The Chaparral 246 SSi combines the qualities of a large bowrider with the wide open layout of a deck-boat, all neatly wrapped up in a boat with the fit-and-finish that Chaparral is known for. Our look at this largest version of the Wide Tech SSi series shows attention to detail in every corner. And while she’s got a long list of standard features.

Chaparral’s mission with the 246 is to provide a super-sized family bowrider with a dose of elegance thrown in. She is also intended to be used on bigger water and that is why her freeboard is higher than the first generation of deck-boats that were often wet. Her careful styling and hull treatments, such as the stainless -steel engine room vents, break up her topsides lines and make her look low and sleek.

The full beam sun-pad allows for lounging out in the conventional way, or by flipping up the outboard sections, boarding through the walkthrough, or relaxing on the chaise lounge.

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Uniquely adjustable seats.

Yes, everyone has seats that slide and swivel, but how do they slide and swivel? By reaching under the seat and feeling around for one of the two levers only to finally find one that ends up being the wrong one? Sound familiar? Not if you own a Chaparral. Their premium bucket seats have the adjustment levers right on the tops of the seat, in clear view, and they’re clearly labeled as to which one does what. And while these seats may be an option, every Chaparral I’ve tested seems to have them.

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Coolers fore and aft.

No one goes on the water for the day without loading up the cooler with drinks. But don’t you hate being in the bow, blocked by the cockpit table, and another person in the V-seat, and you need a refill? So do I. That’s why I really like the insulated bow cooler, and a carry-on cooler at the stern.

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Wide and long swim platform.

Chaparral claims that its molded-in integral swim platform is the largest in class. While we haven't done a comparison on this feature, it is certainly large, and most important extends past the lower unit in both the up and down position.

Kevlar laminate in the keel.

Chaparral is one of the few builders of sportboats that puts a layer of bulletproof Kevlar in the keel. This provides good protection when hitting submerged objects and also makes the boat a bit lighter.

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Huge seating capacity.

By having a U-shaped "couch" in the cockpit and the Wide Tech bow design in addition to the two bucket seats, Chaparral has been able to get a USCG max capacity rating for this boat of 14. Amazingly, there is actually a place for all 14 to sit.

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