2020 Chaparral 297 SSX Boat in Somers Point, NJ 08244 US
Built in 2020
297 SSX
1 Engine (VOVLO PENTA)
29 feet
Gas
Fiberglass/Reinforced
All new for 2020, Chaparral is re-writing the rules on boating. The 297 SSX is a trendsetter in design, performance, and function. The helm features an all new glass dash with dual touch screen displays. The cockpit is open, spacious and features a multi-position sun lounger aft. The open concept design carries forward into the bow area which features hinged storage beneath luxuriously appointed upholstery. Chaparral went to great lengths to create a powerful and agile craft that glides through the water with minimal noise.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 7/19/26 | Initial price | $89,900 |
Chaparral 297 SSX: BoatTEST Review
Overview
The Chaparral 297 SSX is a newly designed open-concept day cruiser tailored for social boating with friends and family. This model features a modern layout and updated design elements that distinguish it within the Chaparral lineup, emphasizing both comfort and functionality for day cruising.
Exterior Design and Cockpit
The cockpit area of the 297 SSX is designed for maximum usability and social interaction, featuring wraparound seating that nearly encircles the space. Two forward seats can swivel to face the cockpit, enhancing group engagement. A pedestal table with integrated stainless steel drink holders adds to the functionality. The stern seating is particularly versatile, converting at the touch of a button into a sun pad measuring six feet four inches by three feet eight inches, or into a chaise lounge with multiple positions, including forward-facing. Comfort is a priority, with wraparound bolsters, multi-density foam cushions, double French stitching, and stainless steel drink holders and grab handles integrated into the bulwarks. Storage is ample, including a 35-quart carry-on cooler on the starboard side and additional compartments beneath the port side seating, which also houses a water toy inflator. The seats are hinged for easy access to storage.
Interior Living Spaces and Amenities
Forward seating includes seat-and-a-half width chairs with flip-up bolsters, extra padding, diamond stitching, and custom embroidery. Controls for seat adjustments are conveniently located on the sides. The helm area features a beautifully molded door with fabric accents and a separated glove box. Inside the console is a well-appointed head compartment with an electric toilet (optional pump-out), Corian countertops, a stainless steel sink with pull-out sprayer, an opening port light for ventilation, and shelving for storage. The design incorporates storage within storage, reflecting Chaparral's attention to detail.
Bridge and Helm Features
The helm panel received a comprehensive redesign, featuring a soft-touch dash with two integrated 7-inch multifunction displays that provide gauges, moving maps, and sonar with easy switching. Chrome push-button switches are lighted when active, and the helm includes a small cubby for a cell phone, accessory port, ignition, and a digital throttle and shift control. The steering wheel is custom-wrapped with a free-floating logo that remains upright regardless of wheel position, mounted on a tilt base. Both helm and passenger seats are seat-and-a-half width with side controls for rotation and sliding. The windshield closes off the helm area, with an air dam below that allows access to a storage drawer and an opening hatch leading inside the console.
Bow Area and Deck Features
The bow offers a spacious and safe seating area with traditional bow rider lounge seats that curve downward at the bottom, enhanced by flip-up armrests on both sides. Upholstery features multiple densities of fabric and diamond stitching. Bolsters rise 20 inches above the seats, wrapping around the bow for added safety. A removable cushion leads to a step up to the foredeck, beneath which is a self-draining integrated cooler. Grab rails and storage compartments are thoughtfully placed. The side-mount pedestal table can be transferred to the bow to increase versatility. Courtesy lighting is well integrated, and the foredeck includes two 6-inch pull-up cleats, a tension-hinged hatch accessing a Lumar windlass, and an anchor roller with safety chain and cleat. The navigation light is fully retractable.
Swim Platform and Additional Features
The swim platform extends 32 inches from the transom and includes an adjustable seat plus a single seat on the port side, combining for 65 inches of seating. A grab rail with an integrated toe point is located at the back, complementing a second elevated toe point on the collapsible tower, which also supports an integrated bimini top. The starboard side hatch conceals a four-step re-boarding ladder with an integrated grab handle. Stainless steel cleats are strategically placed to minimize tripping hazards, including a pull-up cleat on deck level. The Polk Audio stereo system includes a remote with an integrated trim switch.
Power and Performance
The 297 SSX is powered by a single 380-horsepower MerCruiser 8.2 engine paired with a Bravo 3 outdrive and a 24-pitch propeller. The boat measures 29 feet in length overall, with a 9-foot beam and a 38-inch draft. Its empty weight is 6,200 pounds, with an estimated test weight of 7,405 pounds including full fuel and three people aboard. Under test conditions of 86 degrees Fahrenheit and winds between 10 to 50 miles per hour, the boat reached a top speed of 48.1 miles per hour at 4,850 RPM. Subsequent testing under lighter conditions recorded a top speed of 50 miles per hour. The most efficient cruise was at 3,000 RPM, achieving 25.5 miles per hour with a fuel burn of 12 gallons per hour, yielding a range of approximately 191 statute miles while maintaining a 10% fuel reserve. The hull design features an extended V-plane and a flat running pad, enabling a smooth ride with minimal bow rise and quick planing times: 4.1 seconds to plane, 6.9 seconds to 20 mph, and 10.1 seconds to 30 mph. Handling is responsive and stable, with smooth transitions over wakes and precise turn-in characteristics.
Engine Compartment and Maintenance Access
Access to the engine compartment is provided by an electrically actuated hatch controlled from the helm. The engine bay houses the MerCruiser 8.2 engine with ample service space on both sides. Engine start and house batteries are securely mounted and easily accessible, facilitating routine maintenance.
Conclusion
The Chaparral 297 SSX combines a thoughtfully designed open layout with versatile seating, upscale finishes, and robust performance. Its spacious cockpit and bow areas accommodate social gatherings comfortably, while the advanced helm features and efficient powertrain deliver confident handling and respectable speed. Overall, the 297 SSX is a well-rounded day cruiser that balances comfort, functionality, and performance for enjoyable outings on the water.
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 2020 Chaparral 297 SSX | |||||
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| $89,900 | $69,900 | $68,800 | $59,900 | $52,900 | $127,450 |
| Somers Point | Somers Point | Somers Point | Brick | Somers Point | Lake Hopatcong |
| - | - | - | 25' | - | 25' |
| 3' | - | - | - | - | - |
| VOVLO PENTA | - | - | Mercruiser | - | Mercruiser |
| 300 hp | 520 hp | 520 hp | 300 hp | 250 hp | 300 hp |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 18 | 1 | 24 |
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