In the marine world, so many new outboard vessels are parading along, it’s easy to forget the sterndrive—until you get your hands on one. Then the advantages in power, control, the open swim platform and easy service, such as checking the oil, coolant, gear-case lubricants and more, make the ownership of a sterndrive great again.
There is something comfortable about the slightly forward center of gravity you can feel in crossing chop, slicing wakes or carving turns. Our Volvo Penta 380 hp Duoprop provided power-steered torque to maneuver through the tightest turns and a satisfyingly low-engine rumble only a V-8 inboard block can supply for enjoying a sunset cruise.
When partaking in such a cruise, bring a crowd because we discovered ample seating throughout the cockpit that gives everyone a stadium view of the warm horizon. At the bow, wraparound seating offers thickly padded, richly upholstered seats, with phone chargers, cup holders and storage nooks. Under them is generous storage that will keep your gear neat and dry.
If the weather is too cool to take the breeze head-on, close the walk-through window and wind dam to protect the cockpit and snuggle up behind the windshield. There are two captain’s chairs there, and each swivels, slides fore and aft, and boasts a flip-up bolster. Only on Chaparral do we find these fantastic adjustment controls on the top of the seat bottoms, near the thigh where you can reach down without looking or crawling under the seat to swivel them aft to join the conversation circle provided by the large transom lounge.
The aft lounge offers a conversation circle in one setup. Swing the seat back forward and it converts to a reclining headrest, making the aft seat a full-length sun lounge wide enough for three. It’s up to the skipper and their passengers to decide how best to use it. Worried about the sun? The cool (and cool) shade from the electrically raised hardtop covers that, but this isn’t the only benefit. It also provides a tow point for watersports.
High Points
- Infinity Power Step on the transom platform lowers electrically into the water for reboarding.
- Simrad display gives digital switching, navigation and engine data.
- Best seat-adjustment controls in the business. Period.
How We Tested
- Engine: Volvo Penta V-8 380 DP Catalyst
- Drive/Prop: VolvoPenta Duoprop DPS-B Type FH4
- Gear Ratio: 2.14:1 Fuel Load: 45 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 700 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $269,667 |
| LOA: | 28’0″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | 3’3″ (motor down) |
| Dry Weight: | 5,900 lb. (with engine) |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | Yacht Certified |
| Fuel Capacity: | 80 gal. |
