Brief Summary

The second of six jet boat launches, the 223 VRX is every bit the Chaparral we expected her to be. She seats 10 in comfort, and as a watersports platform she’s sure to thrill. Acceleration was brisk, but it was her handling that convinced us that she’s pure Chaparral. No chinewalk in turns, clean wake penetration, and a solid feel. Top speed during testing ...52.9 mph.

Key Features

• Lateral Thrust steering
• Vinyl dash with contrasting color stitching color-matched to hull scheme
• Twin Rotax 4-TEC engines
• combined anchor storage with bow reboarding ladder
• Side mount cockpit pedestal table
• Cockpit wraparound seating
• Wet Sounds speakers
• Glove box with stereo, MP3 input and storage
• Bimini

  Observations

  Jet boats aren’t without their quirks but neither is any boat. Take it from people who drive hundreds of different boats every year. This one has a learning curve that can’t be denied, but we spent all of five minutes “getting the hang” of her at the dock, and in that short time were able to maneuver her flawlessly. It’s not hard and shouldn’t allow the advantages of not having a spinning propeller under the boat to be underscored.

  Above all, she’s a Chaparral, and that name will make this a much sought after brand in its own right. Chaparral’s insistence on keeping that DNA seems to have paid off and the combination is pretty enjoyable.