-: The following opinions are solely those
of boatTEST.com and its test captain.
Today we're going to review the features
and performance of the Chaparral 347SSX,
the largest boat in the Chaparral SSX line.
She has a load capacity that's only limited
by the number of seats and is also part cruiser
thanks to the full beam cabin that
can sleep two for a long weekend aboard.
Now, let's jump aboard and see the most distinguishing
feature of the 347SSX, her full beam cabin.
The cabin has wood veneer finishes
on it's bulkheads, doors and cabinets.
To the port are the optional microwave
and 24 inch LED flat screen TV.
The ships distribution panel controls either the shore power
or the three kilowatt generator which is needed for items
such as, the reverse cycle air conditioner,
which makes this a true three season boat.
To port, the bed for two easily makes
into an L-shaped couch.
Chaparral used color-coordinated Ultrasuede fabrics
and added Scotchgard for protection.
A feature rarely found on boats in this class
is a cedar lined closet.
The cabin has a total of three screen covered portholes
to let in natural light.
The head compartment serves double duty,
as a head and a shower.
It features a stainless steel sink and shower head
with a hard surface countertop.
The head is a VacuFlush,
and the porthole is frosted with a screen,
the compartment even has a powered vent.
Now let's look at some of the on-deck amenities,
starting up in the bow.
It has enough room to sit up to six adults,
and notice the addition of the table mount.
Being on the side it allows
for more legroom when the table is installed.
The integrated headrests are a thoughtful touch.
The bow also has in-deck storage,
and under the seats are insulated compartments.
One of the most important aspects of the boat
is four people can face forward
behind the windshield when running.
Two at the helm and two in the companion seat.
In the cockpit she offers L-shaped seating
with Nano-Block technology that promises
maximum protection against UV degradation.
Also notice a table installed for entertaining here.
Chaparral uses stainless steel articulating hinges
on the seats to access the storage areas.
Our test boat was fitted with the optional wet bar
instead of starboard seating.
It has a solid surface countertop,
trash receptacle, stainless steel cup holders,
sink, pressurized water nozzle, a stainless grab handle,
and dual power refrigerator.
The sole storage compartment can accommodate
watersports toys as it measures 69 inches long,
45 inches wide and 29 inches deep.
Entering and exiting the cockpit is easy
using the integrated step on the side gunwale,
covered in diamond cut non-skid surface.
Overhead, the hard top has stainless speaker grills
and a forward hatch to ease transition into the bow.
It also has three color LED lighting.
At the swim platform, there's an electrically actuated seat
that converts into a sun pad with the push of a button.
When deployed, a storage space
with drink holders is exposed.
There's also a fresh water shower on the starboard side.
Now let's move on to operations.
The engine compartment is located
under the aft seat and is electrically actuated.
The area is large enough to make
daily engine room checks a breeze.
Even oil and fluid changes should not be an issue
given the room available.
Our test boat was fitted with twin
Mercury 6.2 liter, 350 horsepower
DTS engines with Bravo Three drives.
The helm on the 347 SSX really shows off
Chaparral's attention to detail.
The brow was custom molded fiberglass,
wrapped in vinyl and hand stitched.
The panels are aluminum and stainless steel,
plus the steering wheel is leather wrapped.
The operator's seat is adjustable forward and back,
plus it has flip-up bolsters for both occupants.
The engine controls are mounted at an angle,
keeping them out of the way when using
the stern drive joystick.
With an estimated test weight of 12,725 pounds,
we brought the boat to plane at 5.1 seconds.
With the throttle still to the pins,
we passed 20 miles per hour in 6.1 seconds
and reached 30 miles per hour in 9.2 seconds.
Top speed was 48.5 miles per hour at 5,100 rpm.
The fuel burn was 26.6 gallons per hour
yielding a range of 247 miles.
Best cruise was determined to be at
3,500 rpm and 23 miles per hour.
Fuel burn there was 9.4 gallons per hour
offering a range of 330 statute miles
while still holding back a 10% reserve.
With a 22 degree deadrise at the transom,
her deep vee hull will give a good ride at chop.
Chaparral's extended vee plane hull
creates added buoyancy in the stern,
which helps to produce faster times to plane,
increased fuel economy and added stability.
With relatively high freeboard, she's definitely a boat
that can be taken offshore in confidence.
Now, since we originally tested this boat,
Chaparral has made some important updates.
There are several new features on this boat.
Let's take a look at some of them.
Upgraded TriTone upholstery
with diamond pattern stitching and custom embroidery.
The helm has been redesigned
and it gives us a whole new look that consists
of these two multi-function displays,
nine inch in this case.
Notice how they are angled so that they face the operator.
Push button switches around chrome bases down both sides.
And above all is this brand new hardtop.
It includes a sunroof
with blackout shades and dimming screens.
There's a soundbar in the back,
an extendable sheer-shaped awning,
and take a look at this stylized support in the back.
Well, that's our second look at a popular Chaparral model
that just keeps getting better with time.
For boatTEST.com, I'm Captain Steve.
We'll see you, on the water.