Captain's Report by Capt. Steve--

Mission Statement

The mission of the Chaparral 310 Signature is to offer boaters a performance luxury cruiser with innovative features and a robust list of equipment which is often considered optional. She comfortably sleeps two couples, and easily entertains even more. By making the hardtop standard, with the addition of some isinglass the boat can easily become a three-season vessel and protect occupants from the rain. This important detail givers her a lot more utility than conventional open express cruisers.



Notice how there is standing headroom behind the helm under the standard hardtop.

Distinguishing Features

• 23 Engine Choices Chaparral makes engines available from both MerCruiser and Volvo Penta. Electronic controls, dual prop outdrives and joystick functionality are all also offered.

• Standard Hardtop While certainly not new in the industry, it definitely is not the norm as standard equipment.

• Forward Hardtop Hatch This hatch permits stand-up access to the windshield walk-through -- no ducking or fear of banging a head against the hardtop.

• Standard Wet Bar In a boat clearly designed for entertaining this is a "must-have" feature and fortunately Chaparral decided to make it standard. Options include an electric grill and a cockpit refrigerator.



• Expandable V-Berth At the touch of a button the forward salon seatback elevates to form an extension of the berth in the bow. This allows for more space and more seating in the salon when the berth is not being used.

• No Portside Bridge Deck Lounger Most express cruisers this size have a portside "lounger" opposite the helm which forces passengers to sit sideways when the boat is moving forward at 40 mph. Builders do that so there is head room below by which to crawl into the mid cabin. Chaparral has solved this design compromise, and has an extra wide companion seat next to the helm seat.

• Extended V-Plane Hull This design extends the running surface well past the outdrive collars, which our tests have shown provides quicker times to plane as well as lower planing speeds.



The wide-band gel coat hull colors are optional ($1400).

Kevlar Keel Laminate There is a layer of Kevlar in the keel to protect the boat's bottom is an underwater obstruction is hit. Only a few builders use this material.

Performance

The Chaparral 310 Signature has a LOA of 31’ (9.45 m), a beam of 10’ (3.05 m) and a draft of 39” (99 cm). With an empty weight of 10,600 lbs (4808 kg), 50 gallons (189.3 L) of fuel and two people on board we had a test weight of 11,320 lbs.(5,135 kg).

With a pair of 225-hp Mercury 4.3 L MPI engines turning Bravo III outdrives we reached a top speed at 4900 rpm of 43.6 mph. At that speed fuel burn was 33.3 gph giving us a range of 139 miles. Best cruise came in at 3500 rpm and 28.5 mph. That reduced the fuel burn to 18.3 gph which the 310 Signature could keep up for five hours and 48 min. and 165 miles while still maintaining a 10% reserve.

We had a time plane of 6.5 seconds, reached 20 mph in 10.6 seconds, and continued accelerating through 30 mph in 16.7 seconds.

Handling

The 310 Signature exhibits a nearly 10-degree bow rise upon acceleration which keeps the bow to below the level of the horizon while she gets on plane just seconds later. She leans nearly 9-degrees into the turns which eliminates any tendency for the occupants to get forced to the outside of the turn. I noticed that she remained solid throughout the turn exhibiting no chine walk or oscillation.



A gentle nine-degree turning angle keeps everyone comfortable while maneuvering the 310 Signature.

Once on plane advancing the trim to about the one quarter mark on the gauge brings the spray from the helm to the stern quarter with the accompanying boost in speed easily being felt. Additional trim that will result in operator induced oscillation. When taking power off, the 310 Signature settles back into the water stern first, but this time the bow remains below the farther below the level of the horizon.



The 310 Signature cuts through waves cleanly and throws water well out to the sides producing a dry ride.

Features Walkthrough

Stern

The 310 features a welcoming boarding area from a full beam swim platform that extends 2'5" (.74 m) from the transom. An optional double wide aft facing seat ($2755) replaces the standard transom wall and creates a comfortable spot to relax at any time the 310 is not underway. A switch at the helm lowers the optional set-up into a sunpad. A stereo remote is recessed into the side of the seat. To starboard is trunk storage and this is also the location of the city water inlet and shore power connections.



The aft seat lays flat at the push of an optional button from the helm and even converts to a chaise lounge.



The aft facing seat makes a great spot to relax at any time the 310 is not underway. Notice the stereo remote.



In the aft facing seat at the swim platform lifts to reveal cavernous wet storage underneath that will eventually dry thanks to the heat of the engines.



Plenty of storage for fenders or water toys. 50' of shorepower cable comes standard.

Cockpit

The cockpit deck is elevated 6" (15.2 cm) from the swim platform, and the walk-through measures 16" (41 cm) across. Opposing bench seats provide a welcome conversational atmosphere and lie in front of, and behind, the molded steps leading to a nonskid caprail to facilitate boarding from a fixed pier.



The cockpit allows plenty of room for entertaining while the overhead speakers provide the atmosphere.

A side-mount base for the standard cockpit table, as well as two drink holders, are mounted to the starboard bulkhead. All upholstery is two-tone and includes a hand stitched diamond pattern sewn into the premium vinyl with nano-block technology. Snap in carpeting is standard.



Between the cockpit seats is a step leading to the caprail. Notice the side-mount pedestal base underneath. We would add another drink holder, it's even okay if it gets stepped on.



The hand-stitched (with a sewing machine) diamond-quilt pattern adds a classy look to the two-tone upholstery with premium vinyl.

A standard wet bar is to port that features a sink with pullout sprayer mounted in a solid surface counter. Our test boat had plenty of open counter space that can accommodate an optional gas grill ($1048). Beneath is a trash receptacle, stainless grab handle, an optional cockpit refrigerator ($1238) and a cabinet housing the main circuit breakers and standard battery switches for up to three batteries. Ahead of the wet bar is a cabinet housing storage for a standard 25-quart (23.7 L) carry-on cooler.





A standard wet bar to the port side will accommodate an optional gas grill and refrigerator. The battery switches and main circuit breakers are located in the cabinet to the left. Notice the step leading to the nonskid cap rail.



Rather than have a lounger over to the portside, Chaparral instead went with three across seating at the helm and cleverly stuck a standard 25 quart (23.7 L) carry-on cooler in a cabinet to port which utilizes space under the side deck.

Bow

The bow is accessed from molded steps leading to the walk-through windshield. A hatch in the standard hardtop allows transiting the walk-through without ducking or risk of hitting one’s head. Our test boat was fitted with an optional sunpad ($475) secured to stainless rails with nonskid running down either side. Due to the close proximity of the V-berth overhead hatch, I found the sunpad to be a bit on the short side to be fully functional.



Access to the bow is via a molded in stairway between the helm and companionway to the cabin.

Rail height at the working end of the bow was 20“ (51 cm). Fully forward a hatch, which is held open by a gas assist strut, opens to expose the optional windlass ($2891). It includes 30’ (9.1 m) of chain, and 200’ (61 m) of rope that leads out to a stainless anchor roller. The characteristic Chaparral pickle-fork bow adds a surprising amount of roominess to the working area fully forward.

The boat has 8 cleats, two are pull-up the six are fixed.



The contour of the rail follows that of the pickle fork bow adding roominess to the working end.



A hatch conceals the optional windlass. An open space to the right allows access underneath for managing tangles. Notice the perimeter is guttered with a drain leading overboard.



A hatch in the standard hardtop eliminates any need for ducking and concern about banging heads.

Helm

The helm is well laid out with square gauges flanking the sides of a blank space designed to accommodate an optional 12” (30.5 cm) Garmin display ($5115 for GPS, $9120 for GPS/radar). The helm console features a dark tone to reduce glare.



The helm is simple and has room for a 12" nav screen. Three across, forward-facing seating allows for plenty of eyes looking ahead.



Both seats offer flip up bolsters and the double-wide has storage underneath. Notice the hand stitched diamond pattern in the lumbar supports. To the right of the helm seat is a storage panel with breaker switches.

A four-spoke mahogany wheel (with cover) is standard, a leather wrapped wheel is optional ($382). Power steering and tilt are standard as are trim tabs with indicators.

A single helm seat wraps around for stability and has the usual adjustment handles elevated to the sides of the pedestal. The seat also features a flip-up bolster, open ventilation to the back and a diamond pattern lumbar support. The companion seat is double wide with all of the same features of the captain’s seat minus the adjustments.



We like the four-in-one air craft-style gauges. Trim tabs are standard in the controls with LED indicators can be seen below the gauges.

Engine Compartment

A switch at the helm activates the standard electric lift engine hatch revealing a wide open installation leaving plenty of room for servicing the engines. There's plenty of space ahead of the engines and convenient steps lead into the compartment. Our test boat was fitted with a pair of 225-hp Mercury 4.3 L MPI engines turning Bravo III outdrives.

Options allow for up to twin 300-hp engines from either MerCruiser or Volvo Penta. All optional engines come with dual prop lower units. Our test boat was also fitted with the optional 5 kW Kohler CO-Safe gas generator enclosed in a soundproof shield that was easily swallowed up in this cavernous engine compartment.



The engine compartment offers an immense amount of room for installations and servicing. Two steps lead down to a platform ahead of the engines. The optional CO-Safe Kohler gas generator is in a soundproof shield. An automatic fire suppression system is standard.

An automatic fire suppression system in the engine room is standard. The boat also comes stand with a hot water heater.



The interior of the 310 Signature is well-designed to max the use of all available space.

Below Decks

The companionway on our test boat was outfitted with optional hardwood steps that were packaged with the hardwood deck ($1288) which replaces the standard fiberglass deck with removable 55-oz. carpeting. Courtesy lights were on the risers of the stairs and I'd like to see these stair treads be hinged to allow access to the void areas underneath for additional storage or perhaps a trash receptacle.



The main electrical panel is located at the entryway to the cabin.

The cabin lights were conveniently -- and correctly! -- located right at the entrance to the companionway just above a door leading to the ship's electrical panel. Why other manufacturers cannot grasp the concept of locating light switches at the entrance to a cabin continually escapes me. The cabin door screen is optional ($963) and should definitely be considered, unless owners would be more comfortable with the 10,000 BTU air conditioning/heating system ($4808).

Mid Cabin

The mid cabin is just one step down from the companionway and features 3'10" (1.17 m) of headroom. Chaparral correctly went with the primary configuration of seating making a secondary gathering area below decks. Naturally the area easily converts to a berth that comfortably sleeps two, and all it takes is inserting a pair of cross bars and relocating one of the seatbacks to a lowered position. Once complete the berth measures 6'4" x 3'9" (1.9 m x 1.14 m). The port bulkhead features dedicated space for a 22” (55.9 cm) flatscreen TV ($1223). A curtain provides privacy and a bulkhead with door is offered as an option.



The seating in the mid cabin easily converts to a berth by adding the two support bars (on either side of my legs) and relocating the center seat back.



Completed, a mid-berth that comfortably seats two is enclosed behind a privacy curtain.

Salon

The salon and galley are basically a combined area with an L-shaped settee having storage underneath lying opposite the galley unit itself. I measured 6'3" (1.9 m) from the optional hardwood deck ($1288) to the fiberglass headliner. There's plenty of cabinetry to the sides and above the settee and surprisingly, opening portlights are offered as an option ($211) in the galley and salon. Upholstery was plush with multiple tones and a quilted pattern seen on deck is continued here. Speakers are hidden in the sides of the overhead cabinets.



L-shaped seating in the line has storage underneath all of the seat cushions. More of the diamond quilted pattern can be seen here. Capt. Steve's back is what would otherwise be the foot of the forward bed. A side-mount pedestal base can be seen underneath the seat to the left.



An optional air mattress allows the settee to be converted to a berth for two.

Galley

The galley to starboard seems modest but is appropriately sized for this boat. A solid surface counter offers a recessed stainless steel sink adjacent to a single burner electric stove. To the right of the stove is a powered vent but this is a location that I would seriously consider adding the optional opening portlight ($211) for improved ventilation. A microwave oven is mounted above, and below the counter is a stainless steel handrail and a single drawer and storage cabinet. The ss refrigerator is just to the right.



All of the usual appliances are present. The portlight is fixed, opening portlights are optional.

Forward Berth

At first glance the forward berth seems relatively short, and after measuring it I came to realize that it is in fact short. But, as it turns out, the design team that Chaparral was not out of their minds but instead thinking outside the box. A press of a button to the side of the berth elevates the forward salon seatback forming an extension to the berth, thereby increasing its size to 6'1" by 4'3" (1.9 m x 1.3 m).





The undersized forward berth is quickly converted to full-size at the push of a button that raises the seatback of the forward salon seat.

It's a clever setup that adds more useful space to the salon until the owners are ready to turn in for the night. Hanging cedar lockers are to port an additional storage is underneath the side shelves. Options include fitted sheets ($315) and innerspring mattress with comforter ($1038). Natural light comes in from dual portlights and an overhead hatch. Just to starboard is a cabinet housing the standard flatscreen TV and stereo/DVD player just above. A switch on the side panel rotates the TV from a position viewable from the forward berth to being viewable from the L-shaped settee.

Head

The wet head is to starboard and features a stainless sink recessed into a solid surface counter with a pullout sprayer acting as the shower head. A standard electric exhaust fan was fitted along with the standard opening portlight. (High marks to Chaparral for the exhaust fan. Many very large, very expensive boats don't have them!)

A Vacuflush head with holding tank, china bowl and level indicator are all standard. A gray water system ($968) and macerator ($751) are offered as options.



The head is small, but much like the galley it is appropriately sized for the 310.

Pricing

Base price for the Signature 310 is $188,818 when equipped with a pair of 200-hp Volvo Penta 4.3 L V-6 engines. At the top of the power plant food chain are a pair of 300-hp Volvo Penta V8-300 C EVC engines with OceanX (anti-corrosion) outdrives and joystick functionality for $239,342.



Observations

Overall we were very impressed with the layout and handling of the 310 Signature. Her attractive lines flow nicely through her design while her features and roominess make her a pleasure to be on.

As this report points out there is lots of needed or useful equipment that comes standard on this boat and I am impressed with what Chaparral has put into this vessel. The builder has solved what is in my mind an unfortunate compromise that many express cruisers have, namely the port side lounger as a companion seat. Below the drop-down foot of the bed creates two more seats in the salon and makes the boat much more cozy and functional below than she would be without it.

She is certainly a capable small cruiser and she should provide a young family with a lot of fun on the water. Certainly no matter what the size of one's check book, this boat can be owned with pride.

• Top speed for the Chaparral 310 Signature (2013-) is 43.6 mph (70.2 kph), burning 33.30 gallons per hour (gph) or 126.04 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Chaparral 310 Signature (2013-) is 28.5 mph (45.9 kph), and the boat gets 1.55 miles per gallon (mpg) or 0.66 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 165 miles (265.54 kilometers).


• Tested power is 2 x 225-hp MerCruiser 4.3L MPI.