Chaparral 2870 SSX Review

Chaparral released the 2870 SSX as an all new model in 2025, and it has some big shoes to fill taking the place of the previous model, the 287 SSX.  The 287 SSX has always been a top seller in the large luxury bowrider market, an for good reason.  The 287 was a big, deep bowrider with the ability to crush large waves.  It came with great features such as the infinity power step, glass dash touchscreens, electric arch & much more.  Let's take a look at some of the improvements in the new 2870 SSX!

Exterior Design

The exterior of the 2870 looks similar at first glance to it's predecessor, but the hull has actually been completely redesigned.  One thing that jumps out is the swim platform.  On the 287, the swim platform wrapped around the sides of the boat.  This created an extruding point of contact around docks and would often get beat up in normal usage.  That has been eliminated on the new 28870 as the swim platform now meets up with the rear corner of the hull to eliminate this potential issue.  

Another new option for 2025 is the EFX Folding Hardtop Top Tower.  This tower is electric and as the arms fold forward, the top stays horizontal.  This allows you to drop the top both for clearance purposes, and also when using the boat to provide cover from weather. Lighting has been integrated into the vertical arms and Chaparral now offers the option to add an arch accent color insert.  This tower is also a functional tow point for boards.  

Regarding exterior colors, Chaparral now offers the apex graphics package.  This gives a more aggressive look to the boat and is a painted stripe on the lower part of the hull as seen above.  This is available in many different color combinations.

Interior Colors

In the past, Chaparral has had more limited color options on their SSX models.  Now, they have added two gray options as well as some other favorites.  Interior color options include Slate, Lunar, Shadow, Cayenne & Black Edition.  This makes for a hard decision, but certain interior colors obviously tie in better with certain exterior colors, so the boat can have a very custom look when all said and done.

The detail on the interior has been significantly upgraded as well.  You will find much more detail in the trim and stitching than in the old 287 SSX models which gives the boat a very luxurious look.

Helm

The helm on the 2870 SSX has been completely redesigned as well.  For starters, instead of two small 7" Simrad screens, you will now find a large 12" single screen.  This makes writing much easier to read than the small screens.  You can also split the screen to show both maps and instruments to show all the information you might need at one time.

On the left of the screen is an adjustable smartphone holder.  On the right you have the options to add the Lenco Pro Trim System.  This all new trim system allows you to set how you want the boat to ride, and then they system takes over.  It helps stabilize the boat while underway without any effort from the driver.  You can expect to find this on many more boats in the future.  Check out Lenco's website for more details on this impressive new option.

Cockpit

The cockpit on the 2870 SSX has been completely redesigned as well.  It features an open concept seating layout which gives passengers maximum space for seating and legroom on any boat in this size range.

The port side seat is hinged and provides a huge storage compartment underneath.  This is where you will find the mount for the air pump storage as well.  Also new for 2025 is the integrated cooler on the starboard side.  The seat is hinged with a secondary lid underneath.  This lid is also hinged and cover the built-in cooler with drain.  This helps eliminate splashing and keeps beverages colder than just using the seat for a lid.  If you opt for the connectivity package, you will also find wireless charges throughout the boat in the cockpit and bow.  This also includes a rear-facing camera which is mounted under the rear bench seat.

Another cool new feature is the RGB light package.  This is available exclusively on the 2870 and gives the operator the option to select any color lighting in the boat as well as light effects which change color and essentially put on a light show based on the environment.  You can even synchronize the lighting with the audio in the boat.

Bow

The bow has been completely redesigned on the 2870 as well.  First of all, the interior lighting has been significantly upgraded with a huge amount of LED lights through the bow seating area.  As mentioned above, with the connectivity package you will get wireless phone chargers in the bow.  Storage has been significantly improved as well.  Instead of just storage under the cushions on previous models, the 2870 has backrests that flip up as shown in the photo above to provide a much larger storage area which extends from under the bow seats into the helm area for large items.

For even more storage, the Chaparral 2870 features a secondary in-floor storage locker in the floor of the bow.  And on the top deck you will find an optional electric anchor windlass in the anchor locker area.

Sunpad

The sunpad has been significantly improved on the 2870 as per customer requests.  In the past, the folding lounge backrest was only about 3/4 the width of the sunpad.  The new lounger is the full width and gives much more room for occupants to lounge out.  This is a manual fold by simply pulling the grabhandle on top of the backrest to extend into the lounge position.

Below the seat, you will also find dual rear facing speakers - an option missing from the older models.  The allows people on the back of the boat and in the water to enjoy the tunes without blasting the volume too loud within the boat.  The stereo controls are also located on the side of the lounger so you don't need to walk into the boat or grab your phone to adjust the music.

Although it's not a new option for 2025, the Chaparral 2870 is also equipped with the ultra-popular Infinity Power Step.  This is an electric step that goes from a flush position on top of the platform down to two steps into the water which can be used as seats as well.  This is a game-changing option and has resulted in many new boat sales for Chaparral.  This option is an industry leading design.

Summary

We can tell you all the new features on the Chaparral 2870 SSX, but to be honest, reading about it just doesn't do this boat justice.  It is in our opinion, the best designed and most luxurious boat on the market it's category.  It is an absolute home run from Chaparral and is destined to be the best selling large bowrider on the market in no time.  Take our advice and go check this boat out for yourself at your local Chaparral dealer.  You won't be disappointed!