rail 207 00:07:49.370 --> 00:07:51.340 and a six inch cleat that's to the side, 208 00:07:51.340 --> 00:07:53.640 mounted to another stainless steel trim piece. 209 00:07:54.650 --> 00:07:57.930 Starboard side hatch housed the re-boarding ladder. 210 00:07:57.930 --> 00:07:59.240 With stainless steel throughout, 211 00:07:59.240 --> 00:08:01.730 versatile layout, and premium touches all around, 212 00:08:01.730 --> 00:08:04.610 the 257 SSX Outboard is Chaparral's answer 213 00:08:04.610 --> 00:08:07.620 to the market's need for a luxury bow rider. 214 00:08:07.620 --> 00:08:11.420 Using the existing 257 SSX stern drive as a base, 215 00:08:11.420 --> 00:08:13.550 Chaparral has built yet another family-friendly 216 00:08:13.550 --> 00:08:16.260 outboard option in the 25-foot category. 217 00:08:16.260 --> 00:08:17.950 And that's my full features inspection 218 00:08:17.950 --> 00:08:20.380 and performance evaluation of the all new 219 00:08:20.380 --> 00:08:23.440 257 SSX Outboard from Chaparral. 220 00:08:23.440 --> 00:08:25.620 For BoatTest.com, I'm Captain Steve. 221 00:08:25.620 --> 00:08:27.553 We'll see you on the water.