Chaparral 23 SSi - The Perfect Family Bowrider
The Chaparral 23 SSi Sport – All New for 2020!
The highly anticipated Chaparral 23 SSi Sport is finally here – and Chaparral absolutely nailed it!
Chaparral has been extremely successful with their 21 H2O sport, which was released around 2012. The 21 H2O Sport was the perfect boat for many people. It was built with all the great designs and high quality that consumers have come to expect from Chaparral. However, Chaparral kept the bells and whistles to a minimum in order to bring the 21 Sport in at a very competitive price. Sales numbers show the 21 H2O Sport as the top selling 21′ boat in the industry, so Chaparral was clearly doing something correct.
The biggest downside to the 21 Sport was the size and seating layout. It just wasn’t quite big enough for the larger families who like to fill the boat with people, and the straight back bench limited the number of seats in the boat.
Rumors have been circulating for several years about a larger version of the 21 Sport, and those rumors have finally become a reality. Meet the 2020 Chaparral 23 SSi Sport.
Chaparral 23 SSi Sport Specs
Lets get started with the numbers on this all new model. The Chaparral 23 SSi Sport comes in at an overall length of 23’0″. This includes the extended swim platform, which is integrated onto the hull and deck rather than bolted on. The beam (width) of the boat is 8’6″, which makes for a very roomy cockpit. 8’6″ is the magic number for maximum trailerable width in most states, so this boat is just as wide as many 27-29′ boats on the market today. Fuel capacity is 45 gallons, and approximate dry weight is 3,600 lbs.
Chaparral DNA Throughout
As you might already know if you have looked at Chaparral models in the past, the H2O lineup represents Chaparral’s value series of sport boats from 19-23′. Chaparral has always been known as a premium boat builder, but they also wanted to offer a more affordable boat. This presents challenges for many boat builders, as the easiest way to get the price down is to cut quality. This, however, is not how Chaparral believes in doing things.
You will find many of the same designs and construction materials in the SSi series as you will find in their premium SSX series. They were able to cut the costs by eliminating some of the bells and whistles, not by sacrificing build quality. The Chaparral 23 SSi Sport features stainless steel hardware, composite seat bases, a cockpit drainage system, Extended V-Plane running surface and a vinyl wrapped dash to keep with the Chaparral DNA.
Exterior Design
The Chaparral 23 SSi Sport features a design that will be very familiar to Chaparral owners. It is a deep boat with high freeboard, noticably larger than the 21 Sport. The bow sits nice and high off the water, which helps give a safe feeling to it’s passengers. As you follow the rubrail back, it sweeps down before leveling off at the swim platform height. The lines of the boat are very similar to the 227 SSX & 237 SSX models.
The 23 Sport has a very large extended swim platform, which was one of the items on our wish list before the boat was released. The swim platform is integrated into the hull and deck, meaning it is not bolted on. This makes for a much cleaner look, as well as being stronger and finished off underneath.
As for tops & towers, the Chaparral 23 SSi Sport is available with either a bimini top canvas, or a folding arch tower. If you opt for the folding arch tower option, the boat was originally released with the choice of either a manual folding tower or electric folding model. We have recently learned the tower will now come standard as the Electric EFX II model when equipped. This is a great looking tower that is extremely sturdy as well. The EFX II tower is available in either white or black.
Chaparral 23 SSi Sunpad
Moving into the boat, let’s take a look at the design of the sunpad on the 23 SSi. There are several features most boaters are looking for in the back of the boat, and we feel Chaparral checked all of those boxes.
First of all, the sunpad’s primary use is to give boaters a place to layout or sit when the boat is anchored. The sunpad on the Chaparral 23 SSi streches the full width of the boat, and is deep enough for 2 people to make use of. Chaparral decided to take things a step further.
If you lift up on either side of the sunpad, you will find that each side raises up and locks into an angled position. By locking either side, you can turn the sunpad into a lounger. And if the sun moves and you need to face the opposite direction, simply move to the other side of the sunpad!
The other main thing people want in a sunpad is to not have to step on it to get into the boat. Remember how we mentioned that either side of the sunpad lifts up to lock into a lounge position? Well if you keep lifting either side, the cushion fill fold all the way over past 90 degrees. Under the cushion is a non-skid surface, which allows entry into the boat without stepping on the vinyl. And the best part is you have to set the cushion down somewhere or completely remove it. Just fold it over, and fold it back once you are in the boat.
Chaparral 23 SSi Sport Interior
One of Chaparrals big changes for 2019 is a face-lift to the interior of all SSi models. Although the interiors of the SSi models in the past were nice and good quality, some people felt they were a little “plain” compared to the rest of Chaparral’s models. This is no longer the case.
For 2019, Chaparral will be using same premium interior in their SSi models as they do in their ultra-luxurious SSX models. This is a hand stitched interior with Chaparral embroidery and multi-trim colors. The SSi models are available in two interior color options – Mocha or Sterling. Mocha is a slightly off-white with two shades of tan trim. Sterling is a bright white with two shades of gray trim. All interior fiberglass colors will follow suit to the vinyl trim color you choose.
Cockpit Seating Layout
One of the biggest upgrades over the 21 H2O can be found in the cockpit seating layout on the 23 SSi. The 21 Sport was limited by overall length, and featured a straight bench in the back of the cockpit. This is okay for 3-4 people, but that’s pretty much max capacity.
On the Chaparral 23 SSi Sport, you will find very spacious U-Shaped Cockpit Seating. This is possible because of the additional 2 inches of width, and more importantly, 2 feet in length. This is a very desirable seating layout in larger boats, and it completely changes the feel of the boat.
The passenger capacity on the 23 SSi Sport is rated for 13 people. This is extremely high for a 23′ boat. In fact, many 24-25′ pontoons have the same passenger capacity. This high capacity is due to the overall large size of the boat, seating layout, and safety with a large crowd on board.
Cockpit Storage
The good thing about having lots of seats in a boat is lots of storage. Under each of the side cushions in the Chaparral 23 SSi you will find a large storage area. This is a great spot for life jackets, bumpers, ropes, totes, and whatever else you bring with you. Under the rear-center cushion is a built-in cooler. This cooler is insulated and has a drain as well. The largest storage area is the ski locker in the floor of the boat. This is a great spot for skis, wakeboards, tubes and other large items.
Driver’s Helm/Port Helm
Both the driver’s helm and port helm are fully enclosed fiberglass. This design has many benefits for the boat owner. First of all, an enclosed fiberglass helm means it can be utilized as a storage area. This is exactly what Chaparral did.
Both helms have large doors on the side which open to a huge, open storage area. This door seals up this area from water and dirt as well. With it being such a large open area, this is a great place for totes or personal items you want protected. They are also large enough for life jackets, bumpers, tubes and many other items. Chaparral also offers an optional bow walk-thru door. This door folds flush with the driver’s side helm when not in use, but when open closes off the bow to keep the cockpit warmer on cooler boating days.
Fiberglass helms are also the way to go when it comes to quality. Some manufacturers use quite a bit of plastic on their helms. This tends to fade or crack over time, instantly aging your boat and hurting it’s value. The helms are molded into the top deck, which means you won’t find and caulking or hear any rattles. The dash has a vinyl wrapped brow as well to prevent any glare on the gauges.
Bow Seating Area
The bow seating area on the Chaparral 23 SSi Sport follows suit with the cockpit in giving a very spacious seating area. Chaparral does a great job in making the bow very wide and open. If you compare this boat to our competition, you will find many other boat’s bows to be very narrow and cramped. This is likely an outdated designed model that has been in production for too many years. A spacious bow is much preferred, and Chaparral has nailed it in that department.
The bow backrests are very high and it practically swallows it’s passengers. Don’t take that wrong, it’s a good thing. This is a boat that makes you feel very secure. You feel like you like you are sitting in the boat rather than on top of it. There are also stainless steel grab handles for extra security in rough waters. Most manufacturers desperately lack in this department. Hardware like this is expensive, and some companies see this as a great opportunity to cut costs. This just isn’t how Chaparral does things.
As for storage, Chaparral has incorporated this under both side bench seats. The center seat also has a storage area underneath, but this is insulated with a drain so it makes for a great cooler. Off the front of the bow is an anchor locker.
Summary
The Chaparral 23 SSi Sport is a boat that we have been waiting for for a very long time. The ultra-popular 21 Sport is a great model, but it is just too small for some buyers. The 23 Sport is the perfect big brother. It has even more room than we hoped for. The interior has a very premium look that will appeal to even the luxury buyers. And the nationally advertised starting price of $48,995 including trailer is the cherry on top. If you are looking for an affordable boat in the 23′ range with premium quality, the Chaparral 23 SSi Sport should be at the top of your shopping list.