They say it's the little things in life that count. And sometimes the
little things can really add up. In fact, they can make or break a boat. That's especially true of
a bowrider, which by definition, has limited interior space. Since you can only do so much with so
little, every detail counts. By details, we're not talking gee-whiz gizmos like docking lights or
space-age consoles. Far more important is how much space (including storage) the cockpit has, how
the boat's constructed, and if it has features that make life more pleasant on board. Keep the
remote-controlled 10-CD changer with the 10,000-decibel subwoofer. Instead, give the boat an inner
liner so it can be hosed down in seconds after a run on the lake. Forget mood lighting, and design
the engine compartment with plenty of working space. In other words, make details more than
distractions. Make 'em invisible, but make 'em count.
Although you may not notice them at first glance, the details stack up on Chaparral's 220
SSi. The peppy bowrider turns in a strong performance on the water. But more importantly, it's
loaded with features that you don't often find on other boats in its class, such as the three
insulated coolers placed around the cockpit, including one on the transom, extra cleats amidships
(instead of the usual trio at the bow and stern), a triple-fastened stainless-steel rubrail, and
the cockpit drainage system that keeps water out of the storage compartments.
The real standout feature, though, is the walkthrough at the transom ' a great design for
boaters who want to step through the passage along the back, rather than climb down into the boat
along the gunwales. This really sets the boat apart from most 22-foot bowriders, including
Chaparral's own 216, which shares the same hull bottom with the 220.
Different folks have different opinions about the best layout for a bowrider, and boaters
with small kids will surely appreciate the more enclosed feel of the 216, with its full lounge
across the transom. But the 220 has a more accessible layout, and the only thing it needs is a door
to keep little ones from wandering off the back end. And lo and behold, Chaparral is adding that
door on the 2002 model to enhance the feeling of security. (The only other features changing on the
2002 version are price and a new mocha color. The green color will also be dropped from the line.)
Feature for feature, when you run the 220 and 216 side by side, you lose a little bit of
sunpad space on the 220 with its L-shaped lounge, but not much else. (You can make up that lost
space by setting up the standard cockpit table, and filling it in with cushions to turn the cockpit
into one huge sunpad.) What you gain on the 220 is accessibility, especially if you spring for the
optional swim platform. That gives you access to the transom from the platform, instead of hanging
over the engine hatch, and turns the back end into a more useable section of the boat. Plus, the
platform makes getting on and off the boat even easier.
The test boat has a premium graphics package ($182), which is even hotter than the boat in
the catalog. The bright yellow and black really lights up the hull. This 220 also has the premium
accessories package ($554), which includes docking lights, pop-up cleats and stern rail with ski
eye. While the docking lights might be overkill unless you do a lot of night boating, the pop-up
cleats give the boat a lean, sporty look.' The 220 lives up to its Jack Flash look during a test
drive on nearby Rainbow Reservoir. The secluded lake is a top-secret destination for serious
wakeboarders and water-skiers, so there are a dozen Malibus and the occasional MasterCraft, but
little else. Putting the 220 through the paces reveals that it's a fun boat to drive and should
handle acceptably in rougher-water conditions.
The 220, like all of the SSi series, has the Extended V Plane hull. It features an extended
bottom that travels all the way back along the hull, stopping just below the swim platform. The
company says the design increases stability, enhances tracking and delivers a quicker planing time
than other hull designs. And while stability isn't measurable because of the glass-calm surface,
the 220 turns in a respectable holeshot of 0 to 25 mph in 8 seconds, with a top end of 48.2 mph.
Mind you, that's with the base 220-hp, 5.0L Volvo GL with SX drive. There are 21 engine
options, including 10 MerCruisers (ranging from the 220-hp, 5.0L with Alpha drive to the 320-hp,
6.2L MX MPI with Bravo III drive) and 11 Volvos (220-hp, 5.0L up to 320-hp, 5.7L GXI with
Duoprops). These engines will deliver plenty of extra speed, but they're going to cost you. The 220
with the 6.2L MerCruiser with counter-rotating Bravo III drives, for instance, is priced at
$43,278. The base engine seems to be adequate, unlike some bowriders, on which base power equals
under-power for a family who wants a fun, fast towboat.
Regardless of which engine you choose, the helm is the place to be on the 220. The test boat
is outfitted with the optional convenience package ($576), which includes a wood-grain tilt wheel,
compass and depthsounder. The Dino wheel with rubber grips in the center feels secure while doing
tight turns.
The 220 also seems to have a rubber grip on the water, and full-speed figure eights yield no
hint of a blowout. Like most bowriders, the 220's a blast to drive, responding instantly to
throttle or wheel. But this is where the details start coming into play. Chaparral has
incorpor-ated a bolster-style seat on the helm, making it great for tight docking situations in
which you want a clear line of sight without having to stand up. Working in sync with the helm
seat, the three-piece windshield offers good visibility, and looks stylish without the usual corner
braces. The analog Teleflex gauges are easy to read, and they're backlit for night use. Ditto for
the rocker switches, which have lighted symbols for easy identification at night.
Seating is good on the boat, both up in the bow and back on the L-shaped lounge. The seats
are well-constructed, with an all-composite base (no wood, no rot) that has relief holes so water
can escape. They're also cushioned with layers of high-density foam that is mildew-resistant. The
36-ounce expanded vinyl fabric is triple-stitched (double-stitching is the industry norm) with
Tenara thread by Goretex. Typically, the thread is the first thing to wear out on marine
upholstery, but this thread's not only UV-resistant, it's also impervious to salt water. Again,
it's that attention to detail that sets the boat apart.
In fact, you see details like this all over the boat, whether it's the good working space
around the engine or carpeted storage spaces under the seats and behind the helm and companion
consoles. Then there are more noticeable features such as the console door that closes off the bow
(and wind) while running, the Igloo cooler in its own space, and the long three-step telescoping
ladder on the transom. In fact, the only manner in which Chaparral could have tweaked the design
was to build small storage spaces into the steps on the transom walkthrough.
Overall, this boat is a quality bowrider with many thoughtful features. The details
definitely make all the difference, especially in the hull, judging from the sporty way it
performs.