Captain’s Report by Dan Armitage



The all new H2O bowrider line from Chaparral is led by the 19 Sport model.

Mission

Chaparral spokesman Bill Pegg said the challenge of the H2O Series was merging the style and quality characteristics for which the company is known in an affordable boat model. And that statement pretty much sums up the mission of the Chaparral 19 H2O and it is a tall mission, indeed.



Offering one of the longest waterlines for its LOA in its class, the 19’4” H2O Sport model features Chaparral’s Extended V-Plane hull design.

Distinguishing Features

There are a dozen low-price point brands on the market in this entry-level category, so finding distinguishing features on the new Chaparral H2O 19 will be difficult. Most brands do a good job at one aspect or another of the build, or even many aspects, however few do a good job of all things. And that is, perhaps, the most distinguishing feature the H2O -- the builder has done a pretty good job in all critical areas. But here are a couple of other things to note--

Extended V-Plane hull. This is a Chaparral exclusive and you will not find it on other price-point boats. You will find it on Chaparral's traditional line.

Uniformly good quality component list. This is a long way of saying that Chaparral didn't "cheap out" when making up the boat's bill of materials and components. If it is a needed item, it is there, and it is of good marine quality. For example, 316 stainless steel hardware is used, the same grade that you find on expensive boats. The seats are wood-free. The upholstery is well-made and is cut, stitched and fabricated in the same shop that makes upholstery for the up-market Chaparral lines.

Reasonably-priced options. It is no secret that the automobile industry and some boat companies add margin to their boats by having options that people need to buy that are priced aggressively. In looking over the 19 H2O option list we find the prices quite reasonable and as low if not lower than other builders in class.

Performance Features

The 19 Sport’s Extended V-Plane design allows the boat’s waterline to extend aft of where the outdrive fits the transom to give the hull a longer running surface. The added length creates a more comfortable ride in rough water and the added buoyancy allows the boat to both get on plane faster and remain there at lower speeds.



The 19 H2O has a longer and deeper forward section than we find on most bowriders. Chaparral will put this enlarged area to good use in several ways. One of the compartments under the cushions will have to be used as an anchor locker.

Comfort Features

Chaparral capitalizes on the bow-seating option on the H2O, offering wide, adequately padded seats set deep enough to allow protection from the gunwales that surround the space to height of 32 inches.



Storage lockers are found under the bow seats…



…while the deck space forward of the two seat cushions offers a skid-proof standing/boarding area and is used to support a pedestal seat base on the 18 and 19 foot Fish & Ski H2O models.



A large storage area forward of the helm has a lockable door. Note the top-access glove box on the passenger console.



The 19’s wraparound windshield rises 16 inches above the console for protected visibility through, rather than over, the tempered-glass screen.

The Chaparral’s one-piece fiberglass molded dash panel has multi-gauges in full view of the operator. Gauges are trimmed with stainless steel bezels surrounding glass lenses and all the electrical components are protected by circuit breakers. The magnetic compass pictured is part of an optional Convenience Package ($290) that includes a tilt steering wheel, two spring-line cleats and a digital depth gauge. This is a good price for these options and we recommend the package.

Because the helm console is a separate molding it can be a different color. In this case it is a neutral gray which reduces glare in the windscreen.

Other popular options available on the 19 Sport include a folding arch tower ($1,995) with wakeboard racks ($600), snap-in cockpit carpeting ($275), canvas packages and four color and graphic schemes.



Both the helm and passenger seats are contoured, vented and set on elevated risers molded into the sole, allowing for more solid mounting. The cockpit averages 32" (80 cm) inches in depth, measured from sole to coaming.



The hatch covering the mid-cockpit, sub-sole storage locker is large, vented and gas assisted. The locker is lined with a rubber mat, extends more than eight feet forward and is plenty wide for stowing wakeboards.



The extra-deep aft bench seat hides a 70 quart, integrated ice chest in the center and storage lockers under cushions to port and starboard. Note the recessed battery selector switch in the starboard compartment and the twin cockpit scuppers. The 19 also comes standard with LED courtesy lights and stainless steel cup-holders integrated into each end of the bench seat’s base.



The center section of the sunpad covers the engine hatch, which opens toward the cockpit for easy access.

Engine and Prices

Engine options for the 19 Sport ranging from the Mercury 3.0L MPI (Catalyst) Alpha 135-hp, to a Mercury 4.3L MPI (Catalyst) Alpha 220-hp engine. Prices, including trailer, start at $23,385 for the 3.0L package and range up to $27,037 for the catalyzed 4.3L 220-hp engine.



A three-step, telescoping swim ladder that folds into a compartment allows access to the swim platform from the water. The ladder has a handle built into it.



The overhead view reveals a layout that shows seating for 7-8 people and/or lounging space aboard Chaparral’s new 19 Sport H2O model.

Observation

We like it when a company that has built its reputation on making quality vessels at the higher end of the price scale decides to build a price-point boat because it can be a good opportunity for the consumer. Companies, factories, and shop floor employees have a culture, be it good or bad, that is usually hard to break. Happily Chaparral has a culture of building quality boats and doing things right.

For that reason alone, we suspect that the builder is producing in the H2O line a product that will have a fit-and-finish and a quality of systems installation that will be in line with its elevated shop floor culture. That is much better than what we have seen in some price-point factories where low price becomes an excuse to overlook careless or shoddy workmanship. We have all seen examples of this in the past.

We have not yet tested any boats in the new Chaparral H2O line including the 19, so we can not give you our impression of the fit-and-finish and attention to detail. However, we are testing one soon and will let you know what we discover.

In the meantime, if you are in the market for an entry-level bowrider our advice is to check out this new entry into market.