2023 Chaparral 250 OSX

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Richard Crowder

Chaparral’s new 250 OSX may be the smallest of its four OSX models, but it is still loaded with many of the OSX features of its larger siblings.

Seating and storage on the 250 OSX are plentiful and flexible. Starting in the bow, a standard wind-blocking door flush-mounted into the driver’s console provides serene cruising for the cockpit passengers when closed.

The U-shaped bow seating area takes up roughly one-third of the total length of this “crossover” boat and given its length and beam, that means plenty of elbow room and lots of lounging. Thickly padded back bolsters surround the bow while high backrests on the forward side of both consoles encourage forward-facing stretch-out lounging. A full-length safety grab rail borders the bow area on each side.

Up on the foredeck is a dedicated anchor locker complete with mounting brackets to accommodate a Danforth-style anchor to keep it secure. Beneath the forward bow seat cushion is an insulated and drained ice chest. Beneath the hinged port side seat cushion is a modest storage compartment, while on the starboard side the seat cushion and console backrest lift together to reveal a massive storage area not only beneath the seat, but also within the driver’s console.

Cockpit passenger seating is plentiful and flexible. The driver and front passenger are coddled in form-fitting high-back side-bolstered adjustable pedestal bucket seats with forward flip-up bolsters. Each bucket seat has a stainless grab handle on its back to aid in passenger safety. Aft of these bucket seats is a side-facing comfortable one or cozy two-person bench seat. Storage is found beneath the port side seat cushion with a 50-quart molded-in and drained cooler within the starboard side seat base.

There are a pair of individual and wide stern bench seats with a centre walk-through between them which leads to the molded-in swim platform. These bench seats both feature a hinged reversible seatback to accommodate forward or rear-facing seating or lounging. If facing forward, the side bench seats may be used for stretching out. Beneath both seats are removable storage bins which, when removed, provide easy access to some mechanicals and electricals in the bilge.

Speaking of seating in the 250 OSX, it is appropriate to mention Chaparral’s new stain, scuff, and scratch-resistant upholstery material “made from 100% SiO Silicone. It is non-toxic, hypo-allergenic, PVC and solvent free, with no chemical additives and with low VOC. It is standard in all 2023 Chaparral models and available in several different colour packages in the 250 OSX.

A pair of molded-in integral swim platform extensions with ample walk-across access between them offer handy water access for watersports enthusiasts, while a starboard hideaway four-step telescoping boarding ladder will get you back on board. More storage is found in two large in-floor compartments centred between the cockpit seating. The larger forward compartment is ideal for watersports accessories. Both have rubber floor matting.

At the helm, a classy custom leather-wrapped tilting steering wheel with stainless steel spokes controls standard SeaStar power assisted hydraulic steering. The dash is laid out ergonomically with a pair of standard Simrad G07 touchscreens front and centre beneath a custom hand-wrapped shadowing console eyebrow. These two multi-function displays provide engine data, WiFi, GPS/Chartplotter, and depth sounder.

Stainless LED backlit electronic pushbutton switches arranged vertically on each side of the dash handle the DC switching requirements while the control unit for the standard AM/FM Bluetooth compatible stereo is weather protected within a recess to the right of the dash. This stereo comes with a remote control and is compatible for Sirius Satellite subscription and includes six speakers with blue LED lighting. A dual USB charging port and 12-volt DC power receptacle are also provided.

The passenger helm appears much like the driver’s helm but with a locking glove box and a front-mounted stainless steel safety grab handle. The front opens to reveal a lit head compartment and/or change room. A porta potti, sink and cabinet with countertop are all provided, as is another dual USB charging port and an opening ventilating portlite. Additional standard equipment includes Kevlar reinforced hull laminate, blue LED cockpit lighting, and a colour coordinated bimini top.

Notable available optional equipment includes an EFX II electric folding arch tower in either black or white to which you may then add Diamondback swivelling board racks. First off, though, you should probably choose from six different hullside and/or hull bottom colours in addition to white, as well as nine choices of painted metallic hull stripe.

Cockpit, bow cover, and mooring covers are available as is a bow canvas sky shade in black or white which extends forward from the bimini top. Three colours of snap-in Seadek cockpit flooring are available as are the same three colours of Seadek swim platform mat. A cockpit table with dedicated storage is available with or without Plasdeck teak inlay in silver or teak.

You can get a bowrider filler cushion, an electric head with holding tank, blue LED underwater lights, trim tabs with indicators, dual battery charger, and a JL audio system upgrade with Sirius Satellite stereo and two tower speakers. A Premium Package option is available as is a full Black Edition Package. An aluminum tandem axle trailer is also available. The standard Yamaha 250 may be upgraded to white.

Chaparral’s 250 OSX may indeed be the smallest in its OSX series but, as indicated at the outset, it still provides most of the features of its larger siblings but on a smaller scale.

2023 Chaparral 250 OSX Photo Gallery

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