My first impression of Chaparral’s new 28 Surf was the large number of guests it will fit. The second impression was how easy it is to board, with a wide swim platform and a walk-through gate into the cockpit so there is no ungainly clambering over rear seats.
My third impression? These seats are really comfortable, with high backrests, armrests on the two bow chaises, and an aft seat that flips to face forward or astern.
Our test boat was the Black Edition, with a black gelcoat hull, cayenne silicone upholstery with black accents, and black bits, like the seat pedestals and ski mirror. A word to Rolls-Royce: Pay attention here.
Engine choices include the Mercury 8.2L (380 to 430 hp) Bravo Four S or Volvo Penta EVC (380 to 430 hp) Forward Drive. Our test boat boasted the 380 hp Volvo Penta with the forward-facing Duoprop drive, good for 4.3 seconds to plane and to hammer down 46 mph. Access is great in a tidy engine compartment, with all service points right upfront. A -Fireboy fire-suppression system is an available option.
The layout boasts a full-swivel companion bucket seat, with an L-shaped bench seat to port plus a settee behind the skipper. Twin Simrad Evo3 touchscreen monitors control wake- and wave-shaping functions and navigation, and display engine data. The bolstered helm seat slides with an especially easy-to-reach lever, and a fridge is tucked under the helm console.
Opposite the helm is a surprisingly civilized head compartment (48 inches of headroom), with an available Tecna electric loo, a sink, and a pullout faucet for showering in privacy. Chaparral understands there is never enough stowage, and everywhere you look are lockers and hatches, including a 6-plus-footer in the sole—and all have liners.
The Surf Gate, combined with a single ballast bag, dials in wakes for every rider’s level using the Simrad screens, and the 22-degree deadrise slices chop for a soft ride. And whether wakesurfing or sitting at a sandbar, the Infinity Power Step platform provides steps into the water and dual seating levels.
The Chaparral 28 Surf is a great surfboat, sportboat and family boat.
High Points
- Enclosed head for all-day family outings.
- Infinity Power Step provides in-water social seating.
- Excellent service access.
- Twin touchscreen MFDs control waves, wakes, navigation and accessories operation.
How We Tested
- Engine: Volvo Penta 380 hp V-8 2.0 EVC Catalyst
- Drive/Props: Forward Drive/stainless-steel K4 propset
- Gear Ratio: 2.32:1 Fuel Load: 50 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $223,685 (as tested) |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 28’0″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | 2’7″ (up) |
| Dry Weight: | 5,900 lb. (approx.) |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | Yacht Certified |
| Fuel Capacity: | 80 gal. |
Chaparral Boats – Nashville, Georgia; chaparralboats.com
