My first impression of Chaparral’s new 28 Surf was the large number of guests it will fit. The second impression was how easy it is to board, with a wide swim platform and a walk-through gate into the cockpit so there is no ungainly clambering over rear seats.
![Chaparral 28 Surf running](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/11/BTGBG22_WSP_Chaparral-28-Surf_02-1024x682.jpg)
My third impression? These seats are really comfortable, with high backrests, armrests on the two bow chaises, and an aft seat that flips to face forward or astern.
![Chaparral 28 Surf helm](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/11/BTGBG22_WSP_Chaparral-28-Surf_12-1024x682.jpg)
Our test boat was the Black Edition, with a black gelcoat hull, cayenne silicone upholstery with black accents, and black bits, like the seat pedestals and ski mirror. A word to Rolls-Royce: Pay attention here.
Engine choices include the Mercury 8.2L (380 to 430 hp) Bravo Four S or Volvo Penta EVC (380 to 430 hp) Forward Drive. Our test boat boasted the 380 hp Volvo Penta with the forward-facing Duoprop drive, good for 4.3 seconds to plane and to hammer down 46 mph. Access is great in a tidy engine compartment, with all service points right upfront. A -Fireboy fire-suppression system is an available option.
![Chaparral 28 Surf bow seating](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/11/BTGBG22_WSP_Chaparral-28-Surf_07-1024x682.jpg)
The layout boasts a full-swivel companion bucket seat, with an L-shaped bench seat to port plus a settee behind the skipper. Twin Simrad Evo3 touchscreen monitors control wake- and wave-shaping functions and navigation, and display engine data. The bolstered helm seat slides with an especially easy-to-reach lever, and a fridge is tucked under the helm console.
![Chaparral 28 Surf cockpit](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/11/BTGBG22_WSP_Chaparral-28-Surf_11-1024x682.jpg)
Opposite the helm is a surprisingly civilized head compartment (48 inches of headroom), with an available Tecna electric loo, a sink, and a pullout faucet for showering in privacy. Chaparral understands there is never enough stowage, and everywhere you look are lockers and hatches, including a 6-plus-footer in the sole—and all have liners.
![Chaparral 28 Surf head](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/11/BTGBG22_WSP_Chaparral-28-Surf_08-1024x682.jpg)
The Surf Gate, combined with a single ballast bag, dials in wakes for every rider’s level using the Simrad screens, and the 22-degree deadrise slices chop for a soft ride. And whether wakesurfing or sitting at a sandbar, the Infinity Power Step platform provides steps into the water and dual seating levels.
The Chaparral 28 Surf is a great surfboat, sportboat and family boat.
![Chaparral 28 Surf aft seating](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/11/BTGBG22_WSP_Chaparral-28-Surf_06-1024x682.jpg)
High Points
- Enclosed head for all-day family outings.
- Infinity Power Step provides in-water social seating.
- Excellent service access.
- Twin touchscreen MFDs control waves, wakes, navigation and accessories operation.
![28 Surf performance data](https://www.boatingmag.com/uploads/2021/11/BTGBG22_WSP_Chaparral-28-Surf_specs.jpg)
How We Tested
- Engine: Volvo Penta 380 hp V-8 2.0 EVC Catalyst
- Drive/Props: Forward Drive/stainless-steel K4 propset
- Gear Ratio: 2.32:1 Fuel Load: 50 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb.
Pricing and Specs
Price: | $223,685 (as tested) |
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LOA: | 28’0″ |
Beam: | 8’6″ |
Draft: | 2’7″ (up) |
Dry Weight: | 5,900 lb. (approx.) |
Seat/Weight Capacity: | Yacht Certified |
Fuel Capacity: | 80 gal. |
Chaparral Boats – Nashville, Georgia; chaparralboats.com